Andy Sanborn, the embattled owner of Concord Casino in New Hampshire, is fighting back against the revocation of his gaming license, claiming the decision was both “unreasonable and unlawful.” The case, tangled in legal and administrative complexities, has now escalated to Merrimack County Superior Court, where Sanborn hopes to overturn the ruling and secure the future of his business.
Sanborn filed the appeal in response to Administrative Judge Gregory Albert’s earlier decision. Albert deemed the ongoing disputes between Sanborn and the New Hampshire Lottery Commission “moot” because Sanborn’s licenses had already expired. Moreover, the judge noted that certain arguments in the case were “not ripe for review,” pointing to unresolved felony theft charges pending against Sanborn and his company.
Sanborn, however, claims these conclusions are inconsistent and unfair. In his filing, he argued that his legal petitions cannot simultaneously be “too early and too late,” an issue that strikes at the core of his challenge.
A Casino in Limbo
The Concord Casino’s closure has left Sanborn’s company, Win Win Win, LLC, in a precarious position. He is still attempting to sell the business but argues that the value has been significantly diminished by the legal proceedings. Without an active gaming license, he insists, the casino is nearly worthless to potential buyers.
Sanborn went on to accuse the New Hampshire Lottery Commission and Attorney General’s Office of intentionally obstructing the sale. He claimed they used scare tactics to deter prospective buyers, such as suggesting purchasers might inherit liability for alleged criminal actions that occurred under Sanborn’s ownership.
His appeal minced no words:
“Respondents attempted to intimidate buyers (e.g., by suggesting buyers would face criminal liability for conduct alleged to have been undertaken by Petitioners before the sale), undermine the possibility of a sale, and cause delays to run out the clock on the revocation deadline,” it stated.
Sanborn’s legal argument hinges on the notion that state agencies are effectively sabotaging his efforts to sell Win Win Win, LLC, further entangling the casino in uncertainty.
Fallout of a Revoked License
The revocation of Sanborn’s gaming license represents a major blow not only to him personally but to the Concord Casino’s future prospects. Operating under stringent state gaming laws, New Hampshire casinos rely on valid licenses to maintain their ability to function legally. Without one, the property becomes financially unattractive.
Sanborn’s troubles don’t stop at the administrative level. The former state senator is also facing felony theft charges, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The allegations are tied to actions taken before the casino’s closure, though specific details of the charges have not been publicly disclosed in this particular filing.
Legal Battles Drag On
This latest court filing marks yet another chapter in Sanborn’s legal battles, which have been dragging on for more than a year. While the administrative ruling sought to close the door on Sanborn’s licensing disputes, his appeal is an attempt to keep the case—and his options—alive.
Sanborn’s primary argument is that without a clear pathway to either resolve or sell the Concord Casino, the process remains fundamentally unfair. He argues that the state’s actions—through both regulatory hurdles and alleged interference—are preventing him from extricating himself from the situation.
“By making the sale practically impossible,” he claimed, “the respondents have ensured the casino will remain in limbo indefinitely.”
What’s Next?
Sanborn’s appeal now rests in the hands of Merrimack County Superior Court, where a judge will weigh whether the administrative rulings were indeed inconsistent or unfair. Legal experts point out that the case raises broader questions about how gaming licenses are handled in New Hampshire, particularly when criminal charges are involved.
While Sanborn’s allegations of state interference are serious, proving such claims in court will be no small task. At the same time, the unresolved criminal charges hanging over him may complicate the court’s willingness to reverse earlier rulings.
For now, the fate of the Concord Casino—and its potential sale—remains uncertain. One thing is clear: This battle is far from over.
