New Hampshire casino ordered to close following fraud allegations against its owner

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission has announced the temporary closure of a casino in Concord, owned by former state senator Andy Sanborn. The decision, effective as of January 1st, follows allegations that Sanborn fraudulently used a COVID-19 relief loan to purchase luxury cars. The casino may reopen in six months if it is sold to a new owner.

In August, the commission attempted to permanently revoke Sanborn's license for the Concord Casino, located inside The Draft Sports Bar and Grill. Sanborn appealed the decision, requesting a hearing with an independent examiner. Conducted earlier this month, the hearing has now resulted in a temporary suspension of the license, rather than a complete revocation.

Accusations against Sanborn include fraudulently obtaining $844,000 in funding from the Small Business Administration between December 2021 and February 2022. During this time, casinos and charitable gaming facilities were not eligible for such loans.

Sanborn is accused of omitting his business's name, "Concord Casino," from the application and listing his primary business activity as "miscellaneous services." Allegedly, he spent $181,000 on two Porsche racing cars and $80,000 on a Ferrari for his wife. Additionally, he paid himself over $183,000, which he characterized as rent for his properties in Concord.

Michael King, the hearing examiner, stated that while it's not within his purview to determine the fraudulence of the loan application, including clearly false or misleading information in the application was sufficient reason to suspend Sanborn's license. King also highlighted the purchase of vehicles, which were not American-made, as a violation of the loan's terms.

The decision not to immediately cancel Sanborn's license follows the practice of allowing license holders to sell their businesses before suspension or revocation. Sanborn, who did not attend the hearing due to a medical appointment, has not yet commented on the decision. His lawyer criticized the investigation as sloppy and based on unproven allegations.