The Legal Tangle Over Andy Sanborn’s Casino Sale: A Race Against Time

In the murky waters of New Hampshire’s gaming industry, former state senator Andy Sanborn finds himself in a dramatic legal battle over his casino license. With hopes of selling the Concord Casino slipping away, Sanborn is racing against a ticking clock as he navigates a complex web of legal disputes, state objections, and looming deadlines. This article delves into the intricacies of Sanborn’s situation, marked by allegations, legal maneuvering, and unanswered questions.

Background: The Casino License Controversy

Sanborn’s troubles in the gaming arena stem from allegations of pandemic aid fraud involving nearly $844,000. This controversial claim has sparked a lengthy investigation by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, leading to a review of his gaming license. The state contends that he misappropriated funds that were intended to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the state has sought to revoke Sanborn’s gaming license, setting off a series of legal challenges that have extended over the past 13 months.

The Pursuit of a Timely Sale

At the heart of Sanborn’s current dilemma is a critical deadline imposed by the state: he must sell Concord Casino or risk losing his gaming license for two years. Initially, Sanborn was required to finalize a sale by June. Following a request for an extension, he was granted an additional three months—until September—under the condition that a buyer was lined up and ready to close the deal. However, state objections have bogged down this process and thrown new obstacles in his path.

In a recent filing, Senior Attorney General Jessica King argued that the presiding judge had made an error by granting Sanborn more time to transact a sale when he ostensibly lacked the authority to do so. This dispute has become a critical point of contention and highlights the strategic complexities facing both Sanborn and the state.

The State’s Suitability Review

One of the most significant hurdles is the state’s suitability review of Sanborn’s potential buyer. The New Hampshire Lottery Commission has conveyed that it finalized its assessment and sent the findings to the Attorney General’s Office for further review. However, the timing of this review remains uncertain, leaving Sanborn in a state of limbo. If the state denies Sanborn’s buyer a gaming license, the deal would collapse, resulting in the potential revocation of Sanborn’s own license.

Sanborn’s contention is that the state review process is taking longer than promised. In light of this uncertainty, Sanborn’s team has argued for a more expedited resolution, claiming that clarity from the Attorney General’s Office would significantly benefit not just him, but also taxpayers who have stakes in the casino operations.

Legal Maneuvers and New Developments

Sanborn’s legal team, composed of attorneys Zachary Hafer and Adam Katz, has sought a rehearing to challenge several aspects of the orders issued by the administrative law judge. This maneuver aims to prolong the timeline for Sanborn’s potential sale and maintain his gaming license, keeping the possibility of a future transaction alive. They assert that a successful sale would not only benefit Sanborn but also the charities that rely on funds generated by charitable gaming at Concord Casino.

Amidst this legal wrangling, the Attorney General’s Office is simultaneously advancing a criminal investigation regarding the alleged misuse of pandemic funds. Sanborn’s attorneys are contesting this investigation in superior court, arguing that improper procedures were followed, thus undermining the integrity of the investigation.

The Clock Continues to Tick

With the legal landscape shifting rapidly, both parties have until a Friday deadline to address the administrative law judge’s order. The stakes are high, as failure to finalize a sale could lead to significant consequences for Sanborn, including the revocation of his gaming license for two years—essentially eliminating the primary incentive for prospective buyers.

As it stands, the future of Andy Sanborn’s casino remains uncertain. With ongoing investigations, legal challenges, and a critical deadline looming, both he and the state must strategize carefully if they hope to navigate this intricate web of legalities successfully. The outcome of this clash could redefine not only Sanborn’s career but the landscape of gaming in New Hampshire itself.

In a world where time is of the essence, all eyes will remain glued to the unfolding saga surrounding Concord Casino, a microcosm of broader issues related to accountability, governance, and the intersection of business and politics.