Vegas Sands NY Casino faces next test in bid to win coveted license

Las Vegas Sands is now expected to be scrutinized by the public over its plans to build a casino in New York as it seeks to win a coveted license.

Environmental Plan Approval

After passing a significant hurdle in having its environmental plan to construct a $4 billion casino on the site of the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island approved, an in-person public hearing has now been slated for 9 December.

Currently, there are 11 proposals in the running to land a precious license in downstate New York, with 3 available permits up for grabs. Sands’ 28,000-page draft environmental impact plan was greenlighted at the end of last month. Now, it has been made accessible for review and public comments on the Nassau legislature’s website.

Public Concerns and Opposition

Following the public hearing, comments will be accepted until 6 January before the next steps are finalized. But opposition to the casino project has so far been vociferous.

Key objections include:

• Fears over crime and potential traffic congestion

• Concerns from nearby schools and local communities

• Worries about water consumption levels, with Sands estimating nearly 110,000 gallons per day

Sands’ Promises and Project Features

Nevertheless, the project, which would take up 72 acres on the Coliseum site, has factored in outdoor community spaces.

Sands has highlighted the potential benefits:

• $563 million in annual taxes

• $440 million of that going directly to local schools and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA)

• Development of public and outdoor spaces for community use

Next Steps in the Licensing Process

With NY Governor Kathy Hochul vetoing plans last week to accelerate the licensing process, the deadline for prospective bids has now been pushed back to 27 June 2025.

The competitive landscape features:

• 11 total proposals for downstate licenses

• 3 permits available for distribution

• Strong public and political attention on the decision

Conclusion

Sands may believe it’s on the right track, but the public hearing will be the true litmus test. If the company can address local concerns, the Long Island casino project may have a real chance of moving forward in the long term.