Ex-Senator Pleads Guilty Over Casino Relief Fraud

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-05-27

Andy Sanborn, a former New Hampshire state senator and casino owner, has agreed to plead guilty to charges of misusing federal pandemic relief funds meant for his business. The charges, announced by federal authorities, stem from Sanborn using more than $250,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funding for personal expenses, including buying a Porsche. His company, Win Win Win, which operates as Concord Casino, received $844,000 in EIDL funds from the Small Business Administration about four years ago. It's a story that feels all too familiar these days. You've got someone in a position of trust, a former senator no less, who was supposed to help small businesses weather the storm. Instead, he used that money like it was his personal piggy bank. Let's break down what happened, why it matters, and what it means for the casino industry. ### The Details of the Case Sanborn's misuse wasn't a small oversight. He took more than a quarter million dollars meant to keep his casino afloat during the pandemic and spent it on luxury items. According to court documents, the Porsche was just one example. There were also personal trips, credit card bills, and other non-business expenses that the EIDL funds covered. The EIDL program was designed to provide low-interest loans to businesses hit hard by COVID-19. It was a lifeline for many, but Sanborn treated it like a windfall. His guilty plea covers charges of wire fraud and money laundering, which could land him in prison for several years.  ### Why This Hits Close to Home for Casino Professionals If you work in the casino industry, this case is a wake-up call. It shows how quickly trust can erode when someone in a leadership role breaks the rules. For those of us in the United States, especially professionals in the casino sector, it's a reminder that compliance isn't just a buzzword. It's the foundation of a legitimate business. Here's what we can learn from this: - **Transparency matters**: Government programs like EIDL come with strict guidelines. Ignoring them can lead to serious legal trouble. - **Personal vs. business funds**: Mixing them up is a fast track to disaster, especially when federal money is involved. - **Reputation is everything**: A single bad actor can tarnish the entire industry's image. We've seen this before with scandals in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. ### The Bigger Picture: Pandemic Fraud in the Casino World This isn't an isolated incident. Across the country, federal authorities have cracked down on pandemic relief fraud. The casino industry, with its mix of cash flow and complex ownership structures, has been a particular focus. From small card rooms to larger operations, the message is clear: misuse of these funds won't be tolerated. Sanborn's case is just one of many. According to the Department of Justice, they've charged hundreds of people with pandemic-related fraud, recovering billions of dollars. For casino owners and managers, this means tighter scrutiny on how they apply for and use relief funds. > "The abuse of pandemic relief programs undermines the very purpose of these initiatives, which is to help struggling businesses and their employees," said a federal prosecutor in the case. ### What This Means for You If you're a casino professional in the United States, take this as a cautionary tale. Review your financial practices. Make sure every dollar from a government program is accounted for. The rules aren't just paperwork. They're there to protect both the public and your business. And if you're thinking about cutting corners, remember Sanborn. He's now facing a criminal record, fines, and possibly prison time. All for a few personal luxuries that weren't worth the cost. In the end, this story isn't just about one bad senator. It's about the responsibility we all have to play by the rules. The casino industry has enough challenges without adding fraud to the list. Let's learn from this and move forward with integrity.