NH Lawmakers Call for Concord Casino License Revocation Review

The saga surrounding Concord Casino in New Hampshire and its owner, former state senator Andy Sanborn, continues. The owner of the casino who was arrested in October amid allegations of fraud marked a move that complicated the casino sale.

To make matters worse, in November, a judge cleared the path for Sanborn’s license revocation by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. Despite those difficulties that have put the sale of the casino on hold, there’s still hope for it to be completed.

State’s Supreme Court Asked to Determine If Sanborn’s License Was Revoked Lawfully

In a recent court filing, lawmakers seek the state’s Supreme Court to review the matter. The filing, signed by majority leader Jason Osborne, deputy majority leader Joseph Sweeney, as well as Sen. Keith Murphy questions whether or not the state lawfully revoked Sanborn’s casino license.

Ultimately, the lawmakers act in the public’s interest, considering that a potential sale of Concord Casino can help generate revenue for charities and the state. At the same time, the potential buyer of the casino, per media reports, confirmed intentions to grow the casino, which means that charities and the state may benefit from additional revenue.

For the moment, Concord Casino remains closed. This has been the case since last January when allegations against the former senator emerged, accusing him of misusing pandemic relief funds.

In the recent letter, the lawmakers explained: “Charitable gaming’s impact on New Hampshire would be hard to overstate: the revenue generated via charitable gaming raises funds for the budget (thus keeping taxes low for all citizens) and provides critical support to New Hampshire charities (many of whom rely on gaming revenue as their primary or even sole source of operating revenue).”

Acting in the Public’s Interest

After Sanborn’s license revocation late in November, the former senator and owner of Concord Casino filed an appeal. Seeking to reverse the order of administrative Judge Gregory Albert, Sanborn’s appeal deemed the gaming license revocation unreasonable and unlawful.

The lawmakers that recently asked the state Supreme Court to review the same issue explained that they do not support neither the state’s position nor Sanborn’s but rather want what’s best for the public.

Undoubtedly, selling Concord Casino can bring benefits to New Hampshire as well as charities. Considering that gambling venues across the state contribute to state and charity revenue, the sale, if completed may generate extra proceeds.

Data from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission reveals that in November, charities and the state collected nearly $3 million in revenue. This figure breaks down to $2.28 million in charity revenue and $669,625 in state revenue.

Still, whether or not the state Supreme Court will review the matter and how that would affect the outcome of the ongoing legal hurdle remains to be seen. In case the license revocation order is overturned, Sanborn would likely be able to complete the sale of Concord Casino.