New Hampshire Gambling Revenue Hits Record Highs in May 2026
Strong Surge in New Hampshire Gaming Market
In May 2026, New Hampshire’s charitable gaming sector experienced remarkable growth. The New Hampshire Lottery reported total gaming revenues reaching $46.9 million for the month, a notable 30.2% increase compared to May 2025. This upturn was mainly fueled by the rapid rise of video lottery terminals (VLTs), which have become a significant force in the state’s gambling landscape.
Growth Across Most Gaming Areas
VLTs have quickly established themselves as a key component of New Hampshire’s gambling industry, contributing $24.3 million in revenue during May alone—accounting for more than half of the monthly total. Traditional games of chance also saw a modest increase, generating $10.4 million, which is a 5.5% rise from last year. On the other hand, historical horse racing revenue declined sharply by 53.1%, totaling $12.3 million, reflecting diminishing player interest in that category.
Revenue performance varied among different casino locations. The Nash led with $14.6 million, marking a significant 53.8% year-over-year increase. The Brook also performed well, with revenues climbing 25.5% to $10 million. Smaller venues showed encouraging growth too, with Revo Casino Conway increasing revenue by 37.1% to $1.2 million, and Lilac Club Casino posting a 33.7% rise to $3.1 million.
However, not all establishments experienced growth. Lakes Region Casino saw its revenue fall by 22.6% to $179,578. Chasers Poker Room ended the month down 3% at $1.1 million, while Aces + Eights Casino reported a slight decline of 1.2%, finishing with $86,201. These mixed results indicate a flourishing market overall, though smaller operators face challenges due to increased competition.
Gaming Revenues Support Community Funding
Rapid expansion has transformed New Hampshire’s gambling sector from a collection of small-scale gaming halls into a burgeoning regional entertainment industry. Many venues now offer dining, live shows, and other attractions aimed at drawing a wider audience. Industry analysts predict that the state’s gaming market could surpass $1 billion in value within a few years.
Despite this evolution, charitable gaming remains a vital source of funding for nonprofits across New Hampshire. In 2025, table games and historical horse racing raised over $60 million for charitable causes. Growth is anticipated to continue as VLTs gain more popularity, since they allocate 35% of their gross revenue to nonprofit organizations, matching the contribution made by traditional table games.
Nonetheless, this rapid growth has sparked concerns in some communities about whether current regulations adequately address the sector’s expansion. Issues such as increased traffic, strain on emergency services, and pressure on local infrastructure have been raised by several municipalities. Still, with over 200 municipalities statewide, opportunities for operators to expand remain plentiful despite these challenges.
