Casino in New Hampshire to Become World’s First To Open in Former Staples Store
Posted on: April 30, 2026, 09:30h.
Last updated on: April 30, 2026, 09:53h.
- New Hampshire’s Granite State Gaming plans a unique transformation
- The project will see the world’s first casino open inside a former Staples store
- Construction begins this summer with plans to open by early 2027
While numerous casinos have opened in shuttered department stores, a casino planned for the Kilburn Ledge shopping plaza in Littleton, New Hampshire will soon become the world’s first to open inside a former Staples. An affiliate of Granite State Gaming & Hospitality (GSGH) closed on the $8.75 million purchase of the 23,000-square-foot property in February 2026. Staples has been given four months’ notice to vacate.
Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of June or beginning of July 2026, with the casino expected to open in the first or second quarter of 2027. The company says design and planning work is already in its advanced stages. GSGH is working with DMAC Architecture & Interiors, a Chicago firm known for hospitality and gaming projects, to develop the layout and overall concept.
The new casino will feature 150 to 200 historical horse racing machines and approximately 15 table games, along with a pub-style restaurant and bar. It will operate under New Hampshire’s charitable gaming system, which differs from traditional commercial casinos. (Under state law here, private operators run gaming floors but must donate a significant portion of gaming revenue — at least 35% — to licensed nonprofit organizations.)
GSGH already operates two similar charitable casinos in New Hampshire: Beach Club Casino in Hampton Beach and Lilac Club Casino in Rochester. According to the company, those properties have generated more than $4 million in contributions to veterans’ groups, youth organizations, and other community nonprofits. The Littleton project is expected to expand that impact by adding new nonprofit partners in the northern part of the state.
“This acquisition is a vital step in building a sustainable, community-focused gaming model for Northern New Hampshire,” said Eric Barbaro, chief operating officer of GSGH, in the company’s announcement. “We remain committed to responsible growth that delivers a meaningful, long-term charitable impact.”
Community Opposition
Not everyone was happy about losing their local office-supply giant and gaining a casino. In March 2026, Littleton residents voted 610-449 to pass a citizen-initiated petition adding language to the town’s zoning ordinance banning new “games of chance” and casinos. However, officials determined that GSGH’s project was sufficiently “in the works” to remain exempt from the vote.
The Littleton project is expected to create more than 60 new jobs and increase funding for local nonprofits through vendor partnerships and gaming revenue.
No comments yet