On January 1, Andy Sanborn, the owner of Concord Casino in New Hampshire and former state Senator, was ordered to shut his venue amid allegations of misuse of COVID relief funds.

The man was accused of obtaining fraudulently and misusing $844,000 in COVID relief funds, actions that ultimately put him in a tough spot. Sanborn was also given six months to sell the property, while the New Hampshire Lottery has taken the decision to suspend his gaming license.

Now, a newly released report suggests that while the former Senator is trying to sell the Concord Casino, he was able to secure an extension of the deadline for the sale. At the same time, a court’s decision reportedly sided with Sanborn in a move that may see him develop a new casino off Loudon Road.

As announced by the Concord Monitor, Sanborn was granted approval by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission for an extension of the deadline for the sale of Concord Casino. While the initial deadline was June 27, it was extended through July 18.

The Commission also confirmed that the extension is in line with a previously issued order that permitted pushing the deadline in case a buyer for the casino is available. Reportedly, there are active talks with a potential future owner for the Concord Casino, but financial details were not disclosed at the time of writing.

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission is permitted to further extend the deadline for the sale of the casino. However, the maximum duration is limited to 90 days.

Sanborn Remains on Track for New Casino Development

Amid Sanborn’s plans to construct a new casino, the sale of Concord Casino marks a major step. This is because if he sells the property within the deadline outlined by the gambling regulator, his gaming license suspension may be lifted. As a result, Sanborn may continue to pursue the proposed casino project on Break O’Day Drive.

Recently, a lawsuit that challenged approval of the development by the city’s Zoning Board was denied. The decision marked a positive development for Sanborn’s project that proposed the establishment of a casino floor along with a restaurant and a microbrewery.

The aforementioned project calls for the development of a hotel and casino too. The gaming floor is expected to be approximately 24,000 square feet, offering a range of gambling activities for nearly 650 guests.

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Atlantic City casino workers continue their fight for a smoke-free work environment. Their last battlefield was, unexpectedly, a senator’s office.

Representatives of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) and United Casino Workers (UAW) were staging a protest against Senator Vince Polistina’s recent change of heart. Polistina, who previously supported the smoke-free movements, recently agreed to allow casinos to seek compromise solutions.

As the temperatures outside plummeted, the activists were invited to discuss the matter inside.

CEASE Says Workers Will Be Forced to “Volunteer”

Under New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act, casinos can dedicate up to a quarter of their indoor gaming space as a smoking area. Opponents of this exemption say that it jeopardizes the health of casino workers who have to bear the smoke for hours at a time. However, casino operators believe that a ban would hurt their business.

While proponents of the ban have pointed out that casinos in other states have banned smoking with little to no effect on their business, AC operators remain adamant that they do not want smoking to go.

As a result, some have proposed compromise measures, such as enclosed smoking spaces. Under this solution, only volunteering workers would be dealing in these spaces. However, CEASE argues that operators would simply force workers to volunteer.

According to CEASE, casinos have previously put a pregnant woman and a person battling cancer at smoking tables.

Polistina Would Still Vote in Favor of Banning Smoking

Polistina told the activists that he agreed with them and that New Jersey should move on from indoor smoking. However, he had to change his stance because of politics, noting that the South Jersey Democratic delegation lost seats recently, making the fight for a smoking ban an uphill battle.

In addition, Polistina pointed out that Unite Here Local 54, another union representing casino staff, opposes the ban as it also believes that it would cause patrons to go elsewhere. Local 54 represents hospitality sector workers and has many more members than UAW, giving it a lot of leverage when it comes to such matters.

Despite that, Senator Polistina promised to vote in favor of a casino smoking ban if such a measure comes up for a vote in the Senate.

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Virginia State Senator Dave Marsden has reintroduced a bill that could pave the way for the construction of a resort-style casino, reminiscent of MGM National Harbor. 

Sen. Marsden’s Revised Casino Bill Targets Tysons Location

Sen. Marsden’s earlier attempt to introduce a similar bill faced setbacks, prompting a strategic revision to address concerns from residents, particularly in Reston. The new proposal is stringent about the casino’s placement, limiting it to Tysons and excluding Reston from consideration, reported NBC Washington.

The bill specifies that the eligible location for the casino must be within one-quarter of a mile of an existing station on the Metro Silver Line, part of a coordinated mixed-use project development, outside the Dulles airport flight path, within two miles of a major shopping destination containing at least 1.5 million square feet of gross building area, and outside the Interstate 495 Beltway. Notably, the bill singles out a particular parcel in Tysons — the site of a defunct auto dealership on Route 7.

The legislative journey for this proposal involves several steps. First, the bill must navigate through both chambers of Virginia’s General Assembly and gain the signature of Gov. Glenn Youngkin. When asked about his stance on the matter, a spokesperson for Gov. Youngkin conveyed that he would review any legislation presented to him.

