The Salem Planning Board has approved plans for a Live! Casino to be built by Cordish Companies at The Mall at Rockingham Park. The approval comes despite demands by local interests for further research, citing concerns over public safety. Another potential impact of the casino would be to reduce the state’s likelihood of legalizing online casinos, as Cordish has emerged as a prominent opponent of iGaming.
The $160 million project will be New Hampshire’s largest casino, featuring over 900 historical horse racing (HHR) machines and over 40 table games. The HHR machines could end up being replaced by slow-playing slots, depending on the outcome of a proposed rules change for casinos in the state. Construction will be in phases, with groundbreaking expected early next year and the first phase anticipated to open in 2025
The Casino Approved Despite Public Safety Questions
The Planning Board voted 5-2 in favor of the project despite concerns raised by attorney Amy Manzelli, representing abutters Jamie and Chris Cummings. Manzelli argued that there was insufficient information on how the project would impact the neighborhood regarding issues such as public health, safety, traffic, and lighting. The two dissenting board members, Bianca Carlson and Vice Chair Sean Lewis agreed that more time should be given to the Cummings to provide further analysis.
Police Chief Joel Dolan assured that there wouldn’t be a need for additional public safety resources. According to Dolan, the property owners would bear any extra costs. Meanwhile, Planning Director Jacob LaFontaine and board members found the traffic study satisfactory and addressed Manzelli’s concerns.
During public comment, many residents expressed support for the project. Among them was Town Council Chair Joe Sweeney. He noted that the town voted in favor of a casino 10 years ago.
Slot Proposal Makes NH Casinos More Appealing
The potential Live! Casino will not be a full-scale casino, as gambling establishments in New Hampshire operate under charitable laws, with part of the proceeds benefiting local charities. Available games include bingo, HHR machines, poker, and roulette.
However, that could change soon if the state adopts New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Study Commission recommendations of replacing HHR machines with slow-playing slot machines. The commission’s recommendations are based on a Spectrum Gaming study, according to which New Hampshire casinos capture only 16% of the estimated $1.1 billion potential gaming revenue.
HHR machines visually resemble slots but operate differently. Data from past horse races determines outcomes, and players compete against each other rather than the machine, which affects payout structures. HHR machines also operate more slowly and are costlier to maintain. Casinos pay providers 6% to 12% of revenue for the results data. Switching to slots, even if they operate at a slower speed, could reduce these costs. Eliminating HHR machine-related costs would allow operators to increase profitability.
iGaming Proposal Likely in 2025 Despite Cordish’s Stance
Those hoping for online casinos in New Hampshire may not welcome the arrival of the Salem casino. Despite operating the PlayLive! online gambling brand in Pennsylvania, Cordish Companies, has become one of the biggest adversaries to iGaming. The operator argues that online gambling cannibalizes retail casino revenues.
Cannibalization concerns were among the reasons for the failed New Hampshire online casino push in 2023. However, the bill’s primary sponsor, state Sen. Timothy P. Lang Sr., remains committed to advancing iGaming. In October, he told Bonus he is working on 2025 online casino legislation.
While a potential bill could face opposition from Cordish, it could gain traction. That’s because a once powerful iGaming opponent, Rep. Laurie Sanborn, won’t be in office. Sanborn headed the House Ways and Means Committee, which killed the 2023 bill. She declined to run for re-election due to her husband’s legal troubles relating to their Concord Casino business.
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