Lilac City being eyed as potential casino site

ROCHESTER - A casino could be in the cards for Rochester.

A Nevada casino has a booth at this year's Rochester Fair seeking to measure the public's desire for gaming in the Lilac City.

The Rochester Fair is working with Eureka Casino Hotel of Nevada in an effort to push the casino project forward, with the two eyeing Route 11 as a possible casino site.

"We believe gaming expansion will come to New Hampshire and that Rochester should participate and enjoy the many economic benefits," a statement released by the Rochester.Fair Association said on Friday. "Beyond the hundred-plus construction jobs, we estimate a local gaming facility will create 500 to 600 permanent jobs with strong wages, healthcare and retirement benefit packages. Jobs created include hospitality positions such as customer service representatives, supervisors, managers in the core gaming operations as well as jobs in human resources, marketing, accounting and security."

Eureka Casino Hotel has also indicated it would apportion some of its profits from the casino to bring back harness racing to the Rochester Fair and to make improvements to the Rochester Fairgrounds. Potential projects include a larger outdoor performance venue, equestrian events, and a winter carnival.

Any casino project would have to be approved by state and city officials.