Salem's planning board has approved a new charitable gaming venue at The Mall at Rockingham Park, converting a former Lord & Taylor store into a $160 million casino complex.

The Live! Casino, approved by a 5-2 vote, will feature:

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

Expected to open in 2025, the facility will generate approximately $31 million annually for New Hampshire and approved charities while creating over 700 permanent jobs. Future plans may include a hotel addition.

Some local property owners raised concerns about public safety, traffic impact, lighting, and pedestrian access. However, Town Council Chair Joe Sweeney noted strong community support, referencing a decade-old town vote favoring such development.

The project developers include Joe Faro, Sal Lupoli, and the Cordish Companies, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2024.

In related news, Nashua, New Hampshire, will soon welcome The Nash Casino at Pheasant Lane Mall, featuring over 1,000 historic horse race machines and multiple table games in a former Sears location. ECL Entertainment and Clairvest are developing this separate project.

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