Weirs Casino Considered

[TiltonBB]

The Laconia Planning Board approved initial language that would allow casinos in the Weirs area.

From the Laconia Sun:

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...c17cc53c9.html

[Downeast]

Anything goes in Laconia. The Weirs is their nomadic child with adhd and perpetual inability to understand its identity.

[Biggd]

Casinos bring $$$$$ but also corruption. So, all that extra money made will be spent on crime prevention.
Personally, I think it's better to not invite crime to begin with rather than try to corral it after the fact. I'm not a gambler so, JMO.

[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Casinos bring $$$$$ but also corruption. So, all that extra money made will be spent on crime prevention.
Personally, I think it's better to not invite crime to begin with rather than try to corral it after the fact. I'm not a gambler so, JMO.

Very true. In addition the ship making money on casinos sailed years ago.at this point they are overbuilt and under attended. People won’t drive from Manchester to a cold and lonely Laconia in February when they can go into vibrant Boston or a weekend in Foxwood for gambling ,entertainment and great dining. What will happen is the locals will hang out and blow their social security checks. Other then that it’s a great idea.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

The Laconia Planning Board approved initial language that would allow casinos in the Weirs area.

From the Laconia Sun:

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...c17cc53c9.html

........... there goes the neighborhood.

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

........... there goes the neighborhood.

It wasn't great to begin with...

There is a casino going into the defunct Lilac Mall in Rochester. That should be a mess.

[Descant]

I presume this means charity gaming, not a Foxwoods style facility. I can think of other spots in Laconia where such an operation might be beneficial. Instead of a zoning change to the Weirs, allowing "performance based zoning" or "by special exception" would make more sense to me. As a non-profit, I think the Veteran's Association could run a casino-like operation now, if they thought it would be profitable. I bet they've talked about it and rejected the idea.

[fatlazyless]

"The Hidden Threat of Charitable Gaming in New Hampshire" ....... http://www.lkarno.com/post/the-hidde...-new-hampshire ..... Aug 21, 2024

"Maximum wagers at NH casinos raised, as gambling regulations continue to loosen" ...... http://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2023-06-...inue-to-loosen ..... June 28, 2023

[John Mercier]

They may sponsor nights in Belmont.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Downeast

Anything goes in Laconia. The Weirs is their nomadic child with adhd and perpetual inability to understand its identity.

That is hilarious, but somewhat true.

[WinnisquamZ]

And the only person who has show interest in opening up a casino in the Weirs has multiple liquor licenses cancelled and others rejected. Not a great look Laconia


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[LoveLakeLife]

Gaming = gambling. Excising the b makes it sound much more euphemistically anodyne. Is there a Gamers Anonymous?


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[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by Descant

I presume this means charity gaming, not a Foxwoods style facility.

I sure hope not; "charity" gaming been done at the defunct Belmont dog track, and it has failed.

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

And the only person who has show interest in opening up a casino in the Weirs has multiple liquor licenses cancelled and others rejected. Not a great look Laconia


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There are other parties interested besides Santagate. He will have a tough go of it, I think that Laconia as well as the state liquor commission wants him out.

[RUGMAN]

Does there need to be a Casino on Lakeside Ave? Why not encourage development on Endicott , with larger plots of land, better roads to handle traffic and parking.

[WinnisquamZ]

Originally Posted by RUGMAN

Does there need to be a Casino on Lakeside Ave? Why not encourage development on Endicott , with larger plots of land, better roads to handle traffic and parking.

Exactly


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[farechofisherman]

This is a terrible idea. Casino gambling is not the answer for the Weirs area, it would ruin the area. Check out the quality of life and socioeconomic conditions of places like Reno, Nevada or Atlantic City, NJ, I can tell you they aren't pretty!

[WinnisquamZ]

Originally Posted by farechofisherman

This is a terrible idea. Casino gambling is not the answer for the Weirs area, it would ruin the area. Check out the quality of life and socioeconomic conditions of places like Reno, Nevada or Atlantic City, NJ, I can tell you they aren't pretty!

Agree. Would also take away from the limited parking currently available during the summer months


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[LoveLakeLife]

I wish for the demolition of the Half Moon cottage and the resurrection of the grand hotel.


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[Mr. V]

The defunct Surf Coaster would be a good site for a casino, and hey, I think it's still for sale.

Lots of acreage, near the waterfront.

[gravy boat]

My Dad landed a security role as Harrah’s broke ground in Atlantic City and worked there until early 90s when he retired. At the beginning I mentioned casinos attract thieves, prostitutes, drug dealers, drug addicts, alcoholics, mafia/organized crime and more.

He vehemently argued I was wrong for the first few years.

