New Hampshire hearing on embattled casino owner ends
The final debate Tuesday is whether New Hampshire casino owners can keep their nonprofit gaming licenses. At issue is whether former state Sen. Andy Sanborn can retain the Concord casino license.
The decision was made by Department of Security Hearing Officer Michael King, who is expected to issue a ruling later this month. He will consider the arguments and evidence presented this week.
State officials have accused Sanborn of fraud, saying he misused part of $844,000 in federal COVID relief loans. Sanborn's attorney saw it differently.
"Mr. King, there's a big difference between intentional misconduct and error or negligence," Sanborn's attorney, Zachary Haver, argued at the hearing. He noted that Sanborn hired a consultant to help him fill out the loan application.
On Monday, New Hampshire Lottery Commission auditor Leila McDonald testified against Sanborn, saying his financial records were "sloppy at best," the Associated Press reported.
Sanborn is accused of using $181,000 of the relief money to buy two Porsche race cars and $80,000 to buy a Ferrari for his wife, Rep. Laurie Sanborn, officials said. Officials also said he spent more than $183,000 on rent.
Beyond normal measurement values
McDonough said the problem at the casino was "extraordinary" and she shouldn't have been counting the money, the New Hampshire State Journal reported.
How can you conduct an audit that includes cash if you are not allowed to count cash? "Ultimately, you have to assume the cash doesn't exist because you're not allowed to see it or count it," McDonough asked at the hearing, according to the Wall Street Journal. "
Casinos also should not be eligible for COVID-19 relief loans. But Sanborn made no mention of this being his business.
Sanborn and his wife did not attend this week's hearing. They were at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a hospital in Boston, according to his attorney. He was reportedly unable to participate in some negotiations due to illness.
Warning Letter
Additionally, New Hampshire television station WMUR reported this week that documents obtained from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission show the gaming company received nearly 12 warning letters and nearly 30 violation enforcement forms between 2019 and 2023.
These violations included conducting promotions that were not approved by the Commission, reducing the casino tournament prize pool from the advertised $700 to $300, and donating charitable funds to charities that did not have a current license or valid license. ” According to WMUR.
Sanborn's gaming license at the Concord casino is set to expire on Dec. 31. He also attempted to open a second casino in Concord.
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Source: www.casino.org
