The legal team representing Concord Casino is challenging the revocation of its gambling license in New Hampshire's Merrimack County Superior Court, claiming the decision was "unreasonable and unlawful."

Co-owner Andy Sanborn's attorneys assert that state officials are attempting to obstruct the casino's sale despite interest from potential buyers, including Bettor Investment Group and Full House Resorts Inc. They allege officials have tried to intimidate buyers by suggesting potential criminal liability for previous conduct.

The casino was ordered to close and sell the property following an investigation about a year ago, with its license being suspended. Administrative Judge Gregory Albert recently ruled in favor of the license revocation, giving state officials permission to proceed with a two-year revocation.

The controversy stems from multiple issues:

• Investigation into improper use of $844,000 in COVID relief loans
• Purchase of luxury vehicles (two Porsches and a Ferrari) using $182,000 of relief funds
• October arrest for allegedly inflating casino gross receipts by $1 million to obtain an additional $188,000 in government aid

State officials, including Attorney General John Formella and the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, continue to pursue the license revocation, though they deny actively blocking the casino's sale. The case is expected to proceed to court arguments in the coming year.

Related Articles

Previous Articles