But I was correct and he later admitted it in so many words having witnessed it firsthand.

[John Mercier]

The Weirs has most of that already.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by gravy boat

My Dad landed a security role as Harrah’s broke ground in Atlantic City and worked there until early 90s when he retired. At the beginning I mentioned casinos attract thieves, prostitutes, drug dealers, drug addicts, alcoholics, mafia/organized crime and more.

He vehemently argued I was wrong for the first few years.

But I was correct and he later admitted it in so many words having witnessed it firsthand.

Springfield Ma was in need of funds so they allowed a casino to be built. Now they are spending those funds on crime prevention.
Springfield is still a dump, only now it's a dump with a casino!

[John Mercier]

We have the casino in Belmont.
There has been crime, but not an outrageous amount.

[sky's]

I LOVE SANDWHICH NH. quite on the river cant see my neighbors. taxes are higher but well worth it.

[fatlazyless]

N.H. charitable gambling has the enticing ability to corrupt ... http://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-01-...-casino-appeal.... Jan 8, 2025 ..... some of the local N.H. politicians. Some cannot resist the attractive chance for the big money. They get addicted to gambling.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

We have the casino in Belmont. There has been crime, but not an outrageous amount.

Problem?

Dial 1-800-GAMBLER or...

Text: 800GAM

[dpg]

Originally Posted by gravy boat

My Dad landed a security role as Harrah’s broke ground in Atlantic City and worked there until early 90s when he retired. At the beginning I mentioned casinos attract thieves, prostitutes, drug dealers, drug addicts, alcoholics, mafia/organized crime and more.

He vehemently argued I was wrong for the first few years.

But I was correct and he later admitted it in so many words having witnessed it firsthand.

Some of you folks (not just gravy boat) are pretty vocal and down right nasty with your opinions about casinos. Please remember I'm sure there's plenty of readers of this forum who have had friends, relations, even children or parents that have had an issue with alcohol, drugs, etc. I have no idea or real opinion either way whether these establishments "attract" these types of folks, even if I did I'd keep such opinions to myself. You should feel blessed you've never had a loved one or simply a friend with one of these problems.

[Tofu]

I believe FUNSPOT has been looking and waiting for this to happen. Plenty of parking, great exposure, easy access. I also believe selling has been on the back of the owners minds as well.

Bring it on... New Hampshire has been losing to out of state companies for years, Let's continue with a Casino and see where that bring us. A Lot of retired people around to man it, not sure hiring would be a problem.

[John Mercier]

Belmont isn't "out-of-State" is just a few miles down 106

[WinnisquamZ]

Originally Posted by Tofu

I believe FUNSPOT has been looking and waiting for this to happen. Plenty of parking, great exposure, easy access. I also believe selling has been on the back of the owners minds as well.

Bring it on... New Hampshire has been losing to out of state companies for years, Let's continue with a Casino and see where that bring us. A Lot of retired people around to man it, not sure hiring would be a problem.

Funspot would be ideal location


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[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

Funspot would be ideal location


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Are you thinking about removing the current building which is sub standard at best along with all the kids games and building on that site ?
Mixing slot machines, craps tables, smoke filled card tables , the drinking that comes with gambling anywhere close to the kids current use would be a disaster. Take a ride down to Springfield and see if the clientele is in line with 6 year olds playing pinball.

[WinnisquamZ]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

Are you thinking about removing the current building which is sub standard at best along with all the kids games and building on that site ?

Mixing slot machines, craps tables, smoke filled card tables , the drinking that comes with gambling anywhere close to the kids current use would be a disaster. Take a ride down to Springfield and see if the clientele is in line with 6 year olds playing pinball.

Agree. But the previous poster noted they are looking to sell. Have no idea if that’s true. What do you care what others do with their property or business?


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[RUGMAN]

Picture this, the Half Moon motel gets sold to a developer to build a new large Grand Hotel , now able to have a casino, all those people that recently bought one of those new condo's behind will lose the view of the lake they just paid close to 1 million for. Do you see abatements coming? Maybe the planning board is looking for that Atlantic City look to come to the lakes region.

[Woodsy]

The "1 car per 90²ft onsite parking" will be the biggest issue for a Weirs Casino. The Casino would have to spend excessive amounts to purchase that land, most likely from owners who do not want to sell.

I have no idea why the City included Lakeside, other than to pander to Tower Hill and Co. From what I hear he has enough headaches. SurfCoaster would be a better fit, plenty of property for a Casino and even a hotel.

Woodsy

[Garcia]

Personally I would like to see the Lakes Region concentrate on attracting people to the area who are coming for the natural beauty, lakes, and outdoor activities and put casinos elsewhere where they can be the main attraction and focus.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

The "1 car per 90²ft onsite parking" will be the biggest issue for a Weirs Casino. The Casino would have to spend excessive amounts to purchase that land, most likely from owners who do not want to sell.

