Hampton Beach Casino redevelopment clears major hurdle

The Hampton Planning Board approved a redevelopment plan for the Hampton Beach Casino, allowing for a transformation that includes luxury condos, a hotel, and a charitable gaming venue. Developer Lupoli Cos. will construct a 3,500-seat ballroom, a 208-room boutique hotel, and 99 residential units at 169 Ocean Blvd. Plans also feature a 52,000-square-foot gaming casino and a 732-space parking garage. Demolition is expected to commence in September 2026, following the annual seafood festival, with construction projected to take approximately three years.

The current casino structure has a storied history, opening in 1899 as a family-oriented venue with dance, music, and gambling. Over the decades, it evolved into a significant location for big-name performances and social gatherings. Fred Schaake, a long-time partner in the property, aims to double the ballroom’s capacity during the redevelopment. Lupoli hinted at the possibility of adding more residential units in future phases, indicating a potential shift in local development priorities.