$600 Million Hotel and Casino Complex Approved for Hampton Beach Redevelopment

Backed by Lupoli Companies and property owner Fred Schaake, the large-scale initiative will replace the aging beachfront complex at 169 Ocean Blvd. with a modern, flood-resilient development that significantly upgrades the local gaming and hospitality offering.

Expanded Gaming and Entertainment Infrastructure

At the heart of the project is the replacement of the existing Aces & Eights Charitable Gaming Casino and the historic Casino Ballroom with a newly built, state-of-the-art complex.

Plans call for a two- to six-story development featuring:

• A 208-room hotel
• A new 3,500-capacity Casino Ballroom venue (up from 2,200 seats)
• A modern charitable gaming casino
• A pool and spa
• 99 luxury condominiums
• Retail and restaurant space
• A 732-space parking garage

The expanded Casino Ballroom will nearly double its current capacity, strengthening Hampton Beach’s competitive positioning in the regional live entertainment market while reinforcing synergies between gaming, hospitality and events.

Developers emphasized that the project respects the site’s cultural legacy while delivering what they describe as a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity for the town’s core beachfront district.

Climate-Resilient Design for Long-Term Stability

A key component of the redevelopment is resilience planning. The new construction will incorporate flood-resistant design elements to address rising sea levels, including elevated gathering areas, parking facilities and mechanical systems above projected flood elevations.

This approach aligns long-term gaming operations with environmental sustainability and infrastructure protection—critical factors for coastal entertainment assets.

Strong Fiscal Impact for the Community

According to a fiscal impact analysis commissioned by the developers, the completed project could generate approximately $3.65 million annually in new property tax revenue. Additionally, casino operations are projected to contribute between $6.2 million and $9.9 million per year in charitable donations, reinforcing New Hampshire’s charitable gaming model.

The 99 condominiums are estimated to carry individual valuations of approximately $1.1 million, further strengthening the project’s tax base contribution.

To support surrounding infrastructure, Lupoli Companies has committed roughly $435,431 toward local road improvements as part of its development agreement with the town.

Transition Period and Long-Term Vision

The Hampton Planning Board approved the project in November 2025. Demolition is scheduled to begin in September, with construction expected to last approximately three years. During this period, the casino, entertainment venue and parking facilities will close beginning in 2027 summer seasons.

While some local businesses have expressed concerns about short-term impacts during construction, others acknowledge the necessity of modernization to ensure Hampton Beach’s long-term competitiveness.

Originally opened in 1899, the Casino Ballroom has hosted major performers ranging from Louis Armstrong to The Who, cementing its cultural significance. Developers have committed to documenting the historic structure and preserving key artifacts, with the possibility of incorporating these elements into the new complex’s final design.

With substantial capital investment, expanded gaming capacity, enhanced entertainment infrastructure and climate-adaptive engineering, the Hampton Beach redevelopment represents one of the most significant gaming-linked coastal revitalization projects in the Northeastern United States.