Shown here is a rendering of the new casino planned for Littleton, provided by the developer, Granite State Gaming and Hospitality, which publicly announced the project in a press release on Thursday. (Contributed image)
LITTLETON — Citing benefits to the local economy and nonprofits, the developer of a casino announced its plans in a press release on Thursday, following the $10 million purchase in February of the Kilburn Ledge property at 780-804 Meadow Street.
On Thursday afternoon, The Caledonian-Record also learned that the Staples office supply store, at 804 Meadow St., where the casino will be built, is expected to vacate the building by June 26 to make way for construction.
In its announcement, Granite State Gaming and Hospitality (GSGH) said the development marks “the future site of GSGH’s newest charitable gaming and entertainment development” and “is a milestone in GSGH’s vision to grow New Hampshire’s charitable gaming industry responsibly while fostering local economic opportunity.”
The casino, which will feature around 230 electronic gaming machines, a dozen table games, and a dozen electronic table games, is slated to occupy the 23,000-square-foot building.
With construction scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026, the project is most of the way through the design and planning phase, “with a focus on creating a facility that reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and community partnership,” said GSGH representatives.
GSGH, owned by Chicago-based casino developer Greg Carlin, is collaborating with the Chicago-based DMAC Architecture and Interiors for the Littleton project’s overall concept and layout.
“With extensive experience in hospitality and gaming environments, the team is shaping a design that pays homage to the region’s landscape and history, blending contemporary elements with local character to create a dynamic and welcoming guest experience,” said GSGH representatives.
“This acquisition is a vital step in building a sustainable, community-focused gaming model for Northern New Hampshire,” Eric Barbaro, chief operating officer of GSGH, said in a statement. “We remain committed to responsible growth that delivers a meaningful, long-term charitable impact.”
GSGH, an affiliate of G2 Gaming, partners with nonprofit groups “to generate sustainable funding and deliver meaningful, long-term community impact,” said its representatives.
“Through its existing properties, Beach Club Casino in Hampton Beach and Lilac Club Casino in Rochester, GSGH has already demonstrated the strength of its operating model, where a significant portion of gaming revenue directly benefits licensed nonprofit partners,” they said. “To date, operations at both locations have generated more than $4 million in contributions to veterans’ groups, youth organizations, and community service nonprofits across the state.”
The Littleton casino is expected to create more than 60 jobs, expand vendor partnerships, and significantly increase funding for local area non-profits, they said.
Additional updates will be provided as the project advances through design and regulatory review.
Local approvals do not appear to be needed.
The casino is expected to open in early 2027.
In 2023, about 100 residents turned out to a public information meeting, where Carlin took questions and outlined the plans. The vast majority of residents opposed a casino in town.
At the March 2026 town meeting, voters approved a petition to ban casinos within the town, though that would apply to additional casinos and not to Carlin’s proposal, which had already been in the pipeline with an application before the state.
Upon purchasing the property in February, Carlin gave Staples a four-month notice.
An email left with Staples’ public relations on Thursday asking if Staples will be opening a new location in Littleton or in the Littleton area was not returned by press time. A telephone call to the company’s media relations office was also unsuccessful.
The next closest Staples stores are in West Lebanon, North Conway and Tilton in New Hampshire and Barre in Vermont.
The other Kilburn Ledge occupants, located in the building between Staples and the former Tire Warehouse, include the state liquor store, Asian restaurant, military recruiting station, and a beer and smoke shop.
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