CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s House has voted against legalizing four gambling casinos licensed to install up to 14,000 video slot machines and 420 table games.

The House rejected expanded gambling legislation and Wednesday’s key vote of 154-195 to reject proponents’ best amendment was no different. The House killed it 236-108.The bill faced long odds since Gov. John Lynch pledged to veto it if it had reached his desk.

The bill directed that some of the profits be used to reduce business taxes, which had made it more attractive to some in the House. They also argued New Hampshire had to act now because Massachusetts had legalized casinos and that would draw away revenue from the state.

But opponents argued a future Legislature could divert the profits to something else.


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