New Hampshire lawmakers urge Supreme Court to hear appeal on revoked Concord Casino license

A group of Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire is urging the state Supreme Court to consider an appeal by former state senator Andy Sanborn to regain his revoked casino license. The appeal centers on the state’s decision to revoke Sanborn’s license for Concord Casino in November, a move that has sparked debate over its broader implications for the state’s finances and charities.

Sanborn, who previously served as a Republican state senator, filed an appeal asserting that the state acted unlawfully in revoking his license. The Supreme Court has yet to determine whether it will hear the case.

In a court filing, House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, alongside Senator Keith Murphy of Manchester and Representative Joe Sweeney of Salem, called on the justices to address the case. They stated that their intervention was motivated by the public benefits associated with casino revenue, rather than direct support for Sanborn.

The lawmakers argued that restoring the license would allow for the potential sale of Concord Casino, ultimately benefiting taxpayers, the state budget, and local charities.

“Charitable gaming’s impact on New Hampshire would be hard to overstate,” the filing stated. “The revenue generated via charitable gaming raises funds for the budget (thus keeping taxes low for all citizens) and provides critical support to New Hampshire charities (many of whom rely on gaming revenue as their primary or even sole source of operating revenue).”

In November, charitable gaming contributed more than $3 million to the state and local charities, according to the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. While Concord Casino has historically generated smaller contributions compared to larger establishments, Sanborn's prospective buyer had proposed expansion plans that could increase revenue notably.

The urgency of Sanborn’s case is compounded by a moratorium enacted last session that restricts new casino licenses for the next seven years. Concord Casino, closed since January 2024, holds the last available license.

The state had ordered Sanborn to sell the casino following allegations that he misused $844,000 in pandemic relief loans. Although Sanborn claimed to be on track to complete the sale by a November deadline, state regulators denied his buyer a license, citing concerns over financing arrangements.

Following the license revocation, Sanborn’s legal team filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court, seeking a review of the actions taken by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission and the Attorney General’s Office. Both entities have filed objections to the appeal, maintaining that their decision-making process adhered to legal standards.

The lawmakers contend that the court’s involvement is necessary to ensure the continuation of a system that provides substantial financial benefits to the state and its residents. They stress that the decision carries significant implications for New Hampshire’s education funding and charitable organizations, many of which depend heavily on gaming revenue.

The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to accept the appeal remains pending.