Churchill Downs Unveils Plans for $200m Casino Redevelopment in New Hampshire
Churchill Downs Incorporated said it will redevelop its Salem, New Hampshire, charitable gaming facility into Rockingham Grand Casino.
Key Takeaways:
- Churchill Downs announces a $180–$200 million redevelopment of the Salem gaming facility into Rockingham Grand Casino
- The three-floor, 160,000-square-foot venue will feature expanded gaming, a 900-seat entertainment space, and multiple food and beverage options
- Project approval received, with opening targeted for mid-2027, aiming to attract Boston-area patrons and complement local retail hubs
The renovation will include a three-floor, 160,000-square-foot venue with expanded gaming, a 900-seat entertainment venue, and multiple F&B concepts, and expects to open mid-2027 with a $180–$200 million capital outlay.
“We are proud to officially begin our development of Rockingham Grand Casino in partnership with Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli,” said Bill Carstanjen, chief executive officer of CDI, in the company’s announcement.
The company said the project received Salem Planning Board approval in December and will anchor The Mall at Rockingham Park, positioned to draw patrons from the greater Boston market and to sit adjacent to Tuscan Village.
Redevelopment Deal Keeps Local Leadership in Place
Local partners Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli will retain minority interests and continue to lead on-site operations, consistent with earlier filings that recorded CDI’s acquisition of a majority stake in July and a closing in August 2025.
The deal was financed using CDI’s credit facility and was presented as both a revenue-generating expansion and a charitable-giving vehicle. The Eagle Tribune highlighted a $180 million price tag for the majority stake and projected amenities beyond gaming, including event space and hospitality components that aim to broaden non-gaming revenue.
