You've undoubtedly heard casino pitchmens' claim that nearly 70 percent of New Hampshire voters back legalized slot casinos.

Reality:

The five independent polls taken over the past three years show that 2010's lukewarm support for slot casinos has slipped to an exactly divided public.

The most recent of these polls, the just-released Dartmouth College Rockefeller Center annual New Hampshire state poll, finds 42 percent oppose and 41 percent support legalized slot casinos here. Democrats oppose by 44-35 and Republicans oppose by 43-42. These results were unchanged from last year's.

In contrast, three 2010 polls show modest support:

Dartmouth College: 51-37 favor-oppose.

UNH: 53-38 favor-oppose.

ARG: 46-38 favor-oppose.

Meaning:

The massive public relations and lobbying effort by Millennium Gaming, the Las Vegas gambling company pushing for a Salem casino, is failing. Not only did the House soundly reject casino legislation last month, but also voters are becoming increasingly skeptical about casino gambling's economic and social downsides.

What To Do:

Ask candidates for governor and the legislature to lead by unambiguously opposing slot casinos. Remind the candidates that the public is now closely divided and that there is no majority in support.

Buff up your talking points by checking out our 30 Reasons To Oppose slot casinos.

Make a Contribution:

Help us keep these economic and social black holes out of New Hampshire. We cannot continue to inform the public and the legislature without your generosity.

Contribute here by mail or credit card.

Best,

Jim Rubens

Chair, GSCAEG