A bill that would allow two casinos to be built in New Hampshire was recently passed by the Senate. The bill will allow operators to build up to two casinos in the state. If there is approval there may be a plan to build one large casino with up to 160 table games and up to 3,500 slot machines. The bill would also allow an operator to build a second smaller casino with up to 80 table games and 1,500 slot machines.
The approval of the bill by Senate allows it to go to the House for consideration. This isn’t the first time that casinos have been considered for the Granite State. The Senate has passed numerous bills to allow casinos to be built in New Hampshire only to have them voted down by the House. Last year a bill to build a casino in Salem, NH lost 13-11.
The state is concerned that they will lose potential tax revenue to their close neighbor to the south. New Hampshire Public Radio reports that the two new casinos would bring in nearly $200 million in tax revenue to the state in their first year of operation. MGM Springfield and Wynn Boston Harbor are should be open in Massachusetts by 2018 and 2019, respectively.
If the bill passes, the casinos in New Hampshire should open in 2021. Blackjack players in New England have decent blackjack rules to enjoy in local casinos. Take a look:
Connecticut blackjack rules
- Foxwoods – Double down on any two cards, double down allowed after splitting, dealer stands on soft 17, and late surrender. (Information via American Casino Guide)
- Mohegan Sun – Six decks, dealer stands on soft 17, dealer stands on soft 17, and no splitting 10’s. (Information via Net Time Gambling)
Maine blackjack rules
- Oxford Casino – Dealer hits on soft 17 and there is no surrender.
- Hollywood Casino – Dealer hits on soft 17, there is no surrender, and Aces may be resplit. May find a low limits 6:5. (Information via Net Time Gambling)
Rhode Island blackjack rules
- Twin Rivers Casino – house staying on soft 17, Surrender, 3:2, 8 decks. (Information via Net Time Gambling)
According to a Trip Advisor review, Plainridge Casino in Massachusettes deals 6:5 electronic blackjack games. It would not be surprising to see both MGM Springfield and Wynn Boston Harbor offer the undesirable 6:5 payout when a player receives a natural blackjack. Both operators deal 6:5 blackjack in Las Vegas and MGM Resorts International is also dealing 6:5 blackjack at some of its tables at MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
If approved the casinos in New Hampshire could come in and offer blackjack players a game with friendly rules. Not only would this keep some tax revenue in the state but it could also take players away from the Massachusetts casinos.
Blackjack players in the northeastern part of the United Stations should keep an eye on on New Hampshire.