I have no idea why the City included Lakeside, other than to pander to Tower Hill and Co. From what I hear he has enough headaches. SurfCoaster would be a better fit, plenty of property for a Casino and even a hotel.

Woodsy

The own the land where the old Monkey Trunks was and all the other parking around the Bingo Hall, which is what I would think would be converted to a casino

[John Mercier]

The ''casino'' would just be charitable gaming.
I haven't bothered to look at Belmont, but I doubt that the parking lot becomes anywhere close to full even during tournaments.

The gaming basically requires a charity partner to partner while the location hosts the event.

It isn't lucrative by any means, and more creates a type of moat around the basic business of the bar/grille.

No one after seeing what has happened to the other locations is going to build for that specified purpose.

[Irish mist]

The Funspot bingo hall was built for a possible casino transition location by the Lawton family back in the day when NH was debating state-wide gambling.

[Tofu]

Originally Posted by Irish mist

The Funspot bingo hall was built for a possible casino transition location by the Lawton family back in the day when NH was debating state-wide gambling.

This is absolutely true. Bob always thought outside the box even when he was in politics. A Hotel/Casino would be a " Destination Spot " for many. I say this would be great for the Lakes Region and hopefully bring in a ton out Out Of State Cash into our Local Economy.

Just look at what Meredith looks like now after investing millions into it. It's a Great Success, Let's just hope Laconia and Rusty can make this Happen.

[The Real BigGuy]

I can imagine the bitching now about traffic in the Weirs if a Casino is actually built. Traffic backed up from the circle to Lakeport on RT 3


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[John Mercier]

They won't build a casino.
They would have charity gaming at the bar/grille.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Tofu

This is absolutely true. Bob always thought outside the box even when he was in politics. A Hotel/Casino would be a " Destination Spot " for many. I say this would be great for the Lakes Region and hopefully bring in a ton out Out Of State Cash into our Local Economy.

Just look at what Meredith looks like now after investing millions into it. It's a Great Success, Let's just hope Laconia and Rusty can make this Happen.

Meredith doesn't have a casino and if it ever allowed one, I'd be
putting my house up for sale in a heartbeat!
I'm glad I don't live near the Weirs or Funspot!

[garysanfran]

Strip clubs next.

No politician understands the "unintended consequences" of most of their decisions.

[John Mercier]

That would be King's Grant in Gilford during Bike Week.
I think they reference it as exotic dancing.

[LoveLakeLife]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

That would be King's Grant in Gilford during Bike Week.

I think they reference it as exotic dancing.

Yes their use of “exotic dancing” must have really increased the odds of more people coming to see it. lol. Like using “porn star” instead of video prostitute. Oh wait, “sex worker “. 🤣


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[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

That would be King's Grant in Gilford during Bike Week.
I think they reference it as exotic dancing.

Do they still exist? I went there once. Never made that mistake again for reasons best left unsaid.

[garysanfran]

For many decades I have heard "The Weirs" with "sleaze" the dominant adjective.

Inserting a "casino" may put "sleaze" on steroids...

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

For many decades I have heard "The Weirs" with "sleaze" the dominant adjective.

Inserting a "casino" may put "sleaze" on steroids...

Billion dollar waterfront going to waste, IMO.

[John Mercier]

I think the term ''exotic dancer'' was used to get the permit for the ''event''.
I am not sure the Grant is still active. I only remember it from the papers.

The Weirs is famous for Bike Week and everything that it symbolizes.

The Lakes Region Casino is sort of only famous for having problems making enough money to pay its property taxes.

The current owner is a trust fund from Nevada. But I am pretty sure that is a front for locals that wanted to keep the property from being developed into something less fitting; but haven't found the final use they would deem appropriate.

[Billy Bob]

The zoning change request is specifically for this area not where Fun Spot is located. What is available there ?

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

Strip clubs next.
.

Oh. For the Good Lords Sake. They are called professional exotic dancers.

And are mostly college kids trying to pay for the exorbitant tuition costs today.

[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Oh. For the Good Lords Sake. They are called professional exotic dancers.

And are mostly college kids trying to pay for the exorbitant tuition costs today.

Come on down to Florida and we will do some research and get to the bottom of this . But my sources tell me the Tampa establishments on Dale Mabery don’t have a lot of PHD candidates. The ladies offering private encounters at the Hard Rock Casino might be on a list but it’s not the deans list.

[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Oh. For the Good Lords Sake. They are called professional exotic dancers.

And are mostly college kids trying to pay for the exorbitant tuition costs today.

