Former NH Senator and Casino Owner Retains Focus on New Development

On January 1, Andy Sanborn, the owner of Concord Casino in New Hampshire and former state Senator, was ordered to shut his venue amid allegations of misuse of COVID relief funds.

The man was accused of obtaining fraudulently and misusing $844,000 in COVID relief funds, actions that ultimately put him in a tough spot. Sanborn was also given six months to sell the property, while the New Hampshire Lottery has taken the decision to suspend his gaming license.

Now, a newly released report suggests that while the former Senator is trying to sell the Concord Casino, he was able to secure an extension of the deadline for the sale. At the same time, a court’s decision reportedly sided with Sanborn in a move that may see him develop a new casino off Loudon Road.

As announced by the Concord Monitor, Sanborn was granted approval by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission for an extension of the deadline for the sale of Concord Casino. While the initial deadline was June 27, it was extended through July 18.

The Commission also confirmed that the extension is in line with a previously issued order that permitted pushing the deadline in case a buyer for the casino is available. Reportedly, there are active talks with a potential future owner for the Concord Casino, but financial details were not disclosed at the time of writing.

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission is permitted to further extend the deadline for the sale of the casino. However, the maximum duration is limited to 90 days.

Sanborn Remains on Track for New Casino Development

Amid Sanborn’s plans to construct a new casino, the sale of Concord Casino marks a major step. This is because if he sells the property within the deadline outlined by the gambling regulator, his gaming license suspension may be lifted. As a result, Sanborn may continue to pursue the proposed casino project on Break O’Day Drive.

Recently, a lawsuit that challenged approval of the development by the city’s Zoning Board was denied. The decision marked a positive development for Sanborn’s project that proposed the establishment of a casino floor along with a restaurant and a microbrewery.

The aforementioned project calls for the development of a hotel and casino too. The gaming floor is expected to be approximately 24,000 square feet, offering a range of gambling activities for nearly 650 guests.