Churchill Downs Incorporated has released new details about a major redevelopment project that will significantly expand its charitable gaming presence in Salem, New Hampshire. The Kentucky-based company plans to transform its existing Casino Salem location into a much larger destination known as Rockingham Grand Casino, marking one of the most substantial gaming investments in the state to date.
The current Casino Salem operates within 19,000 square feet at The Mall at Rockingham Park. Under the approved redevelopment plan, the property will expand to 160,000 square feet across three levels. Construction is scheduled with a targeted opening in mid-2027, and the company expects to commit between $180 million and $200 million to complete the project. The Salem Planning Board granted approval for the development plan in December.
Expanded Gaming, Entertainment, and Dining Plans
Once completed, Rockingham Grand Casino will include a broad range of gaming and entertainment offerings. The facility is designed to house 825 historical racing machines, 32 traditional table games, and 12 electronic table game seats. In addition to gaming, the casino will feature a live entertainment venue with seating for 900 guests, along with multiple food and beverage outlets. Planned dining concepts include a central bar and a full-service sports bar and restaurant.
The expanded casino will serve as a major anchor tenant for The Mall at Rockingham Park, which is the largest shopping mall in New Hampshire. The property also sits near Tuscan Village, a nearby mixed-use development that combines residential units, hotels, office space, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues. The proximity of these developments positions the casino within a broader commercial and leisure corridor in the Salem area.
Churchill Downs Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen said the company views the project as both an entertainment investment and a continuation of its charitable gaming mission in the state. “We are proud to officially begin our development of Rockingham Grand Casino in partnership with Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli,” Carstanjen said. “We look forward to contributing to New Hampshire’s charitable organizations while bringing outstanding entertainment experiences to our guests across the greater Boston region.”
New Hampshire’s Role in Churchill Downs’ Strategy
Casino Salem is one of several charitable gaming venues operating in New Hampshire, a market that allows casino-style wagering under a structure that benefits nonprofit organizations. Churchill Downs announced in July that it had reached an agreement to acquire a majority interest in the Salem venue, while local developers Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli retained ownership stakes.
Faro and Lupoli emphasized the local economic focus of the redevelopment as plans move forward. “We are excited to take the next step alongside our valued partners at Churchill Downs as we begin our journey to bring Rockingham Grand Casino to life,” they said. “We remain fully committed to strengthening our local economy through the creation of vibrant consumer destinations.”
Beyond the mall-based casino, Churchill Downs also operates Chasers Poker Room in Salem, which functions independently from Casino Salem. The company’s broader portfolio includes its flagship Kentucky Derby racetrack, along with regional gaming properties in states such as Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Industry observers note that New Hampshire presents opportunities for gaming operators, particularly through the expansion of historical racing machines, which can deliver strong returns within the state’s charitable gaming framework. While these venues resemble traditional casinos in terms of wagering and payouts, they operate under a model in which a charitable organization oversees gaming activity and contracts operational responsibilities to experienced gaming companies.
The redevelopment of Casino Salem into Rockingham Grand Casino reflects Churchill Downs’ continued investment in this model, as well as its intent to establish a larger footprint in the gaming market. With planning approvals secured and financing outlined, the project is positioned to become one of the most prominent entertainment developments in New Hampshire when it opens in 2027.