Should the bill receive approval, it would then proceed to the county level, where the county board would need to request a referendum. This referendum would allow Fairfax County voters to voice their opinion on whether they support the establishment of a casino. If the majority approves, the county would initiate a competitive bidding process for interested developers, who would subsequently seek a casino operator for the venture.

Uncertainties Surround Fairfax Casino Proposal Despite Economic Promise

Some proponents of the casino envision a comprehensive development that goes beyond mere gambling, including a convention center, hotels, restaurants, office space, and residences. This ambitious project aims to address the decline in commercial real estate tax revenue, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a void in funding for county resources.

State Senator and Democratic Majority Leader Scott Surovell stressed the importance of securing additional revenue sources to prevent homeowners from bearing the burden. He asserted that to maintain quality education, the responsibility of compensating for lost tax revenue would inevitably shift to homeowners, underscoring the county’s requirement for diversifying its revenue streams.

Despite the potential economic benefits and job creation outlined in a 2019 study by Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, there is considerable opposition from local governments and community associations in the Tysons region. The path to establishing a casino in Fairfax County remains uncertain, and the proposal’s fate hinges on legislative approval and the voice of the county’s voters.

The post Virginia Senator Revises Bill Aiming to Build Casino in Fairfax County appeared first on Keno Wizard.

To this day, Georgia remains one of the most gambling-unfriendly states in the US. However, pro-gambling advocates seek to change that as they believe that launching casino gaming and sports betting would bring tons of benefits to the state.

Senator Brandon Beach is one of the most avid supporters of gambling in Georgia. He commented on the matter during the recent Joint Committees on Economic Development and Tourism meeting, saying that he plans to introduce gambling legislation for the next legislative session.

The legislation would allow locals to vote on a constitutional amendment that would usher in casino gaming, sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering. Beach said that the legalization of gambling could generate as much as $900 million in taxes annually. According to him, this money would support the state infrastructure, healthcare initiatives, education and gambling addiction treatment.

In addition, the legalization of sports betting would bring other benefits and will help the state attract major sporting events.

Beach clarified that he doesn’t want to create a Vegas Strip-style destination but rather to allow the creation of casino resorts that would attract tourists and create multiple new jobs. This format would also nurture the economy through non-gambling means since resorts usually sport many shops and restaurants.

The Senator also pointed out that Atlanta lacks nighttime activities, which is another thing that casino resorts could change.

Under Beach’s proposal, Georgian gambling would be regulated by a new commission under the Georgia Lottery Corporation. The Senator plans to propose his legislation on the first day of the 2024 legislative session. Beach also noted that dozens of states already allow betting, meaning that Georgia is missing out on millions of dollars in revenue.

Georgia Is Missing Out on Thousands of Dollars

The future of gambling in Georgia remains uncertain as opposition is still strong. Because of that, a previous effort to legalize betting was shut down by the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, preventing the measure from reaching voters.

Supporters of gambling have argued that thousands of dollars are drained from Georgia each weekend as gamblers visit Alabama and Mississippi to wager instead. According to proponents of the industry, legalizing gambling would allow Georgia to keep much of this money.

This was already proven in Nebraska as its fresh gambling industry allowed it to retain many customers who would previously go to gamble in Iowa. While this trend means bad news for Iowan casinos, it would allow Nebraska to remain competitive and channel consumers’ money toward its own economy.

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In a move aimed at revitalizing Ohio’s sports betting industry, State Senator Niraj Antani, a Miamisburg Republican eyeing a congressional run, has recently introduced legislation to significantly reduce the state tax imposed on sports betting operators. 

Senator Antani’s Bill 190 Ignites Controversy Over Ohio’s Sports Betting Revenue

The original tax rate on sports betting operators in Ohio was 10% when the state’s sports betting program kicked off on January 1 of this year. However, during the summer, lawmakers opted to double the tax rate through the state budget, a decision now being challenged by Senator Antani’s proposed legislation, reported Cleveland.com.

Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, had advocated for the tax hike, expressing concerns over what he deemed as excessive advertising by operators. He highlighted instances of regulatory fines levied against major players such as DraftKings and Barstool Sportsbook for violations, including mailing advertisements to individuals below the legal betting age and hosting events that ran afoul of advertising rules.

Since the introduction of the increased tax, Ohioans have wagered an impressive $5.2 billion on sports, with $4.5 billion returned as winnings. The tax hike has also prompted a cultural shift, with professional and collegiate leagues, as well as sports media, increasingly embracing legal sports betting.

Critics Sound Alarm as Ohio Weighs Impact of Senate Bill 190

The financial implications of Senate Bill 190 remain uncertain, with the Legislative Service Commission yet to provide a revenue estimate. However, the proposed tax cut raises questions about potential impacts on the state’s revenue, as Ohio has already collected nearly $102 million in tax revenue from sportsbooks between January and October.

