A total of three new downstate licenses will be up for grabs in New York. Previously, the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board confirmed a deadline of June 27, 2025, that all interested applicants need to file their bids by. Recognizable gaming and hospitality giants are exploring options for a casino license bid with the list including Las Vegas Sands.
Say NO to the Casino Civic Association Opposes Nassau County Casino Bid
The gaming company’s bid proposes the development of a casino and other amenities on the land near Nassau Coliseum. However, opponents of the project recently raised their concerns, warning the proposed development may negatively impact Nassau County. As announced by The Point, representatives of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association recently spoke against the proposed casino project, warning that it may impact the County’s local environment and have economic, as well as social consequences.
Representatives of the Association included residents of Garden City, Baldwin, Manhasset and Uniondale, all united by concerns surrounding the proposed Sands casino project that seeks to use the land near Nassau Coliseum. The opponents of the casino bid acknowledged that while the casino floor itself would be 400,000 square feet, the overall development would incorporate 4 million square feet.
Opponents Voice Their Concerns
The massive hotel and casino, according to the Association representatives, would decrease the quality of the air in the area, primarily due to increased traffic. Pointing to the expected 10 million visitors that would be attracted by the casino, the opponents of the project claimed they would “choke” the traffic in the region.
Another concern raised by opponents of the project was that visitors to the casino wouldn’t spend money at local restaurants and Long Island shops but rather prefer the offerings at the resort. “I don’t see how this does not hurt businesses on Long Island,” George Krug, a Garden City resident, explained.
Equally as concerning would be the amount of water the project is going to use. Opponents of the Sands’ bid at Nassau Coliseum estimated that the casino resort would use water equivalent to what 2,000 homes would use on a daily basis. Other concerns raised by representatives of the Association claim the casino would decrease the property value in the region while at the same time increasing crime.
Baldwin resident Steve Rolston said the Association would support the development of the area but one that is “reasonable” and helps the town. “We don’t need desperately something like this,” he added.
Only recently, the gambling regulator announced it added two new members to the Gaming Facility Location Board. The announcement saw Greg Reimers and Marion Phillips III join the Board, growing the number of members to a total of five. The two executives will now collaborate with Board chair Vicki Been, Stuart Rabinowitz and Carlos Naudon. It is yet to be seen whether those appointments will help expedite the awarding of the casino licenses.
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