【Mines word】Lilac Club Casino in New Hampshire Opens Doors

 

byStan

on Mar 14, 2025

New Hampshire’s newest casino location will open to the public this week. The latest gaming amenity is part of a 20th century mall in Rochester.

Lilac Club Casino is equipped with over 200 gaming machines, table games, a poker room, and a restaurant. The new amenity owned by Granite State Gaming & Hospitality is scheduled to welcome its first guests on Friday, March 14, 2025.

With the opening of the casino location, Lilac Mall, which opened in 1979, will attempt to become a mixed-use destination for retail and entertainment.

Providing Brand-New Gaming Experience to Rochester

Local officials said that the project would bring a new gaming experience and constant excitement to Rochester, New Hampshire.

The development of the new 38,000-square-foot entertainment property was vested in the Chicago-based company DMAC Architecture & Interiors. The casino will offer slots, blackjack, roulette, and a 12-table poker room. The developer has also allocated a separate smoking section for gaming.

According to DMAC Architecture & Interiors, the gaming location relies on a classic and contemporary look. Here’s the full quote from the firm’s representative, Dwayne MacEwen:

The casino’s design blends classic and contemporary, according to the company.

“Every space, from the gaming floors to the dining areas, was thoughtfully designed to encourage social interaction, bringing excitement and energy. Inspired by the mall’s heritage, DMAC wove in visual elements that acknowledge the history of the space, blending the past with modern entertainment.”

A Tour of the Premium Location

In its statement, the firm also shared that it had installed a 144-foot metal mesh soffit with a zigzag design, developed to resemble stacked shopping cards. There’s also a granite wall, honouring New Hampshire’s nickname: the Granite State.

In terms of interior, patrons will see a suspended 93-foot wood ceiling oval above the table games area and a custom carpet with a purple floral pattern. The latter is aimed at resembling the mall storied identity, said the developer. Meanwhile, the event room is based on America’s classic bingo layout.

Additionally, as a tribute to the mall's heritage, the casino has a collection of bronze sculptures featuring a stag, fox, and two mice in modern eyewear. The mice are placed on the poker room's entryway and reference the former mall eyewear business.

The interior of the new location has more to offer. It features a 34-seat bar that links the gaming area with the restaurant, Lucky Oak Bar & Grill. This dining space is decorated with a ceiling frame and a tree. It serves classic comfort food such as burgers, steak, and pasta, and also offers craft cocktails and locally brewed beer.

The casino’s diner will be open every day from 9 a.m. until 1 a.m. Inside, guests can also take advantage of the breakfast menu all day long and order from a gaming menu that features late-night snacks such as tacos, calamari, and macaroni and cheese.

Guests of the casinos may also use the other businesses in the mall, including Papa Gino’s, Ocean State Job Lot, Dollar Tree, and many more.

Those who plan on visiting Lilac Club Casino must know that the property is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Local Officials Hold Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

On March 10, 2025, regional officials and Granite State Gaming & Hospitality representatives held a special-ribbon cutting ceremony for the casino. The exclusive event saw an appearance from local dignitaries, business leaders, and special guests to celebrate, who came to celebrate the opening of the premium entertainment destination.

Here’s what Eric Barbaro, Chief Operating Officer, Granite State Gaming & Hospitality had to say on the casino’s launch:

“We are truly honored to have celebrated this milestone with our fellow community leaders. 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.”

Economic Impact

Lilac Club Casino in Rochester is projected to have a substantial economic impact on the local community via job creation, charitable contributions, and increased tourism. It was reported that the new gaming location will employ around 80 individuals, providing new career opportunities for locals in the area.

Like other casinos in New Hampshire, Lilac Club Casino will also abide by the state’s charitable gaming laws. Under the current regulations, the gaming amenity must allocate a percentage of its revenue to local non-profit organisations. Thanks to this model, the casino should be able to support Rochester’s charity organisations, encouraging community growth.

The casino is expected to draw tourists into the area, providing jobs and supporting non-profits. This will boost local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and other retail enterprises. With the increase in tourists, spending in the area should also improve, which is welcomed by local establishments.