Churchill Downs acquires majority interest in N.H. casino
Churchill Downs Inc. signed definitive agreements to acquire a majority interest in Casino Salem in Salem, N.H. Under the agreement, Churchill Downs gained the right to develop a charitable gaming, entertainment and dining destination featuring historical horse racing machines.
Casino Salem is located at the Mall at Rockingham Park, near the land on which the former Rockingham Park racetrack once stood. It is about 30 minutes from downtown Boston. Prominent local developers Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli will maintain ownership in Casino Salem.
The initial phase of Casino Salem opened on July 9 with about 100 historical racing machines and 13 live table games. Over the coming months, Churchill Downs intends to finalize plans and begin construction. Plans include a rebranding of the venue, an expansion of the gaming floor and several food and beverage concepts.
“New Hampshire is an exciting opportunity, and this transaction, and our new partnership with Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli, allows us to develop a regional destination to draw patrons to Salem from across the growing New England market,” CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen said. “We look forward to sharing more about our plans to build an expanded, state-of-the-art gaming and entertainment facility in Salem and to support charitable organizations throughout New Hampshire.”
The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2025. Separately from Casino Salem, Churchill Downs will continue to operate its Chasers Poker Room in Salem.