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Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) is investing $180–$200 million to transform Casino Salem into the new Rockingham Grand Casino in Salem, N.H., as the state’s gaming industry undergoes significant legislative and regulatory shifts.
From racetrack to casino: A nod to Rockingham Park history
Churchill Downs’ three‑story, 160,000‑square‑foot casino will feature:
- 825 historical racing machines
- 32 table games, and 12 electronic table games
- Multiple restaurants
- A 900‑seat live music venue.
The property, at The Mall at Rockingham Park, will be rebranded to honor the iconic Rockingham Park racetrack.
The company completed its majority acquisition of the facility in 2025 and received local planning approval in December, targeting a mid‑2027 opening. CDI is partnering with local developers Sal Lupoli and Joe Faro.
New Hampshire’s gambling laws evolve
New Hampshire has been reshaping its gambling landscape:
Elimination of machine caps and expansion of gaming options under recent legislation allow unlimited VLTs and high‑stakes games, boosting revenue potential for large venues like Rockingham.
A House bill to introduce slot machines in charitable casinos was recently defeated, signaling ongoing debate about how far expansion should go.
Lawmakers are debating the legalization of online casinos, including a proposal with an unusually low gambling age, and politically charged measures to restrict charitable beneficiaries tied to abortion services.
Churchill Downs’ expansion reflects growing gaming revenues
The casino aims to attract guests from the Boston region and contribute funds to New Hampshire charities, consistent with the state’s unique charitable gaming model.
CDI’s expansion comes as the company reports strong financial performance, reflecting broader growth in gaming operations.
A transformative era for New Hampshire casinos
The Rockingham Grand Casino project is more than a standalone development — it is part of a transformative period in New Hampshire’s gambling industry, marked by regulatory modernization, political debate and evolving economic strategy. As lawmakers continue to shape the industry’s future — from machine limits to online gaming — the impact of large‑scale casinos will remain a central issue in the Granite State
