Rendering of the proposed Las Vegas Sands casino at Nassau Coliseum.
Courtesy of Las Vegas Sands
Las Vegas Sands Withdraws Casino Bid for Nassau Coliseum
Las Vegas Sands has officially decided to withdraw its proposal for a casino at Nassau Coliseum. In a statement released on April 23, the company raised concerns regarding the possible legalization of online gambling and its anticipated effects on the gambling market.
In their statement, the Sands emphasized their belief in the potential for a land-based downstate casino license in New York. They maintained that the Nassau Coliseum is an ideal location for such a development and expressed confidence in its competitiveness within the New York casino licensing landscape.
Plans for Third-Party Contribution
The Sands announced that they are in talks with another party to submit a casino license application for the Nassau Coliseum. If negotiations falter, the Sands are committed to collaborating with Nassau County and other stakeholders to ensure that future developments align with the county’s long-term vision for the area.
Nassau County Commitment
Chris Boyle, communications director for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, stated that the executive had been apprised of the challenges faced by Las Vegas Sands that influenced its decision. Boyle mentioned that there have been private discussions with gaming organizations interested in pursuing a casino project at Nassau Coliseum, with a decision expected within 30 days.
Local Political Reactions
On April 24, county Legislator Seth Koslow, who is running against Blakeman in the upcoming election, urged the county executive to stop all expenditures related to the Sands project, criticizing the use of taxpayer resources on a venture that is no longer viable.
Background on Las Vegas Sands Proposal
The Las Vegas Sands Corporation had planned a $5 billion resort and casino as part of a broader development at the Nassau Coliseum and the surrounding HUB, a 72-acre site owned by Nassau County. The project was set to be the first casino in Nassau County, with competition for one of three downstate casino licenses the state aims to issue.
Community Response to Casino Plans
The proposal faced significant opposition from local groups concerned about the impact of a casino on the suburban community, including a lawsuit from the Village of Garden City regarding environmental review procedures. Despite this, some community members, including union workers, supported the casino for its potential to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
The Say No to the Casino Civic Association welcomed Las Vegas Sands’ decision to withdraw, stating that they would continue to resist any future attempts to establish a casino in the area. Concerns remain over what the future development of the HUB will entail, as discussions continue.
