Last updated: December 13, 2024
City leaders in Lawrence, Massachusetts have voiced strong opposition to the newly approved charitable casino in Salem, New Hampshire, citing concerns about social issues such as gambling addiction, poverty, and domestic violence.
The city council in Lawrence, Massachusetts has expressed concerns that the recently-approved gaming property in neighboring Salem, New Hampshire could result in drugs, poverty, and sex trafficking.
The charitable casino is to be located in a former Lord & Taylor store at The Mall at Rockingham Park. The proposal was approved last month by Salem’s Planning Board.
However, Lawrence City Council passed a resolution against the proposal unanimously before the vote of the Salem Planning Board.
A resolution by the Lawrence City Council said the business model for the proposed Rockingham Mall casino relies heavily on targeting the financial desperation of Lawrence’s low-income workers, elderly and disabled,” according to Boston TV station WBTS.
But many of these vulnerable city residents “will be induced with free bets and other bonuses to drive to the casino four to five times a week,” the statement continued. “This life-changing addiction induces a level of human misery that is rarely matched, including significant increases in rates of personal bankruptcy, divorce, domestic violence, and gambling addiction, which has the highest rate of suicide among all addictions.”
This new casino is located approximately 6.6 miles from Lawrence, Massachusetts.
When completed next year, the $160M Live! Casino will host more than 900 historical horse racing machines, some 40 tables, a sports lounge, restaurants, and a bar. A hotel could be added later.
There were different matters that lingered on regarding the project according to Amy Manzelli, an attorney for the owners of adjacent property Jamie and Chris Cummings, at the Salem Planning Board meeting.
Other issues Manzelli brought forward include public safety, impacts on traffic, impacts on lighting, and additional impacts on pedestrians/bicyclists. Other issues forwarded relate to a deed restriction previously placed that bars gaming at the site.
However, a great majority of the audience that entered expressed support for it.
Ten years ago, the town voted in favor of bringing this type of facility to the community, said Salem Town Council Chair Joe Sweeney. This is an exciting moment and something that the town has desired for some time. This represents a positive development, and I am in support of it.
The last Lord & Taylor store on the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border had not been occupied since 2020. Current projections estimate that the casino will generate around $31 million annually for the state of New Hampshire and approved charities. Over 700 permanent jobs will be created as well when it is opened. The project includes developers such as Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli, along with the Cordish Companies.
