CASINO SALEM PROUDLY CELEBRATES OFFICIAL OPENING TO THE PUBLIC DURING RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY AT THE

Phase One Casino Featuring First Historical Horse Racing Games in Salem, NH, Will Create Jobs, Tax Revenue, and Funding to Qualified Charitable Organizations Immediately
 
Actor Steve Schirripa - “Bobby Baccalieri” of The Sopranos Placed
First Bet on Inaugural Historical Horse Racing Machines
 
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SALEM, NH (July 9, 2025) – CASINO SALEM today celebrated the official phase one opening of New England’s newest entertainment destination with a ribbon cutting ceremony on the first charitable gaming facility in Salem, NH with Historical Horse Racing games.
 
The Phase One casino also offers a mixture of traditional table games and Poker, quick service food offerings, and a full bar. The opening of Casino Salem’s first phase allows the facility to immediately generate jobs, tax revenue, and funding to qualified Charitable Organizations.
 
Joe and Max Faro, and Sal Lupoli, prominent developers and civic leaders in Southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts and co-owners of Casino Salem, were joined at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Cordish Gaming Group President Rob Norton; Jeff Favre, Executive Vice President of Casino Salem; Salem Town Manager Joe Devine; Cindi Woodbury, Executive Director of the Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce; Ken Brown, General Manager, The Mall at Rockingham Park; and Trish Earle, Founder of Bridging the Horizon, one of Casino Salem’s new non-profit partners that will benefit from gaming contributions.
 
Adding a touch of pizzazz to the festivities was special guest Actor Steve Schirripa, “Bobby Baccalieri” of Sopranos fame, and Blue Bloods, who placed the “official” first bet on Salem’s inaugural Historical Horse Racing Machines.
 
“We are thrilled to open Casino Salem and bring an exciting new amenity to this region,” said Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli. “This initial phase will stimulate our local economy, create new jobs, and increase tourism immediately, setting the foundation to create lasting benefits for the community for decades.”
 
“By opening the casino in phases, we can expedite the addition of charitable gaming to the entertainment and tourism assets that Salem has to offer in addition to generating contributions to organizations in need,” said Jeff Favre, Executive VP of Casino Salem. “The Mall at Rockingham Park, along with Tuscan Village, already draw visitors from throughout New England, and the addition of Casino Salem will add another dynamic attraction.”
 
“Bridging the Horizon is so grateful and thankful that Casino Salem is giving us the opportunity to partner with them to continue our mission providing a world class activity center for people with all abilities,” said Trish Earle, President and Founder, Bridging the Horizon.
 
Ideally located at The Mall at Rockingham Park, adjacent to the iconic Tuscan Village, the property is uniquely positioned to build on the positive synergies created by the three economic drivers. The project, at the former site of Lord & Taylor department store which has been mostly vacant since the end of 2020, will revitalize the space and become an impressive charitable casino and significant regional destination.
 
“We welcome Casino Salem to our community,” said Joe Devine, Town Manager, City of Salem, NH. “This project represents a significant investment in the future of Salem and the greater Southern New Hampshire region. It will bring jobs, spur economic growth, support local charities, and help further establish Salem as a premier destination for entertainment, dining, and innovation. We appreciate the commitment of Joe Faro, Sal Lupoli, and The Cordish Companies to making this transformative project a reality and look forward to seeing its positive impact unfold.”
 
"We’re so excited to welcome Casino Salem to our community,” said Cindi Woodbury, Executive Director, Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. “This new addition represents a significant investment in our local economy, creating new jobs and bringing fresh entertainment and tourism opportunities to the area. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our businesses and residents alike."
 
For more information on Casino Salem including how Charitable Organizations can apply for partnership with the casino, please visit CasinoSalem.com.
 
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For further information: Media@casinosalem.com


Photo by Zouz Media