Date Published: November 7, 2025, 12:37 PM.
Last Revised: November 7, 2025, 12:37 PM.
- Hampton authorities have sanctioned the redevelopment of the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom.
- The charitable gaming space is projected to expand fivefold.
This week, the redevelopment of the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in New Hampshire received official approval.
The Hampton Planning Board granted unanimous approval for the upgrade and enlargement of the beachfront entertainment venue this week. The estimated budget for the project is over $500 million, aiming to convert the outdated event space into an upscale mixed-use venue featuring a new hotel, a charitable gaming casino, and a concert hall.
Developers Sal Lupoli and Fred Schaake presented the proposal contingent on the allowance of a larger charitable gaming establishment.
Their proposal for 169 Ocean Boulevard aligns with the recent amendments to New Hampshire’s charitable gaming regulations that now permit slot-like video lottery terminals (VLTs). These VLTs operate more swiftly than historical horse racing machines, completing spins approximately five seconds faster. Additionally, New Hampshire’s updated charitable gaming law has loosened restrictions on high-stakes card game buy-ins and removed limits on gaming machine bets. Charitable casinos can operate 24 hours, subject to municipal approval.
Charitable gaming has been a feature at the Casino Ballroom since 2014, but the current 8,000-square-foot Aces & Eights venue is significantly smaller than what is on the horizon.
Lupoli, a prominent figure in real estate and hospitality, is recognized for his ventures like Sal’s Pizza, the Hampton Beach Casino, and Riverwalk Pavilion in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Schaake, who started as a bartender at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, rose through the ranks. His grandfather, Fred Schaake Sr., owned the venue until 2012, when he and his partners sold it to Lupoli.
Casino Ballroom Gaming Expansion
With the city’s approval, Lupoli and Schaake are set to commence the extensive redevelopment construction.
The design entails 99 luxury condominiums starting at prices exceeding $1 million, a 208-room upscale hotel, nearly 40,000 square feet of beachfront retail and dining space, and a 732-space parking garage. The existing 1,800-seat ballroom will be replaced with a new performance venue seating 3,500.
Regarding the casino, the charitable gaming area will expand dramatically to about 52,000 square feet. While Aces & Eights has fewer than 100 gaming machines and a limited selection of table games, the forthcoming casino is expected to feature over 1,000 gaming spots, encompassing slot machines and seating for table games.
Under New Hampshire’s revised gaming legislation, casinos must retain 31.25% of their VLT revenue. Of the total gaming revenue, 35% is allocated to that day’s charitable beneficiary, while 31% is directed to the state.
The New Hampshire Gaming Commission collects 2.5% for regulatory expenses, with the remaining 0.25% going to the Governor’s Commission on Addiction, Treatment, and Prevention.
Local Benefits for Hampton
As part of the 2024 charitable gaming updates, there are provisions allowing local governments in Hampton and Salem to receive shares of the revenue.
The new regulations stipulate that charitable casinos in Hampton and Salem operate “a minimum of seven but not more than 10” days per year specifically benefiting the respective municipality. On these designated days, Hampton is entitled to receive the full 35% share of the gross gaming income.