Las Vegas Sands Faces Prolonged Legal Battle in Pursuit of New York Casino License
Las Vegas Sands is facing a potential extended legal dispute as it aims to build a $4 billion casino hotel at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site in Uniondale, NY. This has come about as a result of opposition from Hofstra University, which has accused Nassau County of violating New York’s Open Meetings Law and bypassing environmental studies to speed up the lease transfer to Sands.
The appellate division of the New York State Supreme Court recently issued a hold on a state Supreme Court decision that annulled the county’s transfer of the Coliseum to the gaming company. This move by the court could mark the beginning of a lengthy legal battle between the county and the university.
If the court swiftly rejects Hofstra’s claims, the lease transfer would proceed, allowing Sands to continue with its bid for one of three downstate casino permits New York regulators are expected to award. However, if Hofstra emerges victorious, Sands would likely have to abandon its plans in Nassau County and consider finding another potential casino site in the New York City area or abandon its plans in the region altogether. This outcome would significantly impact Sands’ domestic efforts, as the company had previously announced its intent to focus on Nassau County to address concerns about increased traffic in Manhattan and the desirable location of the site near popular airports.
The timeline of the legal battle could also have significant implications on Sands’ ability to compete for a New York casino permit. While the company has been rumored to be a front-runner for one of the licenses, a prolonged legal battle or a quick decision against the gaming company could thwart its efforts to enter New York.
Overall, the outcome of the legal dispute will greatly influence Sands’ plans for a New York casino and the company’s future in the region. With the potential for the bidding process to be dragged out due to the legal battle, Sands’ ability to secure a casino permit in New York remains uncertain.
