New Hampshire Casino Owner Accused Of Covid Relief Fraud
$6,000 Welcome Bonus
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella announced that a casino owner in the state is in hot water.
Formella said that after an investigation, he found Win Win Win, LLC, doing business as “Concord Casino”, and its owner, former New Hampshire State Senator Anthony M. “Andy” Sanborn not suitable to be associated with charitable gaming in New Hampshire due to evidence of COVID-19 relief fraud involving Concord Casino’s charitable gaming business.
During a periodic, statutorily mandated suitability review of Concord Casino, the New Hampshire Department of Justice, together with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission’s Investigation and Compliance Division, found “compelling evidence” of COVID-19 relief fraud, as well as disguised purchases of personal luxury items using COVID-19 relief funds.
The investigation found evidence that Sanborn fraudulently applied for and received at least one Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), with loan proceeds of $844,000.
Furthermore, investigators obtained evidence indicating that after receiving those taxpayer dollars, Sanborn used them to purchase at least three race cars, two Porsche 987 Cayman S racers for his personal use, and a Ferrari F430 challenge racer as a gift for his wife, Representative Laurie Sanborn.
“This case highlights the importance of law enforcement’s role in keeping illegal activity out of New Hampshire’s charitable gaming industry,” said Attorney General Formella. “Our obligation to protect the public demands that we take action against any person who is found to have used their regulated casino to enrich themselves with fraudulently obtained taxpayer funds.”
The Attorney General’s determination now triggers administrative action by the Lottery Commission that could result in Concord Casino’s loss of its facilities license and game operator employer license.
The Attorney General has also made a criminal referral to the United States Attorney’s Office – District of New Hampshire. The Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau has opened a criminal investigation, including a review by the Public Integrity Unit of the actions of all of the individuals and entities involved.
