Key points:
- Lilac Club Casino hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 10 March ahead of its grand opening on 14 March
- The 32,000-square-foot venue includes over 200 gaming machines, table games and a 12-table poker room
- The casino’s launch follows local debates on allowing retail sportsbooks in Rochester
Lilac Club Casino has officially opened in Rochester, New Hampshire, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and business representatives on 10 March.
The event marked the introduction of a new gaming and entertainment venue in the area, with a public grand opening scheduled for 14 March.
Located at 7 Milton Road, the 32,000-square-foot casino features over 200 gaming machines, including slots and electronic table games. It also offers a range of traditional table games such as Blackjack, Roulette and Craps, along with a dedicated 12-table poker room.
Good to know: The venue’s dining facility, Lucky Oak Bar & Grill, has been developed in partnership with the Briar Group, a Boston-based hospitality operator
Eric Barbaro, Chief Operating Officer of Granite State Gaming & Hospitality, said: “As we prepare for our grand opening, we are thrilled to welcome guests from near and far to experience everything our casino has to offer. Lilac Club Casino is more than just a business; it’s a vital part of our community that will create jobs, foster local partnerships and contribute to the region’s growth.”
Dwayne MacEwen, Founder and Principal of DMAC Architecture & Interiors, added: “Reimagining Lilac Mall with a casino and entertainment component required a thoughtful approach to design. With the hard shift toward buying online, this project was an interesting study of the resilience of shopping malls and how entertainment can be a draw to motivate people to gather in person. We deliberately incorporated design elements that reinterpret traditional mall motifs, infusing them with a fresh, modern perspective.”
The launch of Lilac Club Casino followed discussions in Rochester regarding expanded gambling options. In October 2023, city officials debated the possibility of allowing a retail sportsbook. A similar proposal was narrowly rejected in 2019.
The Lilac Club Casino opening is expected to increase entertainment and tourism options in the area. The grand opening event on 14 March will begin at 9:00am, with doors officially opening to the public for the first time.
