Hampton Charity Gaming Owner Plans to Bring Black Jack and Poker for Charity to The Rock

So, the odds for gambling at The Rock -- albeit charitable gaming -- just improved, despite the fact only last March the New Hampshire State Senate nixed a bid to build a gambling casino there.

Although the current charitable gaming operation at the former racetrack is expected to end on Aug. 31, the local Zoning Board of Review has received three applications from business owners interested in opening charity gaming tables at the former Rockingham Park, according to Ross Moldoff, Salem's planning director. All three will need a variance because gaming is not an allowed use.

State Rep. Eric Estevez of Pelham, who fought for the gambling expansion last winter, said he would support the charity gaming there.

"I think that the loss of millions of dollars in revenue to charitable organizations, $2.5 million to be exact, illustrates the tragic consequences of the closure of Rockingham Park," he said. "It will be difficult for several of these charities to survive with the loss of income. I am pleased to see that there are a number of applications from people in our community that remain committed to helping make local charities a top priority."

Under state law, 35 percent of the charitable gaming proceeds must go to a charity registered with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.

Michael Lupoli, of Haverhill, Mass., has indicated he wants to convert the first floor of the former potato chip factory warehouse and offices at 23 South Broadway for charity gaming, including roulette, poker, black jack, Let it Ride, Three Card Poker, Boston 7 Stud Poker, Texas Hold'em, New Hampshire Hold'em, Bingo and 45 Lucky 7 slot machines. Lupoli's application states the plan is for 18 poker tables and two Black Jack tables. In addition to the gambling, the facility would have a bar and restaurant. Hours of operation would be seven days a week from 3 p.m. Lupoli also noted he has experience running a similar operation in Hampton and provided endorsements from charities he worked with.

Also,Daniel J. Dandreo III, of Salem, Mass., has applied to open the Cheers Casino and Charity Poker Room at 286 North Broadway. He described the venture as an "upscale" operation with 25 poker tables and six "carnival" table games, each with seating for seven players. Dandreo added he himself is an avid poker player.

Finally, Michael Withrow, of Salem, N.H., applied as Kymalimi LLC for a variance to run charitable gaming at 13 Garabedian Drive. His application did not specify the type of games.