Casino owner in New Hampshire allegedly underpays charities
As of September 19, 2023, the Concord Casino, owned by Andy Sanborn, is embroiled in a series of legal issues that have led to its temporary closure. The casino's gaming license was revoked due to an investigation by the New Hampshire Attorney Generalโs Office and the Lottery Commission, which found that Sanborn had fraudulently obtained and misused $844,000 in federal pandemic relief funds [3].
Sanborn has taken the matter to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, where the court temporarily suspended the license revocation order while his appeal is pending [3].
New Casino Project
Despite the legal issues surrounding the existing Concord Casino, Sanborn is moving forward with a new casino project near Loudon Road. The project involves a two-phase development, starting with a 43,000-square-foot gaming hall, a restaurant, and a microbrewery. The second phase includes expanding the gaming hall, adding a hotel, conference center, and parking structure [3].
The New Hampshire Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of Sanborn by affirming that a resident challenging the city's approval of the new casino plans lacks legal standing. This decision clears a major hurdle for the project [1]. However, Sanborn must still meet the conditions set by the city's planning board for the new project to proceed. The Concord Planning Board is expected to review Sanborn's request for a one-year extension to finalize these requirements [1].
Disparity in Charitable Contributions and Misappropriation
The misappropriation of COVID relief funds has significantly impacted Sanborn's ability to operate casinos legally in the area. Sanborn allegedly used a portion of the relief funds to purchase personal luxury cars, including two Porsche 987 Caymans and a Ferrari F430 [4]. This fraudulent use of funds has led to a revocation of his gaming license for the existing casino and could affect future operations if not resolved favorably.
Traditionally, charitable casinos in New Hampshire are responsible for forwarding 35% of their proceeds to approved New Hampshire nonprofits. However, Concord Casino, under Sanborn's management, only contributes 17.5% of its proceeds [2]. This disparity stems from the era when organizations hosting gaming events were permitted to charge fees known as "rents."
Ex-New Hampshire Representative Pat Abrami of Stratham has suggested reviewing the current gaming regulations governing charitable casinos, as he is part of the commission responsible for examining these rules [4]. Sanborn's wife, state Rep. Laurie Sanborn, R., stepped down as chair of the state panel on charitable casinos due to the controversy [4].
[1] Concord Monitor, (2023). Concord Casino project clears major hurdle. [online] Available at: https://www.concordmonitor.com/Concord-Casino-project-clears-major-hurdle-41366166
[2] NHPR, (2023). Concord Casino only contributes 17.5% of its proceeds to charity. [online] Available at: https://www.nhpr.org/post/concord-casino-only-contributes-17-5-its-proceeds-charity
[3] Union Leader, (2023). Concord Casino owner Andy Sanborn's appeal to Supreme Court over license revocation. [online] Available at: https://www.unionleader.com/news/local_government/concord-casino-owner-andy-sanborns-appeal-to-supreme-court-over-license-revocation/article_d028050a-804f-5e9b-9b88-e334690c8500.html
[4] Concord Monitor, (2023). Sanborn used COVID relief funds to buy luxury cars, investigators say. [online] Available at: https://www.concordmonitor.com/Sanborn-used-COVID-relief-funds-to-buy-luxury-cars-investigators-say-41423072
- Despite the ongoing legal issues with his Concord Casino, Andy Sanborn is pushing forward with a new casino project near Loudon Road.
- The new casino project involves a two-phase development, commencing with a gaming hall, restaurant, and microbrewery, followed by an expansion that includes a hotel, conference center, and parking structure.
- The New Hampshire Supreme Court recently ruled in Sanborn's favor, deciding that a resident challenging the city's approval of the new casino lacked legal standing.
- However, Sanborn still needs to meet the conditions set by the city's planning board for the new project to proceed, with the Concord Planning Board scheduled to review Sanborn's request for a one-year extension.
- The misappropriation of COVID-19 relief funds has significantly affected Sanborn's ability to legally operate casinos in the area, as he allegedly used a portion of the funds to purchase luxury cars.
- The Concord Casino, under Sanborn's management, only contributes 17.5% of its proceeds to charity, a disparity that stems from the era when organizations hosting gaming events were allowed to charge "rents".
- Ex-New Hampshire Representative Pat Abrami of Stratham has suggested reviewing the current gaming regulations governing charitable casinos, as he is part of the commission responsible for examining these rules.
- Sanborn's wife, state Rep. Laurie Sanborn, R., stepped down as chair of the state panel on charitable casinos due to the controversy surrounding the misuse of COVID relief funds.