I understand completely. That's what your daughter told me...She agreed with you.

[fatlazyless]

You know the bingo hall at Funspot was supposedly a garage for storing vehicles before it got reconstructed into a venue for playing bingo. To qualify for N.H. charitable gaming the charity percentage raised from bingo goes to the annual Miss Lake Winnipesaukee contest, and the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum located nearby on D.W Hgwy-Rt 3, just up the hill.

Looking at all the cars parked at the bingo hall, it attracts a happening number of bingo players.

Looking at the success of bingo at that spot, a gambling casino with slots, table games, floor show onstage, drinks and food could totally hit the spot, there, and draw in players from all over, big time, looking for fun and winnings.

Hells bells, I'd probably even go there, myself, and try my luck at playing some table poker, just for the fun of it .....

..... Like, why not build a big happening casino with charity gambling at The Fun Spot?

[ApS]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

We have the casino in Belmont.
There has been crime, but not an outrageous amount.

New Hampshire deemed "America's Safest State":

https://www.islands.com/1756851/city...oor-adventure/

That can be changed.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Oh. For the Good Lords Sake. They are called professional exotic dancers.

And are mostly college kids trying to pay for the exorbitant tuition costs today.

Will student loan forgiveness help them quit?

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

Come on down to Florida and we will do some research and get to the bottom of this.

Glad to find out we have folks on this forum that frequent these types of establishments all over the country on a regular basis. And to take the time to interview on a personal basis these employees.

[Triboro]

I read recently that there is a new casino opening in North Conway. It will be in the same strip mall as the NH Liquor Store. The owner also has casinos in Manchester, Dover, Keene and Lebanon. I never realized how many casinos are out there.

The article in the Conway Daily Sun mentioned the breakdown for charitable casinos. The breakdown for revenue under the state’s regulations are 55 percent for the house, 35 percent for charitable organizations and 10 percent to the state of New Hampshire.

[LoveLakeLife]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Oh. For the Good Lords Sake. They are called professional exotic dancers.

And are mostly college kids trying to pay for the exorbitant tuition costs today.

haha No they are called strippers because they are strippers. They might call themselves exotic dancers like stewardesses call themselves flight attendants and janitors call themselves custodial engineers, but normal people call them what they are, strippers.

The addition of “professional” was a nice touch though. lol. Is there a farm team of amateurs going through rigorous training to hopefully become professionals someday with hard work and dedication? ��


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[John Mercier]

It used to be 60 for the charity and 40 for the house with nothing for the State.

But the casino has to do a lot of work with the application and background checks not just for their staff, but the charity's staff.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

haha No they are called strippers because they are strippers. They might call themselves exotic dancers like stewardesses call themselves flight attendants and janitors call themselves custodial engineers, but normal people call them what they are, strippers.

The addition of “professional” was a nice touch though. lol. Is there a farm team of amateurs going through rigorous training to hopefully become professionals someday with hard work and dedication? 🤣


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Sort of...
Usually starts at the wet T-shirt level in the US, while overseas its is more of the dry t-shirt with string bikini bottoms.

[MeredithMan]

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

haha No they are called strippers because they are strippers. They might call themselves exotic dancers like stewardesses call themselves flight attendants and janitors call themselves custodial engineers, but normal people call them what they are, strippers.

The addition of “professional” was a nice touch though. lol. Is there a farm team of amateurs going through rigorous training to hopefully become professionals someday with hard work and dedication? 🤣


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Yes, apparently there is a farm team of amateurs. There is the Millenium Cabaret Lounge here in Bedford that has "amateur night" once a week.

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

haha No they are called strippers because they are strippers. They might call themselves exotic dancers like stewardesses call themselves flight attendants and janitors call themselves custodial engineers, but normal people call them what they are, strippers.

The addition of “professional” was a nice touch though. lol. Is there a farm team of amateurs going through rigorous training to hopefully become professionals someday with hard work and dedication? 🤣

Good to read we still have at least one with a sense of humor posting here !

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

haha No they are called strippers because they are strippers. They might call themselves exotic dancers like stewardesses call themselves flight attendants and janitors call themselves custodial engineers, but normal people call them what they are, strippers.

The addition of “professional” was a nice touch though. lol. Is there a farm team of amateurs going through rigorous training to hopefully become professionals someday with hard work and dedication? 🤣


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I think they refer to the amateur organization as the " Bush Leagues" !

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Good to read we still have at least one with a sense of humor posting here !

As "The Professor", is this a class you teach?

[LoveLakeLife]

Originally Posted by steve-on-mark

I think they refer to the amateur organization as the " Bush Leagues" !

Definitely the best post of the day.


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