New Hampshire Proposed Casino Moves Forward After Legal Win

• Gambling News
• 07 July 2024

According to reports, a crucial court decision has increased the likelihood that Andy Sanborn's proposed gaming establishment in Concord, New Hampshire, would be allowed to open.

The 43,000 square foot project was the subject of a failed lawsuit in Merrimack Superior Court, brought by local Kassey Cameron.

Against the Casino

She said it was wrongly granted and went against local zoning laws.

Concerns over traffic and environmental effects of the casino's potential opening have also been raised by other locals. Some locals even assert that there would be a risk of prostitution and illegal substances as a result of the gaming property.

Town officials received a petition against the proposed casino from the Concord Greenspace Coalition, a local environmental organization that supports moderate expansion. The document bore the signatures of over 150 people.

A 26,000-square-foot gaming floor will be the result of the project's first phase, according to the news outlet Concord Monitor. There will be a poker room, 21 table games, 486 electronic games, and 634 seats. An 8,500-square-foot restaurant and brewpub will also be part of it. 

The second phase of construction will include a hotel and event space. More game space could also be added by developers.

Proponents of the idea emphasize that the casino will draw tourists to the city and create over 250 new employment. They also mention how the gaming property will help charities.

Every ten days, the casino will donate thirty-five percent of its total revenue—a charity gaming operation—to recognized charitable organizations.

Compelled to sell another casino

When it comes to casinos in Concord, Sanborn is no stranger to controversy.

State authorities gave him the order to sell Concord Casino, his current charitable casino, in December. It's in the Draft Sports Bar & Grill in Concord.

The Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts Inc. is one of the purported five interested parties. Its seven gaming establishments are located in Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, and Illinois. Fallon, Nevada's Stockman's Casino is one of its casinos.

According to the Monitor, Sanborn was just granted three further months to finalize the deal with a new buyer.

Gregory Albert, the new hearing officer in the case, stated last month that a real pending sale is required. According to the Monitor, this "requires evidence of a clear intent from both seller and buyer to close the transaction."

Another local news source, the New Hampshire Bulletin, states that Sanborn will lose his license for two years if he is unable to sell the gaming land.

Officials from the state are doubtful that a buyer was found.

Investigations were conducted into Sanborn, a former state senator, and his spouse, state representative Laurie Sanborn, R., for allegedly filing fraudulent claims for $844K in COVID-19 relief monies. The couple utilized some of the money for extravagant car purchases, therefore some of it was misappropriated, according to officials.