Hassan Names 3 to Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority

Gov. Maggie Hassan announced three appointments to the Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority, the commission created to outline proper state regulations should casino gambling be legalized in New Hampshire.

She named Londonderry Police Sgt. Patrick Cheetham, state Rep. Richard Ames (D-Jaffrey) and Manchester attorney (and former New Hampshire Democratic Party chair) Kathleen Sullivan.

The commission's work comes as sponsors of the casino bill killed in the New Hampshire House of Representatives earlier this year say they will work to resurrect the expanded gambling legislation this fall.

The commission was originally created in 2010 and extended via the state budget. Its recommendations, including oversight and enforcement for draft legislation, will be produced by Dec. 15, according to the governor's office.

The Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority is scheduled to meet next on Aug. 15 at the Legislative Office Building in Concord. Other members include Attorney General Joseph Foster and the leaders or their designee from the state Department of Safety, Lottery Commission, and the Racing and Charitable Gaming Commission. Senate President Peter Bragdon (R-Milford) appointed Sen. Jim Rausch (R-Derry) and House Speaker Terie Norelli (D-Portsmouth) appointed Rep. Lucy Weber (D-Walpole).

Hassan, in a press release July 31, said:

"As our state stands to lose an estimated $75 million per year to Massachusetts casinos, moving forward with New Hampshire’s own plan for one highly regulated destination casino will help create jobs, boost our economy, and generate revenue to invest in critical priorities. Over the course of the debate surrounding expanded gambling, some legislators expressed concerns about the state’s ability to effectively regulate a casino. I am confident that Rep. Ames, Sgt. Cheetham, and Kathy Sullivan bring the right combination of expertise and knowledge to help develop effective regulations that will address these concerns, and I thank them for their willingness to serve."