Sands Working on Finding a Long Island Partner, Casino Could Be Out of Play
Posted on: May 27, 2025, 09:41h.
Last updated on: May 28, 2025, 10:12h.
- Sands is still in discussions on Nassau Coliseum
- Acknowledges deadline for New York City casino application could be missed
Las Vegas Sands executives said the company is still working on identifying a partner to take over its obligations at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY, but acknowledged it’s possible that even if that happens, the deadline to submit an application for a downstate casino license will be missed.
Sands announced its departure from the New York City casino competition last month, citing potential competitive threats should the state eventually legalize iGaming. At that time, the operator said it was hoping to identify a gaming partner — one with both land-based and internet casino experience — to assume control of the Nassau Coliseum proposal. That prospect now appears somewhat murky.
“These discussions are still ongoing and the company is hopeful that a deal can still be reached,” said Sands lawyer Daniel Baker at a Hempstead, NY zoning meeting on Tuesday. “However, the company also recognizes that there is little time left before applications are due to the state on June 27 and it may not be possible.”
The gaming company continues working on zoning changes at the Nassau Hub. If those alterations are soon approved, that would make it easier for another gaming company to bid for a license. Rezoning the property is viewed as vital to luring another corporation — gaming or otherwise — to pursue development there.
Long Island Casino Costs Surge
In addition to the application deadline, it could be difficult to find another gaming company to take on Sands’ Long Island plan because of the cost. Last week, the gaming company released the results of a final environmental impact study (FEIS), which indicated a Long Island casino hotel project could cost as much as $7.6 billion, or nearly double the $4 billion Sands originally expected.
That could significantly pare the already dwindling pool of downstate casino bidders. There’s a limited number of operators that can handle a cost commitment of that level, and many of those that can are already vying for New York City licenses or have announced they’re out of the fray.
Chris Boyle, spokesman for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in an interview with Newsday there was “strong interest” from other gaming companies in the Coliseum site, but he didn’t mention names. In late April, Sands said it was in talks with another company and that an announcement was expected in a matter of weeks. That hasn’t materialized as of yet.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told local media outlets that he recently fielded calls from interested parties from outside the US, including Albania and China, but he didn’t get into specifics. Community groups that oppose the Long Island casino plan said their views won’t change with Sands out of the picture.
Casino Operator Not Needed to Replace Sands
If there’s potential relief for Sands and supporters of revamping Nassau Hub, it’s that it isn’t mandatory that another casino operator assume the Long Island pitch. That could be beneficial, particularly against the aforementioned time crunch and swelling costs.
That’s to the liking of community groups that are opposed to a gaming venue and want Nassau County legislators to throw in the towel on that plan, but those detractors do want Nassau Hub to be reborn.
Such a rebirth is possible only with the zoning changes Sands is pursuing, making approvals of those adjustments vital to the future of a site that’s gone underutilized for more than a decade.
Last Comments ( 5 )
Just wish you people would stop talking about how bad traffic would be there is more traffic at your local supermarket. Also it's OK to have Bars on every corner. Pot store's all over and your worried about a casino ? One other thing stop telling people how to spend there money . Protesters need to get a life.
You don’t need to rezone for gambling to have a rebirth at the Nassau Coliseum. There are much better ways to create something that will enrich the community.
I disagree with your last paragraph. We don’t need Gambling at the Hub. In fact, we would be way better off without it. We can’t develop without legalizing gambling?!?! Not true at all! Is this what you meant to write?
One incorrect statement - "Such a rebirth is possible only with the zoning changes Sands is pursuing, making approvals of those adjustments vital to the future of a site that’s gone underutilized for more than a decade." There is absolutely no reason to rezone for a casino if a license is not going to be awarded. There should be no rezoning until a new project (without a casino) is determined.
Say NO to the Casino…. Development of the Hub without any casino is what we want…