New Hampshire: Revo Casino relocation to Toy City site approved by Keene planning board

Revo Casino and Social House has secured city planning board approval in Keene, New Hampshire, to relocate from its Emerald Street location to the Toy City site on Key Road, pending the expiration of Toy City’s lease in 2027 or sooner, as ongoing talks between Revo partner Dick Anagnost and Toy City owner Steven Levy continue. 

Levy said discussions with Anagnost remain ongoing, noting that they have known each other for about five decades, as per the Keene Sentinel. He said he accepts the possibility of relocating when the lease expires, but does not anticipate moving before 2027, while leaving that option open.

The planning board’s approval covers the building’s change of use, parking additions, and landscaping. Anagnost will next apply for a building permit.

The proposed site would occupy about 15,000 square feet, doubling the 7,500-square-foot space Revo currently operates on Emerald Street. Anagnost has said the location’s proximity to hotels makes it viable for casino operations.

Renovations will include a restaurant, a full bar, and extensive electrical work. “There’s a lot we need to do in planning,” Anagnost said. He added that the company intends to seek a building permit by year’s end.

This will be the casino’s fourth relocation in Keene. Anagnost has previously said that each move has coincided with higher revenues and larger charitable donations. Under New Hampshire law, charitable gaming facilities must give 35% of profits from table games and part of slot machine revenue to charities.

Revo reported that its operations, which also include Conway, Dover, Manchester, and West Lebanon, have donated just over $9 million to charities this year. The company is also preparing to reopen at a new location in Berlin.

Anagnost’s company, Key Road Development LLC, purchased the Key Road Plaza in December 2024 for $6 million, according to city property records. The plaza also houses the Department of Health and Human Services office, Keene Cinemas, Rug Works, and Sherwin-Williams, whose leases run longer than Toy City’s. Anagnost said this made the Toy City space the practical option for relocation.

The planning board’s decision follows a separate action by Keene city councilors, who on September 18 narrowly agreed to accept a December donation from the casino. A state law that took effect in May 2024 authorized municipalities to receive such funds from casinos operating within their jurisdiction. Anagnost has said Keene is the first city to accept a donation from Revo under this law.

During that meeting, councilors raised questions about the ethics and optics of accepting contributions from a business regulated by the city through the permitting process.