Berlin New Hampshire is getting a new charitable gaming venue.
The city’s planning board approved a site plan to convert the former Northland Dairy Bar into a Revo Casino and Social House. The project will include a sit-down restaurant and an outdoor patio, bringing dining and entertainment options back to a property that has sat vacant since the dairy bar closed in late 2021.
This approval moves forward plans for what is expected to become the sixth Revo Casino and Social House location in the state, joining existing venues in Conway, Dover, Keene, West Lebanon, and Manchester.
The announcement comes just weeks after The Granite State experienced a massive bump in casino revenue. Revo Casino is also in the midst of a major expansion effort in New Hampshire.
What Happened at the Berlin Planning Board Meeting?
Civil engineer Brian Pratt of Fuss & O’Neill presented the site plan on behalf of Stefan Huba of Salem NH Ventures LLC, the company behind Revo Casino. The proposed location is on upper Main Street in Berlin, associated with the address 1826 Riverside Drive.
The Northland Restaurant and Dairy Bar, a longtime local favorite, shut down permanently in 2021 due to staffing shortages and rising operating costs. The property was later acquired by interests connected to the New Hampshire Group, the operator behind the Revo brand.
Planned Site Improvements for the New Berlin Casino
The approved site plan includes several upgrades designed to improve traffic flow and the look of the property:
- A redesigned parking lot entrance for easier access
- Aesthetic improvements to the natural landscape
- New sidewalks for safer pedestrian access
- Updated lighting, with no flashing signs in the evening
These changes aim to make the venue more welcoming while fitting into the character of Berlin’s Main Street corridor.
How Revo Casino Fits Into New Hampshire’s Charitable Gaming Model
Revo Casino and Social House is the branding used by the New Hampshire Group for its charitable gaming venues. Under New Hampshire law, these facilities operate as part of the state’s charitable gaming system, not as traditional commercial casinos.
Key points about New Hampshire charitable gaming:
- Licensed for-profit operators run games on behalf of approved nonprofits.
- A significant share of profits from table games and other gaming supports local charities and community causes.
- The New Hampshire Lottery Commission oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcement under state statutes (RSA 287-D, 287-E, 287-A).
This model allows regulated casino-style games—such as poker, blackjack, and roulette—along with bingo, pull-tabs (Lucky 7), and raffles, all with the goal of benefiting eligible 501(c) organizations.
What Games and Amenities Could the Berlin Revo Casino Offer?
While specific game offerings for the Berlin location have not been detailed, other Revo Casino and Social House venues typically feature:
- Table games (poker, blackjack, roulette, and similar games of chance)
- Electronic games and video lottery terminals (VLTs)
- Bingo and Lucky 7 pull-tabs
- A full-service restaurant and bar
- Social and entertainment spaces, including outdoor patios
Hours for games of chance in New Hampshire generally run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. the following day, and players must be at least 18 years old to enter the gaming area.
Why This Matters for Berlin New Hampshire and the North Country
The Revo Casino project reuses a vacant commercial property in Berlin, helping to bring activity and investment back to upper Main Street. It also continues the operator’s pattern of developing venues that combine gaming with dining and social amenities.
For the North Country region, the venue could:
- Create jobs in gaming, hospitality, and food service
- Generate revenue for local nonprofits through the charitable gaming model
- Offer a new entertainment option for residents and visitors
Further steps, such as building permits and construction timelines, are expected to follow the site plan approval. An exact opening date has not been announced.
FAQ: Berlin New Hampshire and New Hampshire Casino Gaming
Is the Berlin Revo Casino a real casino?
The Berlin Revo Casino operates under New Hampshire’s charitable gaming laws. It is not a commercial casino like those in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Instead, it is a licensed charitable gaming venue where a for-profit operator runs games on behalf of approved nonprofits, with a share of revenue going to charity.
Where will the new Berlin New Hampshire casino be located?
The Revo Casino and Social House will be located at the former Northland Dairy Bar site on upper Main Street in Berlin, associated with 1826 Riverside Drive.
How many Revo Casino locations are in New Hampshire?
With the Berlin approval, Revo is expected to operate six locations in the state: Conway, Dover, Keene, West Lebanon (Lebanon), Manchester, and now Berlin.
What types of games are allowed at New Hampshire casinos?
New Hampshire charitable gaming venues can offer table games (poker, blackjack, roulette), electronic games, VLTs, bingo, and Lucky 7 pull-tabs, all under licenses issued by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission.
How does charitable gaming benefit local organizations?
By law, charitable organizations must receive at least 35% of gross revenues from games of chance after prizes are paid. This revenue supports religious, civic, veterans’, fraternal, and other eligible nonprofits across the state.
