- Lawmakers in Nassau County approved the Las Vegas Sands Casino Resort plans on Monday by an 18-1 vote.
- The $6 billion Las Vegas Sands Casino and Resort is set to take over the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
- Casino places face opposition from the nearby Hofstra University, a local high school, and the “Say No to the Casino” Civic Association.
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Monday marked a major development in the Las Vegas Sands plans to bring a casino to Nassau County. Lawmakers voted 18-1 in favor of approving the lease agreement for the Nassau County casino.
Although there are plenty of obstacles before blackjack and more casino gambling comes to Long Island, it’s a massive step toward fruition. Most notably, Las Vegas Sands still needs to be approved for a gaming license by New York state.
Casino Opposition Cites Increased Crime and Gambling Addictions
The Nassau County Legislature Meeting approved a lease for Las Vegas Sands to take over the 72-acre Coliseum property, but it faces steep opposition from local residents and schools. Those in opposition of the Nassau County casino are worried about an increase in traffic and crime in the area.
Hofstra University has long fought against the casino due to its location across the boulevard from the Coliseum. They worry their students will develop harmful gambling addictions and fear the area will see an increase in crime.
Casino Supporters Emphasize Economic Impact
While Hofstra University, local high schools, neighborhoods, and even a Civic Association named “Say No to the Casino” oppose it, supporters like Nassau Community College emphasize the revenue and job opportunities the casino would bring. Just building the casino would employ more than 8,500 construction workers for nearly two years.
When it comes to revenue, the New York Blackjack location expects to bring millions of dollars in annual tax revenue to Nassau County.