Patrons eagerly waiting for The Nash Casino to open on March 5. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – With scores of patrons eagerly waiting at the front door, the city’s third casino, The Nash, roared to life on the morning of March 5.

“We’re pleased to welcome The Nash Casino to the Pheasant Lane Mall property, this is an exciting development for our city,” said Mayor James Donchess.

Under the ownership of ECL Entertainment, The Nash, at 130,000 square feet, is now the largest charitable gaming operation in the state. Nonprofit organizations will receive 35 percent of the casino’s yearly table game revenue and 8.75 percent of the revenue from the Historical Horse Racing machines.

“The charitable gaming component of the casino will bring a projected $24 million to our Nashua nonprofits,” said Donchess. “This will have a huge impact on their efforts to serve our community.”

Wendy Hunt, president and CEO of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, said that in 2022, The Lucky Moose and The River casinos, also owned by ECL, donated $1.8 million to more than 100 nonprofit organizations.

Eric Althaus, general manager of The Nash Casino, which opened on March 5. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

“The Nash is projected to contribute $24 million annually to 104 nonprofit partners. Our nonprofits play a critical role in our community and this is sure to make a difference,” said Hunt. “The Nash team has worked hard to create a premiere charitable gaming, hospitality and entertainment experience here in Nashua. The Nash represents a $250 million investment in our community, creating 600 career-launching jobs. Beyond that, guests are sure to shop, dine and stay in our community, helping our local business community continue to grow.”

General Manager Eric Althaus said he is pleased with the casino’s clientele, adding that he is not concerned about competition from New England’s gaming superpower, Encore Boston Harbor, located 40 miles to the south.

“I wouldn’t say they’re our competition,” said Althaus, adding that The Nash is likely to attract patrons from southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. “Our team has worked tirelessly to create a world class entertainment experience and we look forward to becoming a premier destination for everyone in the region.”

In addition to 1,046 HHR machines and 28 table games, the two-story casino features the DraftKings Sportsbook and the Topgolf Swing Suite with four simulator bays. It is the first Topgolf Swing Suite in New Hampshire.

The casino also features a mammoth television screen measuring 60 feet long by 22 feet wide. Below that are eight televisions with 65-inch screens. In addition, The Nash offers five restaurants and bars including Proper Chophouse & Cocktails, Woodlands Cafe, Lucky Lantern Noodle House, Electric Pheasant and Stadium Social Sports Bar & Grill.

Regarding security, all patrons are required to show identification proving they are at least 21 years old even though New Hampshire’s legal gambling age is 18.

The Nash is open every day at 9 a.m. The casino will close at 2 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday and at 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.