Published on: January 12, 2026, 02:45h.
Updated on: January 12, 2026, 02:45h.
- The establishment will be rebranded as Rockingham Grand Casino.
- It is currently functioning as Casino Salem in Salem, NH.
- Investment could reach up to $200 million for the renovations.
Churchill Downs announced today that it plans to invest up to $200 million to enhance the casino currently named Casino Salem, located in New Hampshire.
The gaming firm anticipates spending between $180 million and $200 million on the project, stating that the casino, located within the 19,000-square-foot space in The Mall at Rockingham Park, will be transformed into Rockingham Grand Casino.
“Rockingham Grand Casino will span 160,000 square feet across three levels, boasting 825 historical racing machines, 32 table games, 12 electronic table game positions, a 900-seat venue for live shows, and various dining options, including a central bar and a comprehensive sports bar and restaurant,” according to a statement from Churchill Downs.
Last month, the Salem Planning Board approved the project, allowing the gaming company to move forward.
Churchill Downs’ Expansion in New Hampshire
Casino Salem is one of the numerous charitable gaming locations in the Granite State. Churchill Downs disclosed last July its agreement to obtain a majority share in the establishment, while local developers Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli will preserve their interests in the property.
The Rockingham Grand Casino is anticipated to launch in mid-2027, becoming the flagship attraction at The Mall at Rockingham Park, which is the state’s largest venue of this nature.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with our esteemed partners at Churchill Downs as we embark on the journey to realize Rockingham Grand Casino,” Faro and Lupoli stated in their press release. “We are dedicated to invigorating our local economy by creating vibrant consumer destinations.”
The company also operates another venue in New Hampshire—Chasers Poker Room, also located in Salem, which runs independently from the mall-based casino.
The Significance of New Hampshire for Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is best known for its renowned racetrack in its home state, alongside various regional casinos and gaming facilities in Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Nevertheless, New Hampshire presents a wealth of opportunities for the operator, as indicated by the planned capital investments, and the Salem venue serves as a pathway for Churchill Downs to introduce more lucrative historical racing machines (HRMs).
Charitable gaming incorporates the financial stakes and possible payouts akin to conventional casino betting; however, it stands apart as it is not managed by a commercial or tribal operator or governmental entity. Instead, it is conducted by a charity that outsources the gaming operations to a company equipped with industry expertise.