Churchill Downs Plans $200 Million Casino Expansion In Salem
Churchill Downs Incorporated plans to invest $200 million in the redevelopment of its Casino Salem property in New Hampshire, transforming it into a significantly larger casino and entertainment center.
The project represents a major expansion of the company’s casino footprint across New England.
The Rockingham Grand Casino will span up to 160,000 square feet, replacing the existing 19,000-square-foot Casino Salem facility.
Once completed, it will rank among New Hampshire’s largest charitable gaming projects and will incorporate substantial upgrades to current casino operations.
The new venue will feature 825 historical racing machines and 32 table games, including 12 electronic table game player positions.
It will also include a 900-seat concert and event space, along with multiple food and beverage offerings such as a main bar and a full-service sports bar and restaurant.
The development is designed to function as a full-scale entertainment complex rather than solely a gaming venue.
Rockingham Grand Casino will be constructed within the Mall at Rockingham Park, currently the largest shopping mall in New Hampshire.
The location places the casino adjacent to Tuscan Village, a mixed-use retail, dining, residential and office development.
The casino is expected to draw customers primarily from southern New Hampshire and the greater Boston area.
The Salem Planning Board approved Churchill Downs’ development plan on December 7, 2022.
Following that approval, the company is preparing to begin construction on the new casino, with total capital investment estimated between $180m and $200m. The property is expected to open by mid-2027.
Looking For An Online Casino? Check Out Our Latest Reviews!
The redevelopment supports Churchill Downs’ broader strategy of expanding its regional gaming business to complement its racing operations.
Best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, the company has steadily grown its national gaming portfolio through acquisitions, redevelopments, and new projects.
New Hampshire’s charitable gaming model, which applies to Casino Salem, directs a portion of casino proceeds to local charitable organizations.
Larger-scale facilities are expected to generate increased charitable contributions while also supporting job creation and broader economic growth in the surrounding community.
Churchill Downs is partnering with experienced New England developers Joe Faro of Tuscan Brands and Sal Lupoli of Lupoli Companies, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in hospitality, real estate, and mixed-use developments.
While You Are Here, Why Not Check Out Our: Casino Games Hub & Free Slots?
Project partners believe the casino will help stimulate the local economy and create a vibrant destination that complements nearby developments.
The casino announcement follows a period of solid financial performance for Churchill Downs, with the company delivering continued EBITDA growth despite broader market volatility and a decline in its share price over the past year.
Analysts have largely maintained a positive outlook on the stock, citing the company’s diversified business model and strong pipeline of development opportunities.
Once all required permits are secured, Rockingham Grand Casino is expected to become a key entertainment anchor in Salem and a central component of Churchill Downs’ long-term development strategy in the Northeast.