Senator Antani criticized the decision to raise the sports betting tax through the budget, arguing that it negatively influences the emerging market. He contended that the increased tax not only affects sportsbooks but also trickles down to bettors through less favorable odds and fewer promotional offers.

Antani, however, was not the only critic. Other proponents argued that the higher tax may deter operators, making Ohio less attractive to the sports betting industry. Critics, including former Ohio Rep. Dann Dodd and Americans for Tax Reform, warned that the measure could drive existing brands out of the market, potentially leading to significant economic consequences for Ohio. 

As of March 2023, 29 states in the US have legalized sports betting, with tax rates generally falling between 10% and 15%. However, there is considerable variation, ranging from a low of 6.75% in Iowa to a high of 51% in Rhode Island, highlighting the ongoing debate over the optimal tax rate to balance industry growth and government revenue.

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The hearing between Andy Sanborn, the owner of the Concord Casino and former New Hampshire Senator, and the Lottery Commission was delayed for the second time recently. The latest delay comes after Sanborn’s defense claimed that he was too ill to effectively defend against the accusations that he spent COVID-19 relief funds for personal expenses.

As announced by The Concord Monitor, Sanborn’s lawyer, Zachary Hafer, recently confirmed that his client was very sick. “We’re also dealing with lots of medical appointments and side effects from medical appointments. I’d rather not get into the specific details, but he’s very sick, very, very sick,” he explained.

Additionally, Hafer pointed out that he was new to his client’s case and needed more time to familiarize himself with the details. He cited extensive information and documents that are tied to the investigation against his client, asking for a postponement of two months.

“We are asking for two months, which is about a quarter of the time that the investigation took. We think that’s really reasonable here. We think that it would afford a process in which we can defend these charges.“

Zachary Hafer, an attorney representing Andy Sanborn

The latest delay marks the second time the hearing between Sanborn and the Commission has been pushed back. The investigation against the former Senator comes ahead of his gaming operator license expiration set for December 31, 2023. According to the investigation against him, he was unsuitable to hold a license in New Hampshire. Even if Sanborn is found unsuitable to hold a license in the state after the hearing with the Commission, he may appeal that decision with the Supreme Court.

Using COVID Relief Funds for Personal Expenses

An eight-month-long investigation against the former Senator uncovered that he allegedly obtained $844,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds fraudulently. Accusations against him claim that the money was used for a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing expensive sports cars for himself and Laurie Sanborn, his wife. He allegedly concealed personal expenses as business transactions, transferring some $183,500 into his personal accounts.

The established regulations do not allow casinos to benefit from COVID relief funds. Yet, the investigation claims that Sanborn concealed the identity of his company and instead of Concord Casino, filed the application with the name Win Win Win LLC. According to the investigation, the activity of his business was described as miscellaneous.

The post Lottery Hearing Of Former NH Senator Accused of Fraud Delayed appeared first on Keno Wizard.

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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SBC Americas reported that this legislation would allow casinos and racetracks in Illinois to apply for an internet gaming license, which can include up to three skins. The license will cost $250,000 and will be regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.

The New Legislation Introduces a 15% Tax Rate

The new bill introduced by Sen. Castro stipulates that the tax rate on adjusted gross revenue would be set at 15%, and operators will also be able to deduct promotional credits. Unlike Illinois sports betting, there will be no in-person registration requirement for online casinos.

However, the legislation does address responsible gambling and diversity efforts. Operators must establish a self-exclusion list and display responsible gambling language on their websites. They will also need to provide annual reports on their diversity goals and progress.

The bill has also set out short deadlines for applicants, particularly those with existing interactive gaming licenses, to avoid the slow processes experienced by Massachusetts and Maryland in the sports betting industry.

Castro’s previous effort to legalize online casinos did not gain much traction, but with the continued success of sports betting in Illinois, lawmakers are now more open to expanding into the online gambling market.

Recent Report Showed Illinois Likely to Introduce Online Gambling

A recent report by Bonus.com revealed that Illinois may be among the states that legalize online gambling soon.

While the process of legalization may take some time, the benefits of a regulated gambling market are clear. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy, and the legalization of online gambling could provide a much-needed revenue stream. Moreover, the regulation would ensure player protection, as licensed operators must follow rules and honor self-exclusion, whereas illegal operators do not.

Despite a failed attempt to pass the Illinois Internet Gaming Act in 2021, the topic may be up for discussion once again this year. 

However, the introduction of internet casino gaming in Illinois may still face an uphill battle, as the state already receives a substantial amount of tax revenue from video gaming terminals (VGTs). In 2022, Illinois received nearly $786 million in taxes from VGT play, which is more than double the revenue from traditional casinos outside of sports wagering. 

Furthermore, with the approval of six new casino licenses in the 2019 gaming expansion bill, including a location in downtown Chicago, it is expected that these venues will be operational by 2023, either temporarily or permanently. The added competition from these new establishments could make it even harder for internet casino gaming to gain traction in Illinois.

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