The exit of a lawmaker at the center of a casino controversy could allow iGaming to surface
The possibility of legalized online casinos in New Hampshire may be gaining momentum for 2025, with state Sen. Timothy P. Lang Sr. taking renewed steps to push the legislation forward. Lang’s recent proposal faces one less major opponent, as State Rep. Laurie Sanborn, who chaired the committee that blocked his previous bill, won’t seek re-election. Sanborn’s departure from office, anticipated in two months, follows legal issues involving her husband, Andy Sanborn, a casino owner facing serious legal trouble.
Andy Sanborn, owner of Concord Casino, has been entangled in court proceedings since August 2023. Recently, Attorney General John M. Formella’s office charged him with theft by deception. The charges stem from allegations that he inflated his casino’s reported revenue to secure $188,474 in extra COVID relief funding. This legal scrutiny has raised questions about the future of Concord Casino and may impact New Hampshire’s gambling landscape. If sold, Concord Casino could still be classified as a charitable gaming facility, but the prospective buyer’s license approval remains pending.
Lang, committed to advancing online casino legislation, says he’s consulting with both gaming operators and charities to craft a bill that promotes economic growth while preserving charitable gaming benefits. In New Hampshire, land-based casinos are defined as charitable gaming facilities, with a portion of their revenue going to charity.
Some industry voices have expressed concerns that online casinos could divert funds from charitable casinos, potentially reducing donations to community causes. Lang hopes to strike a balance by structuring legislation that allows online gaming without harming the charitable sector.
Legal and regulatory developments continue, and New Hampshire may be approaching a pivotal moment in its approach to online gambling, with Lang’s bill signaling a potential shift in the state’s stance on digital gaming.
