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The North Country’s retail landscape is about to trade office supplies for high-stakes entertainment.
Granite State Gaming and Hospitality (GSGH) has announced that it will build a new charitable casino in the Kilburn Ledge development on Meadow St., ending months of speculation and confirming its acquisition of a $10 million property.
According to GSGH’s announcement, the company is moving forward with plans for a permanent facility intended to provide positive economic impacts to Littleton, despite some challenges associated with its relationship with residents.
Out with the Old, In with the Bold
The most immediate casualty of the development is the Staples office supply store at 804 Meadow St. In a move that signals construction is imminent, the retailer is expected to vacate the 23,000-square-foot space by June 26, 2026.
While the loss of a major retailer often leaves a void, GSGH plans to fill it with:
- 230 electronic gaming machines.
- 12 traditional table games.
- 12 electronic table games.
- An estimated 60+ new jobs for the local workforce.
Construction is slated to begin this summer, with an ambitious opening date set for early 2027.
The “Charitable” Edge
Compared to the giant casino facilities in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, GSGH is developing a facility in New Hampshire based on the state’s unique charitable gaming model. GSGH, through Chief Operating Officer Eric Barbaro, has emphasized that a good percentage of revenue generated from this facility is required by law to support local nonprofit organizations.
“This is a milestone in our vision to grow New Hampshire’s charitable gaming industry responsibly,” said Barbaro.
That said, the company is using the success of the Beach Club Casino in Hampton and the Lilac Club in Rochester as proof of its ability to achieve this goal. The two clubs have provided more than $4 million in funds to veterans, youth, and other community service organizations to date.
A Town Divided
Despite the promise of economic stimulus and nonprofit funding, the project isn’t exactly receiving a standing ovation from the community.
The tension in Littleton is palpable:
- Public Pushback: During a 2023 informational meeting, the vast majority of attending residents voiced sharp opposition to bringing a casino to town.
- The “Ban” that Wasn’t: Just two months ago, at the March 2026 town meeting, voters approved a petition to ban casinos within town limits. However, because Carlin’s proposal was already in the state’s regulatory pipeline, it is effectively “grandfathered in.” The ban will stop future developers, but it won’t stop the machines from humming at Kilburn Ledge.
Design and Heritage
GSGH has reached out to DMAC Architecture and Interiors to address worries over how the development will visually affect surrounding areas. According to GSGH, the design will honor this area’s geographic features and incorporate both traditional style elements from the region as well as contemporary gaming elements so that it does not become simply another oversized indoor neon sign.
What Happens Next?
As Staples prepares to close its doors behind it, what’s going to happen to the remaining Kilburn Ledge tenants (like the state liquor store and military recruiter) has yet to be determined.
The project is currently in the final stages of regulatory review. The application was submitted well before the town’s ban, so the local government has very little authority to stop construction (the property is privately owned).
Littleton has placed its bet! The million-dollar question remains: will this be a windfall for the non-profits, or will it forever change the character of the town?
Source: businessnhmagazine
