NH Concord Casino Shuts Down amid Owner’s COVID Funds Misuse

In a shocking turn of events, the Concord Casino, nestled within the Draft Sports Bar and Grill in Concord, New Hampshire, has ceased its operations as of January 1, 2024. The reason behind this sudden shutdown is a burgeoning investigation into the alleged misuse of COVID-19 relief funds by the casino's owner, former state senator Andy Sanborn.

Sanborn has found himself at the center of a storm of accusations, claiming that he improperly utilized public COVID-19 relief funds to acquire high-end luxury cars. Both Sanborn and his legal representative vehemently deny these allegations, accusing the state of building its case on shaky grounds without substantial evidence to support their claims.

While the examiner, Michael King, overseeing the case, refrained from confirming the allegations outright, he acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations. This prompted the New Hampshire State Lottery Commission to contemplate revoking Sanborn's gaming license. The heart of the matter revolves around Sanborn's alleged improper acquisition of federal funds and his failure to maintain accurate records of their usage.

The commission and King contend that Sanborn paid himself substantial sums from these funds without proper documentation, eroding public confidence in the casino's operations. Consequently, the regulatory body ordered the immediate closure of the establishment.

Despite the ordeal, there is a silver lining for the casino. It may have the opportunity to reopen its doors in six months, but this can only occur under new ownership. Sanborn will be compelled to sell the business, leaving behind a cloud of uncertainty regarding the allegations. The accusations pertain to an $844,000 fund granted by the Small Business Administration.

Investigators assert that Sanborn's application for the loan failed to disclose his ownership of a casino business, incorrectly portraying it as something else to secure the funding. At the time, casino businesses were ineligible for such funding.

In a further violation of the funding terms, Sanborn allegedly spent at least $181,000 on two Porsche race cars and an additional $80,000 on a Ferrari for his spouse. He also awarded himself $183,000 under the guise of "rent" for the Concord venue. Remarkably, these funds were used to purchase luxury vehicles that were not of American make, adding to the infractions.

For now, the commission and King have agreed to suspend operations at the venue temporarily while Sanborn endeavors to sell the business within the next six months. Whether Sanborn will continue to challenge the commission's conclusions remains uncertain, leaving the fate of the Concord Casino hanging in the balance.