Churchill Downs has released new development plans for its Casino Salem charitable gaming facility in New Hampshire, expected to undergo an official rebrand and debut as Rockingham Grand Casino by mid-2027.
“We are proud to officially begin our development of Rockingham Grand Casino in partnership with Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli,” Churchill Downs CEO Bill 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.”
Having received approval from the Salem Planning Board for its redevelopment initiative in December, Rockingham Grand Casino will feature 825 historical racing machines, 32 table games, 12 seats for electronic table game (ETG) play and a 900-seat entertainment venue.
While Casino Salem currently occupies 19,000 sq ft of The Mall at Rockingham Park, the largest shopping mall located in Indiana, Rockingham Grand Casino is set to absorb 160,000 sq ft of the property and include a projected capital investment of $180-200m.
“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,” Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli said.
“We remain fully committed to strengthening our local economy through the creation of vibrant consumer destinations.”
Churchill Downs also unveiled a new growth project titled Victory Run as part of its Q3 2025 financial report, a $280-$300m investment set to debut as part of the 2028 edition of the Kentucky Derby race.
The four-story structure features private suites, indoor and outdoor dining and covered box seating which will replace approximately 6,400 existing seats within the facility.
Churchill Downs expects construction of Victory Run to begin following the 2026 Kentucky Derby, pending incentives which must be approved by the City of Louisville and appropriate state agencies.
Kambi announced a new partnership extension deal with Churchill Downs on December 16, which will see the supplier extend its sportsbook technology across additional retail establishments
