It is time for our leaders to come to terms with the 21st century when making decisions about gambling in New Hampshire.

Let's take a look at our current situation: horse racing, dog racing, bingo, the lottery (first in the nation), charity poker games and Las Vegas nights. These are all legal ways to make a bet, called gambling.

Go to any bowling alley and you will find people making wagers on several combinations or outcomes during a game. Bets are being made on almost all sporting events. How many people buy a square for the outcome of the Super Bowl and basketball finals. Are there any illegal slot machines in the state already?

I do not agree with bringing slot machines to race tracks and various locations. This would be much more difficult to control and regulate.

We need to create a destination and a reason for more tourists to come to the state. What if a casino were built providing all the games of chance?

The summer tourist, fall leaf peepers and the ski business would provide a good base to support the casino, giving those interested in making a few wagers another reason to come to the state.

FORREST WEATHERBEE

Warner