Andy Sanborn Archives

Andy Sanborn, a former casino owner, is contesting the state's decision to prevent the sale of Concord Casino in Merrimack County Superior Court. The Attorney General and New Hampshire Lottery Commission rejected a possible sale in late November, and the Concord Monitor reported this action on December 16. Sale Blocked Over Structural Concerns Sanborn’s attorneys had long indicated plans to appeal the rejection. While an initial buyer had been lined up for months, the state raised concerns about the sale's structure rather than the buyer itself. The Attorney General’s office clarified that suitability reviews found issues with the deal's framework. Sanborn’s legal team argued that the prospective buyer had cooperated extensively with the state to address these concerns. However, they claim the state deliberately delayed approvals to "run out the clock on the revocation deadline." They also allege that state officials intimidated buyers by warning of potential criminal liability tied to Sanborn’s legal troubles. The appeal adds another layer to an already contentious situation. Sanborn, under investigation for misusing $844,000 in pandemic relief funds, faces accusations of fraud and financial misconduct. The legal conflict began in August 2023, when Attorney General John Formella deemed Sanborn unsuitable for licensure due to alleged misappropriation of funds. Formella initially sought to revoke the gaming license entirely but settled for shuttering Concord Casino in December 2023. Sanborn had until June 2024 to sell the property, a deadline that was extended twice before expiring in late November. When Sanborn was detained on fresh fraud accusations in October 2024, including falsifying the casino's gross receipts to obtain more relief money, the case took a sharp turn. The transaction fell through in part because of these charges, which cast doubt on whether Sanborn's legal obligations would pass to a buyer. Sanborn's lawyers argue that the state purposefully blocked the sale, claiming that officials were seeking revenge for not immediately canceling the license. However, the state contends that Sanborn undermined the regulatory process by taking advantage of extensions to increase profit.

Andy Sanborn

Andy Sanborn Appeals Casino License Revocation in Superior Court