NH Supreme Court Clears Path for Sanborn’s Casino Project, But His Legal Battles Continue

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has ruled that Concord resident Kassey Cameron lacks legal standing to challenge the city’s approval of Andy Sanborn‘s casino plans near Loudon Road, clearing a major hurdle for the project to move forward.

In a decision issued last week, the court affirmed that Cameron, who lives approximately 2,600 feet from the proposed casino site on Break O’ Day Drive, is too far to prove it would directly impact her.

City Solicitor Danielle Pacik noted that while Sanborn’s legal challenges have been resolved in this case, the developers must still meet the conditions set by the city. Sanborn has requested a one-year extension to finalize these requirements. The Concord Planning Board is likely to review the request at its upcoming meeting.

The Supreme Court decision marks a win for Sanborn’s Big Step LLC. Still, it comes amid a broader cloud of legal issues. That includes fraud charges, a revoked gaming license, and a pending appeal regarding the downtown Concord Casino he once operated.

Background on Cameron’s Allegations

In June 2023, the Planning Board approved plans for the first phase of Sanborn’s casino. Previously, the board had assured the public that it wouldn’t vote on it.

Cameron claimed the decision didn’t give the public a proper chance to weigh in on the matter. Additionally, she argued that the casino is not permitted under the area’s zoning regulations.

Cameron first appealed to the zoning board, which acknowledged she had legal standing to appeal, but due to timeline issues, it couldn’t move forward.

She then took the issue to the Hillsborough Superior court, which ruled that she had no standing. Cameron appealed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, which upheld the lower court’s decision.

Pandemic Fraud Allegations

In 2023, a state investigation revealed that Sanborn’s company, Win Win Win LLC, overstated the finances of its downtown Concord casino by nearly $1 million on a COVID-19 relief application. As a result, it received over $188,000 in relief funds for which it was not eligible.

Additionally, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and the Lottery Commission reported that Sanborn received $844,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the federal Small Business Administration (SBA).

The allegations claim that he lied on the EIDL application and used the funds for personal luxuries. They include two Porsches and a Ferrari for himself and his wife, former state Rep. Laurie Sanborn.

Rep. Sanborn, who led the House Ways and Means Committee, chose not to run for reelection in 2024 after her husband was arrested and later indicted on multiple felony charges.

He has denied wrongdoing and is awaiting trial.

Concord Casino License Revocation and Appeal

After the fraud allegations appeared, authorities forced Sanborn to sell his downtown Concord casino within six months.

Although he claimed to have found a buyer, the New Hampshire Lottery Commission stated that he did not provide sufficient documentation to prove a sale was pending. The commission accused him of attempting to delay the enforcement process.

Sanborn was unable to close a deal, and after numerous extensions, a state judge approved the revocation of his gaming license. Still, the judge delayed the enforcement for up to two years to give more time for a potential sale.

Sanborn responded with a lawsuit against the state in December 2024. He alleged the Lottery Commission and the Attorney General’s office acted in bad faith. They also sought to cause him financial harm. He also claimed that the state had a negative economic impact due to the authorities’ sabotage of the sale process.

Sanborn has since taken the issue to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. The court has temporarily suspended the license revocation order while his appeal is pending.