In the corridors of New Hampshire’s political and gaming landscape, a story unfolds, capturing attention and curiosity. Last year, the status of New Hampshire’s political scene was disrupted by allegations against Andy Sanborn. The former state Senator faced accusations of improperly utilizing over $800,000 in COVID relief funds. An extensive eight-month investigation laid bare claims of fraudulent activities related to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans amounting to $844,000. This led to the closure of Sanborn’s Concord Casino at the Draft Sports Bar and Grill on January 1, 2024, following the suspension of his gaming license by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.
As the curtains drew on the initial act of this saga, a deadline loomed for Sanborn to appeal the suspension of his gaming license. The Lottery Commission set January 19, 2024, as the pivotal date. However, as reported by the Concord Monitor, the regulator did not receive an appeal request from Sanborn. The silence echoed a decisive outcome — Concord Casino’s closure would persist. Compounded by this, the former Senator now faces the mandate to sell the venue within six months, a process overseen by the Lottery Commission.
With no appeal forthcoming, Concord Casino remains shuttered, and the clock ticks on Sanborn’s obligation to part ways with the property. The Lottery Commission, considering the gravity of the accusations, holds the power to revoke Sanborn’s license if he fails to comply with the sale mandate within the stipulated timeframe. Amidst this uncertainty, the Commission maintains vigilance, periodically reviewing surveillance to ensure no illicit gaming activities take place on the premises.
Central to the allegations against Sanborn is the claim that he misused funds that he was ineligible to obtain. Investigators assert that Sanborn filed a COVID-19 relief funds application under a different company name, categorizing his gambling business as “miscellaneous” to bypass restrictions on loans for such enterprises. The alleged misappropriation of $844,000 facilitated a lifestyle of excess, with substantial amounts spent on luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari and two Porsches. Furthermore, accusations suggest that the former Senator paid himself $183,000 in the guise of “rent” for his Concord Casino property.
In the midst of accusations, closures, and looming mandates, the saga of Andy Sanborn’s casino unfolds, capturing the public’s imagination. The silence on the appeal front adds a layer of suspense, and the implications for the former Senator and Concord Casino remain uncertain.
