Expansion of Gambling Activities at Hampton Beach Casino Secures Approval
Hampton Beach Casino Undergoes Major Redevelopment
The Hampton Beach Casino is set for a significant transformation, with plans to expand its charitable gaming space, introduce a hotel facility, and address regulatory considerations to comply with New Hampshire's gaming laws.
The redevelopment aims to enhance the visitor experience and boost local tourism by increasing the casino's gaming floor and adding a hotel component. The charitable gaming area will be expanded substantially to accommodate more patrons and events, reflecting a broader vision to transform the casino into a comprehensive entertainment and hospitality complex.
This redevelopment aligns with a wider trend in the region, where casino properties are investing in expanded facilities and multipurpose spaces to attract diverse audiences. Similar projects integrating hotels and larger event/convention spaces offer a full-service resort experience.
Developers are finalizing plans for the demolition and construction of a modern five- to six-story complex at the Hampton Beach Casino. The new complex will feature retail and commercial space, residential units, a parking garage, and a state-regulated charitable casino operating at a larger scale.
In a notable move, Bill O'Brien has added a condition requiring gaming revenue from the casino to prioritise charities in Hampton, Exeter, North Hampton, and Seabrook. Security personnel will also monitor the entrance to ensure only patrons aged 18 and older can enter. The gaming area will be located on Ashworth Avenue.
The expansion of the casino has been a topic of debate among board members. While some, like Aces and Eights, have contributed $250,000 to 82 local organisations, others, such as Zoning Board Chair Erica de Vries, have opposed the expansion. Erica de Vries has expressed concerns about the potential social costs of a larger gambling venue.
Ken Sheffert, however, has pointed to the limited number of charitable casinos in New Hampshire. In 2024, charitable gaming in New Hampshire generated over $39 million for nonprofits, highlighting the potential positive impact of the redeveloped casino.
As the redevelopment plans move forward, the Hampton Beach Casino is poised to become a major player in the region's entertainment and hospitality landscape.
The redevelopment of the Hampton Beach Casino includes an expansion of the charitable gaming area and the introduction of new casino games, transforming it into a more comprehensive casino complex. This new setup aims to attract various patrons and provide a full-service resort experience, following the trend observed in similar casino properties.
