The charitable gaming industry in New Hampshire has seen a dramatic increase in May 2026. Figures released by the New Hampshire Lottery showed total revenue of $46.9 million for the month, an increase of 30.2% compared to the same period last year. The boom was driven in large part by video lottery terminals (VLTs), which have rapidly transformed the state’s gambling industry.
Most Verticals Saw Steady Growth
VLTs have quickly become a central pillar of New Hampshire’s gambling sector. The machines brought in $24.3 million in May, making up over half of the total revenue. In comparison, traditional games of chance generated $10.4 million for a 5.5% year-over-year increase, while historical horse racing dropped a staggering 53.1% to 12.3 million, showcasing waning player interest.
Casino revenue varied in different venues. The Nash led the pack with $14.6 million in revenue, a 53.8% increase from last year. The Brook also had a strong showing, surging 25.5% to $10 million. Some smaller properties also showed good momentum. Revo Casino Conway’s revenue increased 37.1% to $1.2 million, and Lilac Club Casino recorded a 33.7% growth to $3.1 million.
Not every venue shared these positive results. Lakes Region Casino’s revenue dropped 22.6% for the month, finishing at $179,578. Chasers Poker Room was down 3% at $1.1 million, and Aces + Eights Casino suffered a 1.2% decline, settling at $86,201. These results point to a growing market, though increased competition means that smaller operators may be lagging behind.
Gambling Contributions Provide Critical Funding
The New Hampshire gambling industry’s rapid expansion has turned what was once a small network of local gaming halls into the beginnings of a regional entertainment industry. Many venues now feature restaurants, live events, and other attractions to draw in a broader audience. According to analysts, New Hampshire’s gambling market could be worth more than $1 billion in a few years.
Despite this shift, charitable gaming remains an important way to raise funds for nonprofit organizations across the state. In 2025, table games and historical horse racing generated over $60 million in donations to charities. That number is expected to grow with the spread of VLTs as the machines generate a larger volume of wagers. VLTs contribute the same as table games, allocating 35% of gross revenue to nonprofits.
However, such rapid expansion has caused some friction. Some municipalities are now questioning whether the current regulations are enough for the rapidly growing sector. Several communities have complained about traffic congestion, pressure on emergency services, and strained local infrastructure. Despite these issues, more than 200 municipalities statewide mean that operators have plenty of expansion opportunities.