Churchill Downs Set to Secure Larger Roles at New Hampshire's Casino Properties
Churchill Downs Acquires Majority Interest in Casino Salem
Churchill Downs, a leading gaming and entertainment company, has announced plans to acquire a majority equity interest in Casino Salem, a charitable gaming venue located in New Hampshire. The acquisition, which is expected to close in the current quarter, will position Churchill Downs to develop a regional gaming and entertainment destination in New England, near Boston.
Casino Salem, which opened last week, offers charitable gaming, differentiating it from traditional casino wagering. The venue currently operates approximately 100 Historical Horse Racing Machines (HRMs) and 13 live table games. Churchill Downs plans to expand the facility in the coming months, including a rebranding, expansion of the gaming floor, and the addition of several food and beverage concepts.
The acquisition of Casino Salem represents Churchill Downs capitalizing on a charitable gaming opportunity in New Hampshire. This move aligns with the company's growth strategy, enhancing its operational control over a facility already generating revenue, expanding its presence in a competitive landscape, and supporting charitable organizations statewide.
Strategically, the investment taps into the increasing demand for socially supported charitable gaming establishments and entertainment venues. The location at The Mall at Rockingham Park is expected to draw patrons from across the growing New England market. Churchill Downs' partnership with experienced local developers Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli maintains regional expertise and ensures continuity in project vision and execution.
From a market perspective, the acquisition aligns with Churchill Downs’ growth strategy by supporting long-term sustainable growth. It provides an opportunity to mitigate some of the loss from the Louisiana Supreme Court ruling that forced the removal of HRMs in that state. The acquisition must be approved by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.
The broader investment potential lies in Churchill Downs’ ability to transform Casino Salem into a premier regional gaming and entertainment hub. This could solidify the company’s position in New England’s expanding gaming market while generating broader economic benefits, including boosting tourism, creating jobs, and increasing foot traffic in the surrounding area.
Casino Salem is one of several charitable gaming venues located in New Hampshire. Churchill Downs already has another New Hampshire venue - Chasers Poker Room, also in Salem. This property will continue to be run independently of Casino Salem.
In summary, the acquisition of Casino Salem offers Churchill Downs the opportunity to expand its footprint in the charitable gaming sector, leveraging the current operations while planning a phased expansion. This move aligns with the company’s broader investment thesis for its New Hampshire assets, often overlooked compared to its Kentucky, Indiana, and Virginia gaming venues.
[1] Churchill Downs Inc. (2025). Press Release: Churchill Downs to Acquire Majority Equity Interest in Casino Salem. Retrieved from https://ir.churchilldownsinc.com/news-releases/news-release-details/churchill-downs-acquire-majority-equity-interest-casino-salem [2] New Hampshire Lottery Commission. (n.d.). Casino Salem. Retrieved from https://www.nh.gov/lottery/charitable-gaming/casino-salem.htm [3] New Hampshire Business Review. (2025). Churchill Downs to Acquire Majority Interest in Casino Salem. Retrieved from https://www.nhbr.com/news/2025/07/14/churchill-downs-to-acquire-majority-interest-in-casino-salem/
- The acquisition of Casino Salem by Churchill Downs, a significant player in the finance, banking-and-insurance, and casino-and-gambling industries, signifies a strategic move to develop a regional news-worthy gaming and entertainment destination in New England.
- As Churchill Downs expands the facility, it plans to cater to its diverse clientele with casino-games and various food and beverage concepts, further enhancing the regional casino-culture.
- This merger and acquisitions deal aligns with Churchill Downs' industry-wide growth strategy, securing the company's stance while supporting charitable organizations in the region.
- The investment in Casino Salem reflects a response to the increasing demand for socially backed charitable gaming establishments and entertainment venues.
- The long-term sustainable growth this acquisition supports serves multiple purposes, including mitigating losses due to the Louisiana Supreme Court ruling and solidifying Churchill Downs' position in New England's burgeoning regional news landscape.
