Published on: April 30, 2026, 09:30h.

Updated on: April 30, 2026, 09:30h.

• Granite State Gaming has acquired a Staples store located in New Hampshire
• This initiative will mark the first casino globally to be established in a former Staples outlet
• Construction is set to commence this summer, with plans for opening by early 2027

While several casinos have launched in closed department stores, the upcoming casino at Kilburn Ledge shopping center in Littleton, New Hampshire, will be the first to emerge from a former Staples location. Granite State Gaming & Hospitality (GSGH) acquired the 23,000-square-foot site for $8.75 million in February 2026, with Staples required to vacate within four months.

The construction phase is anticipated to begin in late June or early July 2026, with the casino projected to open in the first half of 2027. GSGH is already well advanced in the design and planning processes, collaborating with DMAC Architecture & Interiors, a renowned firm from Chicago specializing in hospitality and gaming projects, to create the layout and design.

The new establishment will house 150 to 200 historical horse racing machines and around 15 table games, along with a pub-style eatery and bar. It will function under New Hampshire’s charitable gaming framework, differing from traditional commercial casinos. State law mandates that private operators of gaming establishments contribute a substantial portion of their earnings — at least 35% — to licensed nonprofit organizations.

GSGH currently oversees two similar charitable casinos within New Hampshire: Beach Club Casino in Hampton Beach and Lilac Club Casino in Rochester. These venues have reportedly facilitated over $4 million in contributions to veteran organizations, youth programs, and various community nonprofits. The Littleton casino is expected to further enhance this support by collaborating with new nonprofit partners in the northern region of the state.

“This acquisition represents a crucial leap toward establishing a sustainable, community-oriented gaming model for Northern New Hampshire,” stated Eric Barbaro, the chief operating officer of GSGH, in a formal announcement. “We remain dedicated to responsible growth that fosters a significant and lasting charitable influence.”

Local Concerns

As the property is within a designated commercial zone, the shift to a gaming facility was deemed an “allowable use.” This facilitated developer Greg Carlin’s plans, despite Littleton residents passing a petition in March 2026 to prohibit future casinos in the area — officials determined that this particular project was sufficiently “in the works” to be exempt from the vote.

The Littleton project is projected to create more than 60 job opportunities and bolster funding for local nonprofits through vendor partnerships and gaming revenues.