Betting on Politics? Progressive Advocacy Groups and Media Cash in on N.H. Gaming Law

CONCORD, N.H. — Financial records released by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission reveal that a significant share of charitable gaming revenue in 2024 flowed to nonprofits engaged not only in traditional charitable work but also in political advocacy, progressive media, and policy lobbying—raising new questions about the scope and intent of the state’s charitable gaming law.

Under RSA 287-D, New Hampshire permits games of chance—such as poker tournaments, bingo, and historic horse racing—to be operated at licensed gaming venues, provided they are conducted in partnership with approved nonprofit organizations. These charities must be registered with the Secretary of State and meet specific eligibility requirements, including having been established for at least two years and holding tax-exempt status under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Nonprofits must apply to the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, which regulates the program, and are assigned gaming dates in coordination with licensed venues. For each day of gaming, charities are entitled to 35% of the gross revenue from games conducted on their behalf, prior to rent and other allowable deductions. The venue operator retains the remainder, and the Lottery Commission oversees compliance and reporting.

Originally intended to support organizations providing direct charitable services—such as food banks, veterans’ groups, and youth programs—the program has expanded significantly in scope. In 2024 alone, millions of dollars were distributed to an increasingly diverse range of nonprofits, some of which engage in advocacy work, media production, and litigation against the state itself.

The most recent figures from the Lottery Commission highlight sizable disbursements to organizations that include abortion providers, LGBTQ+ youth advocacy groups, progressive journalism outlets, and electoral reform lobbyists. While these groups may meet the legal definition of charitable organizations, their missions extend beyond what many would traditionally view as apolitical, community-focused charity.

As gaming proceeds continue to serve as a major funding source for New Hampshire nonprofits, questions are emerging about whether the law, as currently written and applied, is adequately structured to ensure public confidence in how gambling-derived revenue is being used.

LBGQT+ Group Focusing on Children

Seacoast Outright,  a nonprofit organization based in Portsmouth that focuses on LGBTQ+ youth, received $164,053 in charitable gaming revenue during 2024, according to records from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. The group was among the largest recipients of charitable gaming funds statewide that year.

Founded in 1993, Seacoast Outright describes its core mission as creating “a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies.” The organization’s programming is explicitly directed at children and teenagers, with services including peer-led youth groups, one-on-one mentorship, and facilitated discussions for minors navigating issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The group regularly holds a meeting called "Little Outrighters" which includes children ages 5-10.

The group regularly partners with local schools and school districts to conduct educational sessions, workshops, and teacher trainings focused on LGBTQ+ topics. It also maintains a visible presence in youth-oriented public events such as teen Pride celebrations, library meetups, and gender-identity awareness programming. Participation in Seacoast Outright activities is open to children as young as middle school age, and many of the organization’s support programs are targeted toward individuals under 18.

According to the group’s own materials, Seacoast Outright emphasizes that its staff and volunteers “work directly with youth” to provide what it calls affirming guidance on identity, transitioning, and self-expression. The organization also operates drop-in centers where minors can meet without parental supervision, and offers online chat options for youth outreach.

The $164,053 received by Seacoast Outright in 2024 represents one of the highest single-year disbursements to any nonprofit under New Hampshire’s charitable gaming program. The Group announced in December they are changing their name to NH Outright, indicating a shifting focus to a Statewide mission.

Progressive Journalism and Contributions from a State Employee

The New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism, publisher of InDepthNH.org, received $17,137.82 in 2024 through charitable gaming revenue, according to the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. This nonprofit news outlet focuses on investigative journalism within the state.​

While InDepthNH.org positions itself as a watchdog news source, analyses of its content suggest a tendency toward progressive perspectives. For example, articles on healthcare and social issues frequently advocate for governmental accountability and equity, indicating a progressive slant. ​

The organization's content includes contributions from Donald M. Kreis, who serves as New Hampshire's Consumer Advocate—a state-appointed position representing residential utility customers. Kreis authors the "Power to the People" column, discussing utility regulation and consumer rights. ​Kreis also serves on the board of directors for the New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism. ​

Abortion Provider Among Top Recipients of Charitable Gaming Funds

The Joan G. Lovering Health Center (also know as the Feminist Health Center of Portsmouth) an abortion provider located in Greenland, New Hampshire, received $159,636.21 in 2024 through the state's charitable gaming program, according to records from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. This substantial allocation positions the health center among the top beneficiaries of gaming-derived funds in the state for that year.​

The health center is a member of the Feminist Abortion Network (FAN), a national consortium of independent, feminist, not-for-profit abortion care providers. FAN was formed to promote information-sharing, cross-organizational strategizing, and improve the overall efficacy and reach of member clinics. ​

Terie Norelli, a former Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, served on the advisory board of the Portsmouth Feminist Health Center. In 2021, the New Hampshire Executive Council voted against contracts that would have provided state funding to reproductive health clinics offering abortion services, including the Joan G. Lovering Health Center. 

