New Hampshire's Boston Billiard Club & Casino installs 50 HHR gaming machines
Boston Billiard Club & Casino in Nashua, New Hampshire announced Wednesday it has completed the installation and launch of 50 historical horse racing (HHR) gaming machines, the first of more than 300 planned for the charitable gaming casino.
The activation of the 50 HHR gaming machines on October 27 coincided with hospitality and entertainment company Delaware North completing its purchase of Boston Billiard Club & Casino from owners Kurt and Susan Mathias. The sale was approved by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.
The HHR gaming machines, which look and operate much like other gaming machines but instead of randomizing the outcome of a play determine winners based on previously run horse races, join the casino's 17 table games, 16 poker tables and restaurant and bar amenities as a key part of the experience for patrons.
As a charitable gaming facility in New Hampshire, Boston Billiard Club & Casino donates "a substantial portion" of all daily gaming proceeds to local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including 35% of all table game activity. According to the company, the operation will soon surpass $15 million in total donations in less than six years.
In a press release, Brian Hansberry, president of Delaware North's gaming business, stated: "The addition of gaming machines will attract more people from the region to visit Boston Billiard Club & Casino, increasing the benefit for charitable organizations. We look forward to becoming a part of the Nashua community and New Hampshire."
Hansberry said Delaware North became interested in acquiring Boston Billiard Club & Casino after New Hampshire last year passed legislation to allow HHR gaming machines at licensed gaming operations. Delaware North is working to install additional machines in the 23,000-square-foot venue by December, with no interruption to other gaming and hospitality operations.
The machines are replacing billiard tables, a long-term plan for which is being developed. Delaware North expects to add about 20 new jobs at the venue, in addition to preserving 200 existing staff positions.
Delaware North's gaming business includes owning and operating casinos and other gaming operations in what is now eight states: New York, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Arkansas and Arizona, as well as in Darwin, Australia.
The company also operates retail and/or mobile sports betting in Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia, and is close to completing a $320 million expansion of Southland Casino Hotel in Arkansas. In New England, Delaware North owns and operates TD Garden, home of the Boston Bruins, owned by Delaware North Chairman Jeremy Jacobs, and the Boston Celtics, as well as a host of concerts and other entertainment events.
