Casino Salem Opens After Phase One Complete In New Hampshire

Photo: Shari Small/WBZ NewsRadio

SALEM, N.H. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Residents gathered in excitement and anticipation outside a new casino in Salem, New Hampshire.

"I'm glad it's in New Hampshire. I don't have to drive to Connecticut anymore, it's wonderful," Nancy of Manchester, N.H., said. 

Casino Salem, located in The Mall of Rockingham Park, is being built in three phases. The recently completed phase one includes live poker, slot machines, traditional table and card games, food service, and a full bar. 

"When we're all said and done, we'll be somewhere in the neighborhood of about a thousand slot machines, about 35 to 40 tables, plus a twenty-something table poker room in the final phases. Plus a couple of restaurants and a feature center bar, entertainment stage," Rob Norton, president of Cordish Gaming Group, said.

According to New Hampshire charitable gaming laws, a portion of the casino's revenue must be allocated toward local charities. Developers predict the casino will generate more than $121 million for charitable organizations during its first 10 years of operation while also creating employment opportunities and increasing foot traffic. 

"It's really about getting us up and operating, generating the jobs, generating the economic benefit while we continue to build and expand into the future," Norton remarked.

Once complete, the casino will feature 900 racing machines, 40 gambling tables, a sports lounge, special event space, and golf simulators. But even with all the fanfare and innovation, some attendees don't plan on veering too far away from their usual routines.

"I just like the slot machines, the old-fashioned slot machines," one local said. 

WBZ NewsRadio’s Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports.

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