Sanborn’s lawyer argues extension for sale of his New Hampshire casino is in public’s best interest

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 7:42 PM
  • Annmarie Timmins, New Hampshire Bulletin

In a new filing, a lawyer for embattled casino owner Andy Sanborn said that contrary to the state’s arguments, there is significant public interest in giving Sanborn more time to sell the business the state shut down in December.

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Under a new owner, attorney Zachary Hafer argued, Concord Casino would resume sharing thousands of dollars with charities and the state; expand its operation and thereby taxes; and rehire people who lost their jobs in December. A sale, Hafer said, would also mean Sanborn could repay the $844,000 in federal pandemic loans the state alleges he misappropriated.

Sanborn hasn’t been charged but it was that allegation, made by the Attorney General John Formella a year ago, that led the state to order Sanborn to close and sell Concord Casino.