New Casino in New Hampshire Gets the Green Light Despite Opposition

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 15, 2023

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A proposed casino in Concord, New Hampshire, achieved a minor victory when an attempt to halt the new gaming establishment near Loudon Road was dismissed.

The Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) ruled that an appeal of the planning board’s decision was filed too late. The ZBA voted 5-0, asserting that the appeal, filed by city resident Kassey Cameron, should have been submitted within 30 days of the planning board’s initial decision in January to accept the plan for a charitable gaming facility and microbrewery.

However, the project wasn’t approved until June. Therefore, the ZBA did not address the issue of whether gambling was a permitted use in that city area.

Cameron contended that a casino and microbrewery were not allowed in the city’s gateway performance district. Nonetheless, the city’s code administrator, David Hall, argued that they were permitted.

Andy Sanborn, a former state senator and owner of Draft Sports Bar & Grill and the Concord Casino, is the force behind the project.

The development involves a 43,000-square-foot casino, bar and hotel near Exit 3 off Interstate 393. However, a group of Concord residents strongly opposed the construction of the new casino.

The proposed building includes a 24,000-square-foot gaming room with 634 seats, an 8,500-square-foot restaurant and brewpub for 150 diners, and a hotel and event center in the second phase.

The proposal involves a two-part project, beginning with the construction of the gaming hall, followed by the hotel and conference center.

The company argues that a casino would not only attract visitors but also raise funds for the community.

According to Andy Sanborn, the managing member of the Concord Casino, they aim to create a comprehensive opportunity for people to come to Concord, offering accommodations, dining and charitable gaming, which, in turn, generates funds for charitable purposes.

In New Hampshire, 35% of gaming revenue from casinos is directed toward charitable donations. Local organizations, such as the Concord Lions Club, believe that the additional funds from the facility would support and expand their charitable work.

Apart from requesting the ZBA to set aside the Planning Board’s approval, Cameron filed a lawsuit against the city to invalidate the Planning Board’s decision made in June.

The lawsuit argues that the Planning Board’s vote should be voided because the project was not meant to be discussed that night.

Another challenge for the proposed casino is the New Hampshire Lottery Commission’s decision to revoke Sanborn’s licenses to operate a charitable gaming casino in the state due to misused COVID-19 relief funds for personal purposes.

A hearing to challenge the agency’s decision is scheduled for Friday, October 13.