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Keno kicks off in NH

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On Friday, December 15 keno games kicked off in over forty bars and restaurants across the Granite State.

Keno is a bingo-style game that lets players choose a set of numbers. Players win prize money if their picks match randomly generated numbers on a video monitor. The monitor displays new numbers every few minutes.

The Legislature passed a keno bill last year with two key restrictions. First, each city or town must approve keno before it is installed in restaurants and bars. Second, most of the keno revenue must go to funding for full-day kindergarten programs.

Before keno, the state only funded half-day kindergarten programs.

In November seven cities approved keno.

Arguments in favor of keno

Supporters of keno point out that Massachusetts already has several very successful keno locations near the New Hampshire border. By allowing keno, New Hampshire will capture the revenue from Granite Staters that otherwise cross the border to play.

Keno supporters also argue this is a great way for the state to support early childhood education without raising taxes.

Charlie McIntyre, head of the N.H. Lottery, told NHPR keno sales exceeded expectations on Friday. 

Arguments against keno

Opponents of keno argue the game is too similar to slot machines, and will encourage problem gambling. They believe any increased revenue will be offset by increased crime and other social ills.

Others questioned whether it was necessary for the state to fund full-day kindergarten programs when it already funds half-day programs.

Rep. Matthew Scruton is sponsoring a 2018 bill to repeal keno.

Click here to learn more about the debates over expanded gambling in New Hampshire.

Do you have an opinion on keno? Share your opinion in the comments below.

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