Salem's planning board has approved a new charitable gaming facility at The Mall at Rockingham Park in New Hampshire. The $160M Live! Casino will occupy a former Lord & Taylor store location.

The approved facility will feature:

• 900 historic racing machines
• 40 gaming tables
• Movie theater
• Sports lounge
• Golf simulators
• Retail shops
• Restaurants and bars
• Live entertainment space

Construction is expected to begin in early 2024, with opening planned for 2025. The project developers include Joe Faro, Sal Lupoli, and the Cordish Companies. Future plans may include adding a hotel to the complex.

The casino is projected to generate $31M annually for New Hampshire and approved charities, while creating over 700 permanent jobs.

Some local concerns were raised during the approval process, including:

• Traffic impact
• Public safety
• Lighting effects
• Pedestrian and cyclist safety
• Previous deed restrictions on gambling

Despite these concerns, the project received strong public support, with Salem Town Council Chair Joe Sweeney noting that residents voted in favor of such a facility ten years ago.

In related news, Nashua, New Hampshire, is also preparing to open The Nash Casino at Pheasant Lane Mall. This facility will feature over 1,000 historic horse race machines and multiple table games in a 180,000-square-foot former Sears location. ECL Entertainment and Clairvest are developing this project.

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