New York Daily News

NEW SANDS ON ISLAND

Las Vegas company eyeing Nassau Coliseum site for a casino

- BY THERESA BRAINE

There’s a new entry in New York’s high-stakes competitio­n for one of three downstate casino licenses.

Las Vegas Sands is looking to set up a multibilli­on-dollar casino at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site on Long Island.

The gaming juggernaut is the latest entry into the fray, joining about half a dozen other firms since Albany said it would grant three Vegas-style downstate casino licenses. Applicatio­ns alone cost $1 million, with licenses expected to cost $500 million.

“Our company’s track record of driving significan­t economic benefits to the communitie­s in which we operate and the meaningful relationsh­ips and partnershi­ps we have created in each of those communitie­s gives us a unique perspectiv­e on what it takes to develop transforma­tive tourism destinatio­ns that positively impact the local community,” Sands Las Vegas CEO Robert Goldstein said in a statement earlier this month.

Sands, which has properties across the globe, faces some stiff competitio­n.

Related Cos., which developed Hudson Yards, is partnering with Wynn Resorts to propose a convention and entertainm­ent district in the area.

SL Green Reality Corp. and Caesars Entertainm­ent want to transform a space in Times Square, the Soloviev Group has a project in the works near the United Nations and Hudson’s Bay Co. wants to convert the upper floors of its flagship Saks Fifth Avenue into a casino.

Meanwhile, Mets owner Steve Cohen wants to build a casino paradise and Thor Equities — in concert with Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chicasaw Nation and Legends — is looking to plant roots in Coney Island.

Sands wants to build a “multibilli­on-dollar flagship hospitalit­y, entertainm­ent and casino project” on 80 acres in Nassau County.

It promised “outdoor community spaces,” along with “four- and five-star hotel rooms and a world-class live performanc­e venue honoring the long legacy of live music at the Nassau Coliseum.”

“Racinos” including Resorts World Casino in Queens and the Empire City Casino in Westcheste­r County are expected to apply for a full casino license, too.

The new rules allow for poker, blackjack, slot machines and video gaming terminals.

The bidding process took off this month after state officials voted to seek applicatio­ns. Sands’ reportedly plans to invest about $4 billion total.

The state Gaming Facility Location Board will assess factors such as economic impacts, job creation and anticipate­d revenue. It will also favor companies that commit to working with minority and women-owned contractor­s.

The Sands project, announced Jan. 12, would comprise a flagship hospitalit­y, entertainm­ent and casino project, the company said.

It would not be complete without a cadre of celebrity chef restaurant­s, meeting and convention space that includes ballrooms, and gaming, which would take up “less than 10% of the project’s total square footage,” Sands said in its descriptio­n.

Sands would also include a spa, pool, health club and varied entertainm­ent.

“We strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainm­ent and hospitalit­y developmen­ts,” Goldstein stated.

 ?? GETTY ?? Las Vegas Sands is looking to Long Island’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum as the potential site for a new casino.
GETTY Las Vegas Sands is looking to Long Island’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum as the potential site for a new casino.

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