Las Vegas Sands declares intention to pursue New York casino project

Long Island

Las Vegas Sands has officially declared that it is entering the race to secure one of up to three downstate New York gaming licences via a multi-billion dollar project on Long Island.

As a result, the company has declared that agreements have been entered into regarding a purchase of the long-term lease of the site currently home to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. 

These transactions, which still require certain approvals, would grant the company control of up to 80 acres in Nassau County, New York.

The development of what is billed as “a multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project,” would include a casino gaming area that would represent less than ten per cent of total footage. 

This would be alongside outdoor community spaces, four and five-star hotel rooms, live performance venue designed to honour the legacy of the Nassau Coliseum, celebrity chef restaurants, meeting and convention space, day spa, swimming pool and health club, and a variety of other entertainment programming.

The group has also stressed an intention of working alongside the local community to develop a plan that ensures that the resort maximises the economic opportunity, helps build stronger communities and protects the quality of life for all Long Islanders. 

“…we strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainment and hospitality developments

Robert Goldstein, LVS Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“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,” explained Robert Goldstein, LVS Chair and Chief Executive Officer.

“Based on that experience, we strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainment and hospitality developments.  

“Our announcement today is only the first part of this journey. Our ability to put forward a compelling and competitive proposal will only succeed if we engage with the Long Island community and, in collaboration, develop a proposal that reflects the input of all those involved.” 

In addition to vowing to deliver millions of dollars in tax revenue for the local community on an annual basis, Goldstein also touched upon a lift for local business “through a robust procurement program” and offering of jobs on both construction and operations.

“The breadth and depth of the job opportunities created from this development, including many with no prior experience or minimum education requirements needed, are unlikely to be matched by any other proposal the state receives,” he continued. 

“We will offer a wide range of career paths and professional advancement and training programs working in partnership with trade schools, community colleges, local universities and other institutions. Career advancement will be possible and prioritised for all our team members.”

“We will offer a wide range of career paths and professional advancement and training programs”

Robert Goldstein, LVS Chair and Chief Executive Officer

Adding: “The entire Sands team is excited for the opportunity to help bring this vision to reality and we are ready to work in a serious and transparent manner with the local community in an effort to bring an exciting new industry to Long Island.”

Furthermore, LVS will also seek guidance from the region’s environmental leaders regarding an ambition to achieve LEED certification and its goal of being the “greenest” building on Long Island

A commitment to investments in community and cultural projects and organisations and partnerships with local celebrities and sports teams is also stressed, alongside an aim of honour the site’s legal as a veteran memorial.

“I will always consider Hempstead my home, so it is with great pride that I have a leadership role working with this great community on this transformational project,” commented former New York Governor and Sands Senior Vice President David Paterson.  

“We are committed to bringing opportunities for small businesses to thrive, career paths in multiple disciplines for our local residents, innovative approaches for minority and women-owned businesses, thousands of union jobs, and an understanding of our obligation to partner and communicate our vision for the future.

“Our diversity and inclusion strategies will foster an environment of collaboration and economic equity. Our goal will be to ensure that our supply chain is fulfilled from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned as well as veteran and disabled entrepreneurs based locally so that our surrounding communities are central and fully participating in the success of this project.”