Published on: December 2, 2024, 10:25h. 

Last updated on: December 2, 2024, 10:25h.

A judge in New Hampshire recently made a decision that could lead to the revocation of casino owner Andy Sanborn’s license, adding another layer to an ongoing controversy.

The ruling allows New Hampshire Lottery Commission officials to move forward with revoking Sanborn’s license for the Concord Casino. Sanborn will not receive any further extensions for a potential sale.

Options for Challenging the Ruling

Administrative Law Judge Gregory Albert mentioned that Sanborn’s legal team or the attorneys representing state officials could contest the ruling in court or request a rehearing of the case by the Lottery Commission, as reported by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR).

Sanborn has been attempting to sell the Concord Casino to an unidentified buyer for several months. State authorities mandated the closure and sale of the casino.

Due to the lack of a license, Sanborn has faced challenges in completing the sale, according to NHPR.

While Albert acknowledged some of the arguments presented by Sanborn’s lawyers regarding an extension, he suggested that the decision should be determined by other officials.

“(Sanborn) correctly argues, as (I) held, that the equities in this matter strongly favor an extension given the positive tax revenue and support of charitable organizations,” Albert stated in his decision.

However, Albert added, “whether that suitability determination was properly made is a question for the courts – not (me.)”

In response, Sanborn’s attorneys Zachary Hafer and Adam Katz expressed their readiness to address the issues in court to NHPR.

We concur with Judge Albert that the public interest overwhelmingly supports a sale. We are committed to the sale and anticipate its completion,” Hafer remarked.

“The Buyer has outlined a clear path for closing the transaction, which is in the best interests of the community, taxpayers, and charities,” Hafer added.

Last year, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella initiated an investigation into Sanborn, a former state senator, and his wife Rep. Laurie Sanborn for alleged improper use of $844K in COVID relief loans. Sanborn reportedly spent around $182K of the funds on purchasing two Porsches and a Ferrari, one of which was gifted to his wife, according to officials.

Both Formella and the Lottery Commission have been pursuing the revocation of the casino’s license, although no charges were brought against Sanborn in that regard.

However, in October, Sanborn was arrested for fraudulent use of aid intended for small businesses during the pandemic. He allegedly inflated the casino’s gross receipts by approximately $1M, enabling him to receive an additional $188K from the government fund.

Obstacles to the Sale

State officials have refuted claims that they are obstructing the sale of Concord Casino, asserting their cooperation.

Nevertheless, Hafer believes that the state is impeding the sale to the interested buyer.

It remains unclear why the state is hindering the public interest. We hope the state will do the right thing voluntarily, but we are prepared to pursue our rights in court,” Hafer stated.