Judge Upholds Revocation of Sanborn’s Casino License

A New Hampshire judge has upheld the state’s decision to revoke Andy Sanborn’s Concord Casino license.
This ruling follows allegations of pandemic fraud and misuse of federal funds by Sanborn and his wife.
The license revocation threatens the casino’s future, jeopardizing millions in tax revenue and community benefits.
Discover how this decision impacts Concord Casino, its pending sale, and the broader gaming industry.

Fraud Allegations Sink Sanborn’s Casino License as Judge Rules Against Appeal

Key Points

1. A New Hampshire judge upheld the two-year revocation of Andy Sanborn’s casino license amid fraud allegations.
2. Sanborn faces accusations of misusing $844,000 in pandemic loans and inflating revenue to secure relief funds.
3. The ruling complicates efforts to sell Concord Casino, leaving its future and community contributions uncertain.

In a decisive ruling, a New Hampshire judge upheld the state Lottery Commission’s decision to revoke the Concord Casino license for two years. This verdict marks a significant blow to Andy Sanborn, the casino’s embattled owner, who faces fraud allegations tied to pandemic relief funds.

The casino, shuttered since January, now faces an uncertain future. Sanborn’s attempts to sell the property, valued for its historic horse racing licenses, remain stalled due to the state’s concerns about the structural integrity of the deal.

Fraud Allegations Cast a Long Shadow

The revocation stems from an investigation into Andy Sanborn and his wife, Rep. Laurie Sanborn, who allegedly misused $844,000 in federal pandemic loans. Authorities claim the funds were spent on luxury cars, including a $182,000 purchase. Additionally, Sanborn is accused of inflating the casino’s revenue by $1 million to secure $188,474 from the Main Street Relief Fund.

While criminal charges for loan misuse are pending, Sanborn was recently arrested for defrauding another pandemic aid program. These allegations have severely damaged his credibility and the casino’s standing in the community.

Legal and Financial Uncertainty

Sanborn’s legal team has struggled to keep the casino license viable. Despite signing a purchase and sale agreement in September, the deal remains in limbo due to the state’s refusal to guarantee buyers protection from liabilities tied to Sanborn’s legal troubles.

“The buyer has provided a clear path to closing the transaction, benefiting the community and taxpayers,” said Zachary Hafer, Sanborn’s attorney. However, potential buyers are hesitant to finalize deals without assurances against future repercussions, including a 10-year license suspension if Sanborn is convicted.

Economic Fallout from License Revocation

Judge Gregory Albert acknowledged the broader economic implications of the casino’s closure, which has already deprived the state of tax revenue and disrupted charitable contributions.

“The equities in this matter strongly favor an extension given the positive tax revenue and support of charitable organizations,” Albert stated. Yet, he emphasized that his court lacks the authority to grant further extensions for the sale.

Meanwhile, questions remain about whether the casino’s 11-month closure will count toward the two-year suspension period, adding to the uncertainty surrounding its reopening.

Community and Industry Impact

The ruling not only affects the Concord Casino but also raises concerns about the future of gaming regulation in New Hampshire. The case highlights the need for stricter oversight and transparency in managing licenses, especially when fraud allegations arise.

The loss of the Concord Casino’s operations is a setback for local charities and the state’s gaming industry. Its revenue contributed significantly to community programs, and its absence leaves a void that other operators may struggle to fill.

The upheld revocation of Andy Sanborn’s casino license underscores the serious consequences of fraud allegations within the gaming industry. With potential buyers wary and legal proceedings ongoing, the future of the Concord Casino hangs in the balance.

As the community grapples with the fallout, the case serves as a cautionary tale for operators and regulators alike. Ensuring integrity and compliance is not just a legal requirement—it’s essential for sustaining public trust and industry growth.

The Concord Casino’s fate now depends on how swiftly and effectively these challenges are addressed, setting a precedent for New Hampshire’s gaming landscape.