The latest addition to New Hampshire’s gaming industry, The Nash Casino, sits so close to the Massachusetts border that visitors must cross state lines just to step inside. Housed in a former Sears building at Pheasant Lane Mall, the 130,000-square-foot facility promises a major economic impact while raising fresh competition for casinos in neighboring Massachusetts.
A Casino at the State Line
It’s not every day that a casino’s parking lot sits in one state while the gaming floor lies in another. That’s exactly the case with The Nash Casino, which is technically in Nashua, N.H., but requires guests to park in Tyngsborough, Mass., before walking across the border to enter.
Inside, guests will find a full suite of gaming options. The venue boasts:
- Over 1,000 slot machines
- Traditional table games, including blackjack and poker
- Three restaurants and two additional bars
- A four-bay Topgolf Swing Suite simulator
With its grand opening this week, The Nash Casino officially joins New Hampshire’s growing casino scene, adding another option for gamblers in the region—many of whom previously traveled into Massachusetts for gaming.
A Boost for the Local Economy
Casinos bring jobs, and The Nash Casino is no exception. The venue currently employs more than 600 workers, with plans to spend approximately $22 million annually on payroll alone.
That’s a significant investment in the local workforce, spanning positions in hospitality, security, gaming operations, and restaurant services. For Nashua and surrounding towns, the casino could serve as an anchor business, attracting tourists and keeping entertainment dollars within the state.
New Hampshire, unlike Massachusetts, doesn’t impose a state income tax, meaning employees take home more of their pay. That could make The Nash Casino a more attractive employer compared to gaming venues south of the border.
Massachusetts Feeling the Pressure?
New Hampshire’s casino expansion isn’t just about entertainment—it’s also about competition. Massachusetts, which already has major gaming venues like Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield, now faces a new rival mere steps from its border.
How will Massachusetts respond? Some industry analysts believe the state might push for more incentives to keep gamblers from heading north. Others suggest that The Nash Casino’s success could prompt Massachusetts lawmakers to revisit gaming regulations, perhaps making it easier to build more casinos closer to the New Hampshire border.
One thing is clear: gamblers in the region now have another option, and its location couldn’t be more convenient for Massachusetts residents looking for a quick bet without traveling deep into New Hampshire.
New Hampshire’s Expanding Gaming Scene
The Nash Casino isn’t an isolated case—New Hampshire has been gradually expanding its gaming industry in recent years. While the state doesn’t allow traditional commercial casinos like those in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, it does permit charitable gaming operations, which must donate a portion of their revenue to nonprofit organizations.
This model has proven successful, leading to the rise of several gaming establishments across the state. The Nash Casino represents one of the most significant developments yet, both in size and scope.
If it performs well, it could pave the way for further expansions, including larger facilities and even potential legislative changes that might allow for more traditional casino operations in the future.
