Summary:
- The new venue will include historic horse racing machines.
- City zoning allows for games of chance.
- Plans have been submitted to the city for consideration.
A new casino gaming venue is hopefully coming to New Hampshire. ECL Entertainment and Clairvest are two companies that purchased the Lucky Moose Casino and Tavern and the River Casino & Sports Bar in New Hampshire. The operator plans to use the license to offer a gaming hall at the Pheasant Lane Mall.
Details on the Proposed Venue
The Pheasant Lane Mall has a vacant building that will work perfectly for the gaming venue if the operator can gain city approval. The Sears store has sat empty for three years after closing in 2020. It originally opened in 1986.
The property would be used to create a gaming hall with historic horse racing machines. The state approved this type of gaming in 2021. The operator plans to dub the new facility “The Mint” and has submitted plans to the city. Floor plans indicate that the gaming hall would include titles on two floors. However, other retailers would also be able to rent out space.
The city zoning laws allow for games of chance within the mall property. The planning board of the city will hear the proposal in early August.
More Information on the Project
In a memo to the planning board, Deputy Planning Manager Linda McGhee stated that the companies do not plan on changing the exterior of the building. They want to use each level of the former store to provide gaming options.
The plans include various gaming options, slots, and poker. Food and beverage options would also be offered to guests. The plans indicate the casino wants to house 1,200 slots and 62 table games. They would also like to add 300 more reeled machines in the future.
Traffic to the mall is expected to increase if the casino’s plans are approved. Officials expect it to be similar to what it was when Sears was in business. However, it does seem that more people would be interested in a casino than the Sears department store.
Officials in public works would like to see the intersection that enters the mall to be reconstructed to better deal with traffic. An increase in traffic is generally a concern when a new casino comes into an area, especially if it is near residential homes.
It will be interesting to see if any locals come out in support or against the project. The plans were just announced, so we should know the locals’ feelings in the next few days.
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