Former New Hampshire senator Andy Sanborn, owner of the Concord Casino, is now under intense scrutiny after allegations of COVID-19 relief fraud and extravagant personal spending. The state’s Attorney General John Formella and the Lottery Commission jointly announced that Sanborn is considered “not suitable” to be involved in charitable gaming due to the alleged misconduct.

Sanborn Accused of Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Loan and Lavish Spending

The investigation by the Attorney General’s Office uncovered that Sanborn purportedly fraudulently secured a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan of $844,000 from the Small Business Association, reported NBC Boston. It is claimed that he diverted these funds for personal use, including the purchase of high-end vehicles. The funds were reportedly used to buy two Porsche 987 Cayman S race cars for himself and a Ferrari F430 for his wife, state Rep. Laurie Sanborn. The couple is also accused of disguising personal expenses as business-related transactions, with Sanborn funneling $183,500 into his accounts under the guise of rent payments.

Sanborn’s actions not only raise concerns about financial misconduct but also impact his involvement in the charitable gaming sector. The Lottery Commission is pursuing revocation of Sanborn’s gaming facility license and his game operator employer license. Sanborn has a limited window of 10 days to appeal the decision. The Attorney General’s Office is simultaneously conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, while also referring the case to the US Attorney’s Office for further criminal proceedings.

Sanborn Faces Legal Hurdles in Bid to Expand Casino Ventures

The allegations come at a pivotal moment for Sanborn, who sought to expand his gambling enterprise with a new casino project on Loudon Road. However, this endeavor now faces legal challenges, with critics asserting that public notice was insufficient before the city’s planning board’s vote.

Aside from the Concord Casino, Sanborn manages The Draft, a restaurant and bar conveniently situated adjacent to his casino in downtown Concord.

In another twist, Sanborn’s wife, Laurie Sanborn, who is a state representative, is heading a legislative commission focused on examining New Hampshire’s gambling laws and their impact on charities’ revenue share. The unfolding events have prompted calls for her removal from the commission due to potential conflicts of interest.

Hailing from Bedford, Sanborn served four consecutive terms in the state Senate before his unsuccessful congressional bid in 2018. Meanwhile, his wife, Laurie Sanborn, currently holds her seventh term in the House, where she assumes the roles of Speaker Pro Tempore and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. The fallout from these allegations extends beyond the gaming industry, impacting both the Sanborns’ personal reputations and their political connections. As the investigation progresses, the citizens of New Hampshire await further developments and the potential ramifications for the state’s gambling landscape.

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The donation was forwarded to the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). Pragmatic hopes that the money can be used to undo some of the damage done by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit the city of Gaziantep in Türkiye, leading to the collapse of roads, hospitals, residential buildings and more.

Pragmatic Play Stresses the Importance of Helping Those Impacted

The number of people still trapped under the rubble is unknown and many people are categorized as missing in what is expected to be a growing death toll from the calamity. Across the border with Syria, and was felt across Aleppo, Latakia, and Hama.

Efforts have been also backed by the Turkish Red Crescent with the operations stretching across the border in Syria and relief funds underway. Food, medicine, and manpower have been dispatched. Volunteers from the entire world have flocked in to help with governments sending teams at the beginning of the disaster.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has cautioned that five million people in the country have been impacted by the earthquake. Pragmatic hopes that its contributions will help caution against some of the damage and help with the provision of shelter, food, warm blankets, winter kits, and emergency medical treatment for those impacted.

More People Should Step Up and Back the Countries in The Hard Times

Pragmatic Play CEO Julian Jarvis spoke of the event and the need for everyone to act and do so quickly:

What has happened in Turkey and Syria is truly devastating. Pragmatic Play stands in solidarity with all those affected, and we are proud to support the British Red Cross and their contribution to humanitarian efforts in the region. We urge everyone to donate what they can to ensure that urgent aid continues to be delivered at this time of exceptional need.

Pragmatic Play CEO Julian Jarvis

British Red Cros Gibraltar Branch Cdr Edward L Davies RN thanked Pragmatic Play for the contribution and said that it will help with the continuous efforts to support the people who have been affected by the earthquake.

 “With our vital work still ongoing, we welcome any other donations which can be made through the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal website,” Davies concluded.

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