Churchill Downs has revealed plans to transform its Casino Salem in New Hampshire into the expansive Rockingham Grand Casino. The new 160,000sqft gaming venue will boast 825 historical racing machines, 32 table games and 12 electronic table game seats across three floors.
Additional features include a 900-seat live entertainment venue and various dining options. Planning Board approval was secured in December, with $180-200m earmarked for development, aiming for completion by mid-2027. Strategically located at The Mall at Rockingham Park, the casino will sit near the Tuscan Village mixed-use development.
Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs, expressed pride in partnering with Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli, prominent New England real estate figures, for this venture.
This project marks a significant expansion from the existing 19,000sqft Casino Salem, aligning with Churchill Downs’ broader strategy to grow its gaming operations beyond its renowned Kentucky Derby roots. The partnership is poised to attract visitors from the greater Boston area and contribute to New Hampshire’s charitable efforts.
Churchill Downs has reported exceptional Q3 2025 results, surpassing expectations with earnings per share of $1.09 against a forecast of $0.97. Revenue hit $683m, also exceeding predictions, indicating a 12.37% earnings surprise and an 11% year-over-year EBITDA increase.
These developments underscore Churchill Downs’ robust financial standing and strategic expansion, as it continues to capitalise on growth opportunities in the gaming sector.
