According to the Concord Monitor, the New Hampshire Supreme Court has put a temporary hold on a decision to cancel Andy Sanborn’s nonprofit gaming license for Concord Casino. This brief reprieve does not lift Sanborn’s license suspension.
In his appeal, Sanborn argues that the state regulator’s decision to cancel his license was made with the intention of delaying the sale of the casino and misleading prospective purchasers. The disagreement is the result of an inquiry of Sanborn’s use of pandemic relief monies from January to August 2023 conducted by the Attorney General and the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.
The investigation concluded that Sanborn had “fraudulently obtained $844,000 in Covid relief funds, which casinos are ineligible to receive, to support his lavish lifestyle.” Reports allege that he used the funds to purchase luxury vehicles for himself and his wife, disguising cash payments as rent.
Following these findings, the Lottery Commission moved to revoke Concord Casino’s charitable gaming license. Sanborn responded via email, maintaining his innocence and denying any wrongdoing.
New Hampshire’s Charitable Gaming Framework
New Hampshire law prohibits traditional land-based casinos. However, venues are allowed to operate table-based and machine-based games tied to charitable purposes. Under current regulations, local charities can partner with gaming operators, provided they do not exceed ten gaming dates per year.
The temporary reversal by the state’s Supreme Court leaves the final outcome uncertain. Sanborn’s case has drawn significant attention, as it raises questions about regulatory oversight and the future of charitable gaming operations in New Hampshire.
This legal battle continues to highlight the complexities of gaming laws and the broader implications for charitable gaming operators statewide.
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