Turmoil at Concord Casino: Theft Charges and Implications for New Hampshire’s Gaming Industry
Posted on: October 28, 2024, 02:18h
Last updated on: October 28, 2024, 02:18h
The high-stakes atmosphere surrounding New Hampshire’s Concord Casino has taken a disturbing turn, as charges of theft have been levied against the company that operates the gaming establishment. With an ongoing investigation and a litany of allegations against owner Andy Sanborn, the future of the casino—and its impact on the local community—hangs in the balance.
The Charges Against Win Win Win
New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella announced that the casino’s operating entity, Win Win Win, has been charged with two serious offenses: theft by deception and theft by unauthorized taking. These charges come on the heels of the casino’s questionable financial practices, which reportedly involved inflating losses leading to an improper disbursement of $188,474 in COVID relief funds. This amount, according to reports from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), was received despite the casino’s unlawful inflation of operational losses and discrepancies regarding its start date.
As the legal troubles mount, Andy Sanborn, the casino’s owner, has already faced arrest earlier this month for the same charges. He is scheduled to appear in court shortly, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his operations.
New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella, pictured above. His office filed charges against Concord Casino. (Image: InDepthNH.org)
The Impact on the Future of Concord Casino
Should Concord Casino be found guilty, the repercussions could be severe. A conviction may result in the casino losing its operating license for up to a decade, which would effectively bar any sale of the property to prospective buyers, posing a significant risk for local charities and the community that relies on casino revenue.
Zachary Hafer, Sanborn’s attorney, has voiced concerns that the state is deliberately attempting to obstruct a sale meant to benefit the community. He highlighted the unique structure of Win Win Win, noting that as a single-member LLC owned entirely by Sanborn, the charges against the company are inherently linked to him.
"There is thus only one reason to charge Win Win Win: to attempt to block a sale of Win Win Win that would benefit taxpayers, charities, and the local community. This is a deeply concerning development, and we look forward to holding the AG accountable in court,” Hafer stated.
Reports suggest that a potential buyer has already applied for a license to operate the casino, which adds a layer of complexity to the case.
A History of Controversy
This set of allegations is not the first instance of controversy involving Andy Sanborn and Concord Casino. Previous investigations revealed that during his application for pandemic relief, Sanborn failed to disclose the business’s status as a casino, a crucial detail since casinos were barred from receiving the federal pandemic loans, which totaled approximately $844,000. In a shocking turn of events, it was later uncovered that Sanborn had used parts of this money to purchase luxury vehicles, including multiple high-end cars such as two Porsches and a Ferrari for his wife, Laurie Sanborn.
While no charges have stemmed from the earlier inquiry, the fallout was significant: the New Hampshire Lottery Commission suspended the casino’s gaming license and ordered its closure. State officials have now mandated that Sanborn sell Concord Casino, but he has requested extensions to finalize any sale.
Ambitions and Legal Challenges
In addition to these legal hurdles, Sanborn is exploring plans for a second casino in Concord, which would encompass a sprawling 43,000-square-foot gaming space. However, this proposal has met with opposition; local resident Kassey Cameron has filed a legal appeal, arguing that the casino violates local zoning regulations and that the approval process was flawed. This legal battle is currently under review by the New Hampshire Supreme Court, further complicating Sanborn’s gaming aspirations.
Conclusion
As the investigation into Concord Casino continues to unfold, the implications for Andy Sanborn, local charities, and New Hampshire’s gaming landscape become increasingly significant. The consequences of these theft charges could reshape the future of gaming in the state, highlighting the intricate balance between business operations and compliance within the gambling industry. The upcoming court hearings will be pivotal in determining not just the fate of the casino, but also its potential impact on the local economy and community welfare in the months to come.
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