The state gaming commission doesn’t believe it can realistically issue new licenses anytime soon
The New York Gaming Commission (NYGC) recently announced that no applications would be accepted and no licenses would be issued until at least late 2025, creating more drama in the competition for the three approved casino licenses in the state.
Lawmakers hoped to have already started the bidding process after passing legislation in 2022 to expedite licensing. The NYGC is expected to provide further details about the delays on April 1.
The Las Vegas Sands In Uniondale, located at the site of the Nassau Coliseum, is one of 11 gaming operators competing for a license.
NYGC Executive Director Robert Williams says the main reason for the delay is that the timeline allows time for a citywide zoning change to be approved, which could come in a few weeks, and other regulatory issues that applicants are working through.
“The Board is cognizant of the many factors relating to the zoning requirement, including New York City’s proposed text amendment relating to gaming facilities and of the many zoning-related questions posed by applicants during the first two rounds of questions,” said Gaming Commission officials in a recent statement.
“The updated timeline, expected to be finalized soon, will consider these and other factors,” they added.
The new timetable could allow Sands to overcome specific issues, including a November 2023 Nassau County court ruling that the county violated New York’s Open Meetings Law and the State Environmental Quality Review Act. Sands was forced to restart the process after its lease with the county was voided last May.
Hard Rock International Partner and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is also competing with the Sands to acquire the needed approvals from the state to construct a proposed casino in the parking lot of Citi Field in Queens.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
