New Hampshire Officials Blamed For Slowing Casino Sale

Concord Casino owner Andy Sanborn planned a sale for the New Hampshire outlet, but now, his attorneys are blaming state officials for slowing down the process. 

Sanborn’s casino license was suspended, and he was ordered to sell the casino. 

The buyer hasn’t been named but has been involved in meetings. 

Sanborn Eager to Sell

According to Sanborn’s legal team, he’s ready to sell, and there’s a buyer in place. 

“There is no criticism of the buyer’s background,” Attorney Adam Katz, who represents Sanborn, said per New Hampshire Public Radio. “There is no criticism of the buyer’s credentials. There is not one blemish on the buyer’s record that the suitability letter cites. The buyer is spotless from the perspective of the state.”

“He wants to put this mess far in the rearview mirror,” Katz added. “Mr. Sanborn clearly has worked to sell. The only problem is the chicanery from the state.”

State Officials Dispel Claims

While the attorneys for Sanborn and Concord Casino blame state officials for the lack of a sale, New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General Jessica King doesn’t agree. 

“There is no evidence the state is actually trying to prevent anything,” she said. “This narrative that the state is trying to obstruct and prevent the sale is simply false.”

King said that the New Hampshire Lottery Commission has met with the buyer several times, and they must be approved by the state. 

“It [the commission] has had constant communication with the buyer. It has gone out of its way to ensure that the buyer had all of the things necessary to complete a suitability determination, and thereafter has continued to talk to the buyer,” she added.

Last year, Sanborn was told by Administrative Hearing Officer Michael King to sell the casino within six months. He’s since been given extensions. 

In October, Sanborn was charged with theft for allegedly inflating revenue to get state COVID funds. He got $140k more than he should have. He was also investigated for how he spent $844k in COVID funds which included two Porsche’s and a Ferrari.