Cordish Casino Challenges New Hampshire’s iGaming Prospects

The push for online casinos in New Hampshire has long been seen as a viable next step for iGaming advocates. With neighboring states like Connecticut and Rhode Island already adopting online gaming, many had pegged the Granite State as the next contender in the growing digital gambling landscape. However, the arrival of one of the industry's most influential opponents—Cordish Companies—may have just altered the trajectory of iGaming legislation in New Hampshire.

Cordish Companies, known for its Live! Casino brand, has recently secured approval to build a massive $200 million casino in Salem, New Hampshire. The project, Live! Casino Salem, is slated to open in 2025 and will feature 900 historical horse racing machines, alongside over 40 table games. The casino is expected to inject an impressive $128 million into the region’s economy annually, giving Cordish a strong foothold in New Hampshire’s gaming market.

This development is not only a significant investment but also a strategic move that could influence the state’s gambling policies. With such a substantial stake in New Hampshire’s gaming future, Cordish now stands as a powerful adversary to the online casino efforts that had gained traction in the state in recent years. Previously, New Hampshire had been a strong candidate for legalizing online casinos, especially after the New Hampshire Senate passed an iGaming bill in 2023. However, the bill ultimately stalled in the House, and with the advent of Cordish’s casino project, the landscape has shifted considerably.

 

The Path to Legalized iGaming in New Hampshire: A Rocky Road

In 2023, New Hampshire’s Senate passed an online casino bill that would have channeled iGaming revenues into the state’s community college fund, with a minimum gambling age set at 18. Supporters were optimistic about the bill’s chances, with many viewing the state as ripe for iGaming. Other New England states had already legalized online casinos, further suggesting that New Hampshire could follow suit.

Sen. Timothy Lang, the bill's sponsor, has made it clear that he intends to push for another attempt during the 2025 legislative session, which begins in January. Yet, the entry of Cordish Companies into the New Hampshire market casts doubt on the bill’s prospects. The casino giant’s lobbying power and opposition to online gambling have already been proven in other states, making them a formidable obstacle for online casino advocates in New Hampshire.

Cordish Companies’ track record speaks volumes about its stance on iGaming. In Maryland, for example, the company played a pivotal role in derailing a 2023 iGaming bill. Despite support from most of the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos, Cordish’s opposition proved decisive in halting House Bill 1319. The company’s executives publicly testified against the bill, citing concerns about job losses, reduced economic investment, and the potential negative impact on casino revenues. Mark Stewart, executive vice president of Cordish, emphasized the company’s belief that iGaming would harm the state’s casinos and communities, even though it could benefit their bottom line.

Their testimony highlighted fears of “cannibalization,” where online gaming would siphon revenue away from physical casinos, affecting jobs and local businesses. Cordish’s influence in Maryland is a clear example of how deeply the company opposes online gambling expansion, making it an important player in New Hampshire’s ongoing iGaming debate. Cordish Companies is not alone in its opposition to iGaming in New Hampshire. The state’s 14 charitable gaming facilities have also expressed concerns about the impact of online casinos on their operations. These facilities, which offer card games and other casino-style gaming, are required by law to donate 35% of their revenue to charity. In 2023, several of these charities voiced concerns that iGaming would divert essential funds from their causes.

For example, Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County, which relies on charitable gaming for approximately $1.2 million annually, warned that reduced casino revenue would lead to fewer meals served and potential layoffs. The New Hampshire Historical Society also receives significant funding from charitable gaming, with up to 25% of its budget coming from casino donations. If iGaming were legalized, these charities fear a sharp decline in funding, which could have dire consequences for their operations.

 

Despite our potential financial gain, we are asking you not to do iGaming, and that should speak volumes.

 

A Shifting Landscape Ahead of 2025

With Cordish Companies now a major player in New Hampshire’s casino scene, the state’s iGaming advocates face an uphill battle. The company’s strong opposition, coupled with the resistance from charitable gaming entities, creates a complex landscape for any future online casino legislation. While the state’s legislature has shown openness to iGaming in the past, the 2025 session may reveal just how much influence Cordish and other stakeholders will have in shaping the state’s gambling future.

While the path to legalized online casinos in New Hampshire is not entirely blocked, it is undoubtedly more uncertain. The economic clout of Cordish’s new casino, combined with the concerns of local charities and casinos, could stall iGaming efforts for years to come. As the 2025 legislative session looms, one thing is clear: the push for iGaming in New Hampshire is far from certain, and its opponents have gained a powerful ally.