New Hampshire Court Revokes Casino Owner License
The Supreme Court affirms the revocation of Andy Sanborn’s gaming license following a federal fraud conviction.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Gambling
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The New Hampshire Supreme Court has officially upheld the 2024 revocation of Andy Sanborn's casino gaming license. The decision follows his July 2026 guilty plea to federal fraud charges involving the misuse of pandemic relief funds.
Why it matters
The ruling marks a definitive end to the licensure battle and creates significant uncertainty for the future of Sanborn's Concord casino operations. The decision jeopardizes a previously reported $30 million deal to sell the establishment.
The license revocation stems from the misuse of $844,000 in federal pandemic aid. The court decision now impacts a reported $30 million sale agreement for the Concord gaming venue.
The players
Andy Sanborn
He is a casino operator and former state official who faced legal scrutiny over the management of federal aid funds.
New Hampshire Supreme Court
This is the highest judicial body in the state responsible for final rulings on legal disputes and license revocations.
New Hampshire Attorney General's office
The state agency responsible for initiating investigations into legal compliance and overseeing the prosecution of state-level fraud charges.
The details
The state Attorney General's office initiated an investigation into the loan usage in 2023, eventually leading to the initial license revocation in 2024. Sanborn also faces separate, pending state-level charges regarding the alleged defrauding of a pandemic assistance program.
Timeline
The New Hampshire Attorney General began investigating the loan usage in 2023.
A state court initially ruled to revoke the gaming license in 2024.
Andy Sanborn pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges in July 2026.
The New Hampshire Supreme Court issued its ruling on October 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
The revocation of a gaming license for violating Paycheck Protection Program federal fraud guidelines highlights the severe regulatory consequences for businesses that misuse pandemic relief funding. It marks a broader societal push to hold local entities accountable for the misuse of public crisis aid.
Residents and patrons in Concord may see changes to the operation or potential closure of the casino facility following the loss of its gaming license. The future of the business remains uncertain as the $30 million sale deal is now in jeopardy due to the court ruling.
The takeaway
This case serves as a stark reminder of the long-term legal and financial repercussions associated with the misuse of government pandemic relief programs. Owners of regulated businesses should prioritize transparency and strict compliance with federal oversight requirements.
What happens next
Sanborn is expected to face a sentencing hearing for his federal fraud charges.
Further reading
Learn more about local Gambling regulations and industry standards.
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