Sands Representative Discontent Over New York's Delay in Granting State Gaming Licenses

Sands Casino executive, Rob Goldstein, voiced criticism towards New York gaming regulators for the sluggish and convoluted licensing process, which is causing delays in approving new casino licenses in the area until late 2025. The $4 billion Sands casino complex at the Nassau Coliseum site in Uniondale is experiencing setbacks due to the prolonged decision-making timeline. Goldstein expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from New York regulators and urged them to streamline the process and provide timely updates.

The delay in licensing means that a new gaming facility may not open in the New York metro area until 2026 at the earliest. While Sands publicly expressed their concerns about the slow pace of the process, it could benefit other bidders who are also facing challenges with community and political resistance. Despite the setbacks, the hope remains that things will turn around in New York and the approval process will move forward smoothly.

The Nassau-backed Sands bid for a casino at the Nassau Coliseum has faced opposition and legal challenges, including objections from Hofstra University. Nassau County announced that they will rework their lease agreement with Sands following a court ruling that determined officials violated open meetings and environmental laws. The support from neighborhoods and political figures will play a crucial role in determining which bidders ultimately win the right to operate a casino in the New York City area.

Several casino projects have been proposed in New York, including those by Related Companies/Wynn, Thor Equity, Mets owner Steve Cohen, Bally’s, and Silverstein Properties. Each bid must go through the state Gaming Facility Location Board for approval. Community boards have raised objections to some of the proposals, and some bids require approval to convert parkland to commercial use. Genting-Resorts Worlds and MGM-Empire City are also seeking licenses to add table games to their existing slots parlors.

The Gaming Commission has stated that the process to award casino licenses is ahead of schedule, considering the revenues expected to support the MTA by 2026. Bidders will need to pay a $500 million upfront license fee for the privilege of operating a casino. Additionally, proposals for projects in Hudson Yards, Citi Field, Coney Island, and the Bronx will need to pass the city’s Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure and undergo state environmental scrutiny. Despite the complexities of the process, bidders are navigating through the requirements in hopes of securing a casino license in the New York City area.