NHPR Covers Charitable Gaming While Receiving Funds Through the Same Program

New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), the state’s largest nonprofit media outlet, received $103,367.45 in 2024 through charitable gaming revenue. The funds were allocated through partnerships with licensed gaming venues, in accordance with state law governing charitable gaming.

While NHPR has published numerous stories about the charitable gaming industry—covering topics ranging from regulation and venue expansion to nonprofit funding challenges—its articles have not disclosed the station’s own status as a beneficiary of that same system.

NHPR frequently covers state government, campaign finance, lobbying, and issues of transparency raising and is often accused of having a left-wing bias in the content it covers.

NHPR describes itself as an independent, nonprofit news organization funded primarily by listeners, businesses, and foundations. The outlet has stated publicly that it does not receive direct appropriations from the state budget. However, funds received through the charitable gaming law are generated through state-regulated gaming operations and distributed under the oversight of the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.

Left-Wing Lobbying and Interest Group Received Charitable Gaming Funds

The Coalition for Open Democracy, a Concord-based nonprofit focused on campaign finance and voting law reform, received $14,198.38 in 2024 through charitable gaming proceeds, according to records from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.

Founded in 2009, the organization’s mission is to achieve “political equality for all through an open, accountable, and trusted government free from the influence of big-money politics” (opendemocracynh.org). It was established in honor of Doris “Granny D” Haddock, a prominent progressive campaign finance activist.

The Coalition advocates for publicly funded elections, opposes voter ID laws, and supports redistricting reform. It regularly lobbies on election-related legislation and organizes public demonstrations, such as the annual “Democracy Day” rally and the “Rebellion” walk, events that promote its reform agenda.

In 2024, the Coalition for Open Democracy joined a federal lawsuit against The State of New Hampshire, challenging House Bill 1569—legislation passed by the Republican-led legislature that alters voter registration procedures. The group alleges the law imposes unconstitutional restrictions on voting access.

While pursuing legal action against the state over its election laws, the organization is also receiving state-regulated charitable gaming funds—raising questions about whether public gaming proceeds should support entities actively suing the state government.

The Coalition is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News and frequently partners with national groups aligned with progressive election reform. Although it is registered as a 501(c)(3) and describes itself as nonpartisan, its advocacy positions consistently align with the political left.

Health Policy Lobbying Group Receives Gaming Funds

New Futures, a Concord-based nonprofit that actively lobbies on health and social policy, received $6,193.25 in 2024 through New Hampshire’s charitable gaming program, according to records from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.

While the group describes its mission as improving health and wellness through education and collaboration, much of its work centers on influencing state policy. New Futures regularly testifies before the Legislature, publishes policy agendas, and leads advocacy campaigns on early childhood development, substance use, and behavioral health funding.

Though it operates as a nonprofit, New Futures functions primarily as a policy advocacy group—making its role as a recipient of state-regulated gaming funds notable amid ongoing debates about the proper scope of recipients of charitable gaming.

Money to Nicaragua

​NicaLove, an animal welfare organization based in Rye, New Hampshire, was also a recipient of charitable gaming monies and dedicates its efforts to supporting animals and their caregivers in Nicaragua's most vulnerable communities. On the homepage of their website they say "NicaLove is an animal welfare organization serving animals and those who care for them in the most vulnerable communities in Nicaragua." Their initiatives include rescue and rehabilitation operations, sterilization and wellness clinics, and community projects, all conducted within Nicaragua. In February 2023, NicaLove expanded its impact by opening a shelter in Nicaragua, providing sanctuary for up to 300 rescued animals.  Despite its New Hampshire base, NicaLove does not appear to offer any services within the state; instead, it channels its resources directly to support its mission abroad.  This approach raises questions about the allocation of charitable gaming funds to organizations whose services do not directly benefit New Hampshire residents.

Looking Forward

As charitable gaming continues to expand in New Hampshire, questions about the scope of eligible recipients remain under discussion in both legislative and public spheres. While the program has generated millions in support for nonprofit organizations, recent disbursements to advocacy groups, media outlets, and international charities have prompted scrutiny over how charitable status is defined and applied. Lawmakers have introduced proposals aimed at modifying the system, including efforts to cap how much revenue a single nonprofit can receive in a year. Still, as more data becomes available, the debate over whether the current structure of the program reflects its original intent appears likely to continue.