NHMS wants to build casino/hotel

The New Hampshire Motor Speedway wants to build a casino, a hotel and a racing museum on its Loudon, NH track site. But the plans are contingent on the state legalizing expanded gambling this year, something that's far from certain. The speedway added its voice to the Legislature's gambling debate yesterday, during a Senate hearing on a bill that would allow slot machines and table games at six sites across the state. The news surprised many people, including Loudon town officials, other gambling advocates and casino opponents. But the entry of such a well-known – and well-funded – organization to the discussion could significantly shift the terms of the debate. "What we're basically saying is, we want a seat at the table because we know we could do a good job and be a responsible partner with the state on this," said Jerry Gappens, general manager and executive vice president of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "We're the largest sports and entertainment facility in all of New England. We've got a great infrastructure here. And (gambling) would just complement what we already do." Gappens said that track officials were still working on their plans but that they would likely center on a new hotel-casino complex. He said the track was also in talks with the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame about building a permanent home for that institution at Loudon. He said the track had hired consultants to design the year-round casino facility as well as assess the potential economic impact the addition of gambling would have for the track and for state revenue. Concord Monitor