The state legislature has approved the environmental plan for Sands New York, one of 11 proposals competing for three available downstate casino licenses in and around New York City.
Las Vegas Sands has reached a significant milestone in its $4 billion (£3.6 billion/€3.8 billion) integrated resort project, according to reports released on December 2. The proposed development is slated for the Nassau Coliseum site on Long Island.
In November, the state legislature approved the environmental plan for Sands New York. The comprehensive 28,000-page environmental impact report is now available for public review on the Nassau legislature’s website. Public comments will be accepted until January 6, with an in-person hearing scheduled for December 9.
The proposed casino project has faced significant opposition, particularly from nearby institutions such as Hofstra University and Kellenberg High School. Local residents have also voiced concerns about potential issues, including increased crime, gambling addiction, traffic congestion, and environmental impact. An organized group, “Say No to the Casino,” has urged its members to attend the January 6 public meeting to oppose the development.
Las Vegas Sands was initially granted a 99-year lease for the property surrounding Nassau Coliseum, the former home of the NHL’s New York Islanders. However, in 2023, a New York state judge invalidated the lease, citing insufficient public debate during the approval process.
Plan calls for $150 million in improvements
In August, the Nassau County Legislature and Rules Committee approved a 42-year lease for the proposed casino project, contingent on the environmental review.
The recently approved environmental plan includes over $150 million in proposed improvements, such as construction to enhance traffic flow and measures to safeguard local wildlife. Additionally, the plan outlines the establishment of a gambling addiction support center to address potential social impacts.
Despite these measures, opposition remains strong. On November 22, the “Say No to the Casino” group issued a statement expressing concerns about the project’s impact on local infrastructure and community well-being.
“Even with added traffic lanes, our parkways cannot accommodate the significant traffic increase expected by LVS, and there is no viable mass transit alternative,” the group stated. “This casino will trigger an addiction crisis in our community, straining mental health and social services.”
Casino will take up only 10% of total space
The proposed project would span 72 acres at the Nassau Coliseum site. Alongside the Sands New York Casino, the development plans include outdoor community spaces, luxury accommodations with four- and five-star hotel rooms, and a state-of-the-art live performance venue, paying homage to the Coliseum’s legacy in live music.
The resort will also feature an array of attractions, such as celebrity chef-led restaurants, experiential event spaces, flexible meeting and convention areas, and amenities like a luxury spa, swimming pool, and health club. Additional entertainment programming is also planned to enhance the property's appeal.
True to Las Vegas Sands’ (LVS) integrated resort model, the casino itself would occupy less than 10% of the total square footage.
While the project faces significant local opposition, it must still secure state approval amidst a highly competitive landscape. Eleven proposals are vying for three available downstate casino licenses. The bid deadline is June 2025, with the New York Facility Location Board expected to issue licenses by late 2025.
