CONCORD, N.H. — State lawmakers are considering offering an app for the New Hampshire Lottery and legalizing keno as ways to add revenue.
The House Finance Committee said a mobile app for the lottery could generate $13 million.
“If we want to keep current, if we want to move ahead and kind of be up there with technology, we do have to offer a mobile app and the ability to purchase lottery tickets,” New Hampshire Lottery marketing director Maura McCann said.
Officials are also considering legalizing keno, a move that budget writers predict could bring in $16.5 million.
“It is the lottery’s responsibility to maximize the net profit, which is, of course, earmarked for education,” McCann said.
One area of education that was not funded by the House Finance Committee was statewide all-day kindergarten, a priority for Gov. Chris Sununu. The governor said he’s not giving up on the $18 million proposal.
“It’s still an absolute priority, not just for myself, but for the people of New Hampshire, so we are going to keep working through the legislative process, work with the Senate and make sure we get it in there,” Sununu said.
The New Hampshire Lottery has shown an interest in internet sales for some time. The proposal includes age verification — no one under 18 can play — and would only allow transactions to take place within the borders of the Granite State.