Towns to vote on keno

Franklin is the first New Hampshire town to put keno on the ballot for voters this November.  Nashua is also considering a vote on keno.

Under the law signed by Gov. Sununu this July, businesses that serve alcohol may also offer keno games – if their town votes to allow keno.

The state plans on using keno revenue to fund full-day kindergarten programs across the state.

Supporters of the plan pointed out that Massachusetts already allows keno, and five of the largest keno retailers are on the New Hampshire border.  If New Hampshire residents are already playing keno, the state should get a share of that money.  Towns that offer keno may also see an economic boost.

Keno opponents maintain that the game is an addictive form of gambling, similar to slot machines, that will erode the quality of life in New Hampshire.  The game allows players to bet on batches of computer-generated numbers every four minutes.

When we asked our community about keno last January, most commenters supported allowing the game.  Click here to read a summary of that discussion. 

If your town puts keno on the November ballot, would you support it?  Share your opinion in the comments below.