Churchill Downs unveils $180–200M Rockingham Grand Casino project in Salem, NH
Churchill Downs Incorporated announced plans to transform Casino Salem into the Rockingham Grand Casino in Salem, New Hampshire
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has announced an ambitious $180–200 million redevelopment project to expand its gaming footprint in New Hampshire, transforming the existing Casino Salem facility into a much larger integrated entertainment venue called Rockingham Grand Casino.
The project received approval from the Salem Planning Board in December and marks one of the most substantial casino expansions in the region in years, positioning the new venue as a major entertainment destination serving both local residents and visitors from the greater Boston area.
Rockingham Grand Casino: Features and Vision
The redevelopment will see the current 19,000-square-foot Casino Salem grow to a 160,000-square-foot facility spread over three floors, offering a significant upgrade in both scale and amenities.
Highlights of the expanded Rockingham Grand Casino include:
- 825 historical racing machines, offering a variety of gaming options.
- 32 traditional table games and 12 electronic table game seats.
- A 900-seat live entertainment venue for concerts and performances.
- Multiple food and beverage concepts, including a center bar, a full-service restaurant, and a sports bar.
These additions are designed to appeal to a broad range of gaming and entertainment patrons, expanding beyond traditional charitable gaming into a full-service casino experience.
Churchill Downs is partnering with Joe Faro of Tuscan Brands and Sal Lupoli of the Lupoli Companies, both prominent New England real estate developers, on the project.
Together, they hope to integrate the casino with local dining, retail, and entertainment into a cohesive destination near Tuscan Village, a mixed-use area with shopping, hotels, residences, and more.
Strategic Importance and Local Impact
Originally acquired as a charitable gaming facility, Casino Salem has been part of Churchill Downs’ broader strategic expansion into regional gaming markets beyond its historical horse racing roots. CDI’s growth in New Hampshire builds on its earlier acquisition of a majority stake in the property, which included plans for expansion and rebranding.
The sheer scale of the project, expanding physically and in terms of entertainment offerings, signals confidence in the New England gaming market. With a targeted opening in mid-2027, Rockingham Grand Casino aims to attract visitors from both the local area and nearby densely populated urban centers.
The venture is also expected to generate jobs in construction, hospitality and gaming operations, and contribute tax and charitable revenue back into the Salem community and surrounding jurisdictions.
What’s Next for the Project
With planning board approval secured, the next phases include finalizing construction permits, laying out detailed interior design plans, and coordinating the build-out. Churchill Downs has said it expects construction to take roughly 18–24 months, with operations slated to begin mid-2027.
Regulatory compliance, workforce hiring and vendor partnerships will all be key elements as the company moves from planning into execution.
A Major Expansion for Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs’ planned investment in Rockingham Grand Casino underscores the company’s continued shift toward broader gaming and entertainment operations across the U.S., beyond its iconic Kentucky Derby heritage.
By transforming Casino Salem into a multi-level gaming and entertainment hub, CDI is betting on regionally focused casino resorts as an engine of growth.
With hundreds of machines, table games, and a large live venue under one roof, Rockingham Grand Casino is poised to become a flagship destination for gaming and leisure in New England by mid-2027.
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