Public Comment Opens for Las Vegas Sands’ NY Casino After Environmental Plan Approval

Las Vegas Sands has made significant progress in its $4 billion Sands New York project, with the state legislature approving its environmental plan in November 2024. This approval paves the way for a 28,000-page environmental impact study to undergo public review, with a comment period open until January 6 and a public hearing set that took place on December 9.

While the Sands New York casino project gains momentum, it’s important to note that New York does not allow online gambling, except for mobile sports betting. However, New York City residents can still engage in sports and horse racing wagers, participate in the state-run lottery, and visit both commercial and tribal casinos. Despite these options, online casinos remain a notable gap in New York’s gambling market, leaving many residents to turn to offshore platforms to satisfy their online gaming desires.

iGaming expert Pavel Pudakov highlighted that there are many offshore fast withdrawal casino options for NYC gamblers to choose from. These options not only offer payouts in mere seconds but also offer gamblers loads of enticing perks such as generous cashback rewards, a wide variety of games, outstanding bonuses, and multiple payment options, including cryptocurrencies, which are faster and safer compared to fiat currencies.

Despite the growing popularity of online gaming, many gamblers still prefer land-based casinos. Many NYC gamblers are excited about the proposed Sands New York casino in Long Island. This project’s developments are planned to be located at the site of the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, which was once home to the New York Islanders of the NHL.

However, there are some complications. Las Vegas Sands was initially granted a 99-year lease for the property surrounding the Nassau Coliseum, the former home of the New York Islanders. However, in 2023, a New York state judge ruled the lease invalid due to insufficient public discussion and failure to involve the community in the decision-making process adequately.

Yet even with the complexities, The Las Vegas Sands still has its eyes set on the Nassau Coliseum and plans on transforming the 72-acre site into an integrated resort featuring a casino, luxury hotel, entertainment venues, and community spaces. The project aims to preserve the legacy of the Nassau Coliseum while offering upscale amenities like celebrity chef restaurants, luxury spas, and a large-scale performance venue.

As part of the environmental plan, the project includes over $150 million in infrastructure improvements to enhance traffic flow and protect local wildlife. However, residents have expressed significant opposition to the proposal.

Concerns about increased traffic congestion, crime, and environmental impact have led to the formation of the “Say No to the Casino” group. Opponents argue that the area’s infrastructure, especially roads and public transportation, cannot handle the additional strain the resort would cause.

Despite the casino making up less than 10% of the total development space, it remains a central point of contention. The Sands New York project aims to attract tourists and locals while creating thousands of jobs. However, the community’s concerns have sparked public hearings where residents plan to voice their concerns about the project.

However, the project faces stiff competition for the downstate casino licenses, with eleven other contenders vying for only three available spots. The New York Facility Location Board is expected to issue the final permits at the end of 2025 after proposals are submitted by June 2025.