New Hampshire casino future in the balance following COVID probe into owner

Article by : Charles Perrin Jan 3, 2024

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A New Hampshire casino owner has been forced to shut down his establishment following a probe in which he allegedly mishandled public funds supplied to him to help his business during the COVID pandemic.

The Concord Casino, which is a part of the Draft Sports Bar and Grill in Concord, suspended operations with immediate effect yesterday, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Former Rep. Senator Andy Sanborn is at the center of a potentially damaging scandal as he has been accused of misusing funds to lavish expensive purchases, namely cars.

It is being suggested Sanborn accrued the funding and spent at least $181,000 on two Porsche race cars before splashing out $80,000 on a Ferrari for his wife.

Not only that, but Sanborn is alleged to have paid himself $183,000 of an $844,000 fund handed down by the Small Business Administration, which he deemed as “rent” for his Concord venue.

Although examiner Michael King, who is presiding over the case, stopped short of confirming the nature of the allegations as it is beyond his remit, he admitted the accusations were serious enough for the New Hampshire State Lottery Commission to explore them further.

It is thought that Sanborn is likely to lose his gambling license, and a criticism leveled at him was that he supposedly didn’t keep detailed records for how he intended to use the public funds.

King attests that Sanborn did little to dispel doubt over the purpose of the funds, thus undermining public confidence in the process.

Sanborn and his legal counsel have hit back, accusing the state of building a case that is based on unsubstantiated evidence.

Although the Concord Casino has closed its doors, it could reopen in six months under new owners.

King and the Commission will give Sanborn a chance to sell the business, but currently, it is unclear whether Sanborn will challenge the Commission.

A dark cloud hangs over the Concord Casino, and the clock is now ticking to safeguard the venue’s future.