The New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies just released its updated casino economic impact analysis.

As to revenues (assuming a Boston casino at Suffolk Downs), one large casino in Salem or Hudson would yield $119 million in annual state revenues under the terms of HB-593, the casino monopoly bill now on life support in the House.

As to social and economic costs, Center's $65 million number is low ... for these reasons.

First, the Center's method for estimating addiction cost is different from that used in nearly all peer-reviewed gambling research. Accepting all other Center assumptions, but using standard addiction cost per gambler, costs for a Salem casino would be $99 million dollars per year, leaving only $20 million net for the NH economy.

Most of the cost discrepancy results from the Center' decision not to include gambler "abused dollars," i.e., gambling money stolen or taken under false pretenses from family and acquaintances - but not reported as a crime.

These numbers have a human face: 1,200 additional serious crimes per year and 10,000 additional gambling addicts, 1,000 of whom will attempt suicide.

Second, even the net $20 million dollar number is high because, as the Center acknowledges, several additional unquantifiable costs not included in its calculations. "[O]ur model does not account for the potential negative effects of expanded gambling on New Hampshire's "brand" and attractiveness as a destination for tourists and others, nor does it consider the question of the proliferation of gambling activities or any political concerns associated with a single industry or organization playing such a large role in financing the state's activities."