The judge deciding the fate of Andy Sanborn’s Concord Casino said Thursday there is ample public interest in a new owner buying and reopening the casino and resuming funding to charities, contrary to the state’s arguments.

But administrative law Judge Gregory Albert said he likely won’t determine until next week whether he has the authority to grant Sanborn’s request to extend his Sept. 30 deadline to sell.

Assistant Attorney General Mark Dell’Orfano pushed back in a hearing Thursday, saying the casino contributed so little to charities that its closure has not led to “a bunch of starving children out in the street.” Some of the charities that split about $170,000 from Concord Casino last year told the Bulletin they donated money to meals for children, in addition to scholarships, food pantries, and scouting events.

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