New York State Approval Process
As of December 1, 2023, Las Vegas Sands has not yet submitted an application for a gaming facility license -
a casino at the Nassau Coliseum is very far from a "done deal!"
Key Steps for Las Vegas Sands to Obtain a NYS Gaming Facility License​
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Las Vegas Sands needs to file an application after NYS completes the question and answer process of the Request for Applications (RFA).
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NYS issued its answers to the first round of questions on August 30, 2023.
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The due date for the second round of questions from applicants was October 6, 2023.
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Needs to obtain approval from a local Community Advisory Committee (CAC) appointed by five elected officials - Governor Kathy Hochul, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald Clavin, State Senator Kevin Thomas and Assembly Member Edward Ra. Needs to obtain a vote of 4 or 5 of the CAC members.
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Submits petition to the Town of Hempstead for zoning approval. Resources: Las Vegas Sands Environmental Assessment Form to Towin of Hempstead, Site Plan
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Needs to address the impacts on the environment prior to rezoning assessment - traffic, air and noise pollution, impact on water supply, waste disposal, public safety considerations including increased risk of DWI fatalities.
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Needs to obtain rezoning approval from the Town of Hempstead.
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Only those casino applicants that have a) obtain approval of their local CAC and b) have zoning approval will be evaluated for a casino license by the NYS Gaming Facility Location Board.
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There are 10 other casino operators competing for one of the three downstate casino licenses at locations such as Citifield, Times Square, Coney Island, Hudson Yards, Aqueduct and Yonkers.
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The three companies selected by the Location Board are subject to final approval by the NYS Gaming Commission.
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More information on the approval process can be found at nycasinos.ny.gov