Posted on: August 15, 2024, 05:19h.
Last updated on: August 15, 2024, 05:19h.
A Long Island legal advisor advocating for the Las Vegas Sands’ mega-resort in Nassau Coliseum has urged Governor Kathy Hochul to expedite the casino licensing process, but Hochul has yet to signal her approval.
In an opinion piece for Long Island Business News, Joshua Liebamn, a partner at Rosenberg Calica Birney Liebman & Ross LLP in Garden City, NY, stated that the delay in the bidding process is hindering gaming companies from applying for the downstate permits.
In May, proposed bills were introduced in the legislature, aiming to open the bidding window for New York City casino licenses by August 31st, but with no indication of Hochul’s stance.
It is speculated that Hochul’s team has chosen to delay taking action on the bill and could prolong the regulatory process into next year,” wrote Liebman.
The slow progress in the licensing process has drawn criticism, with many questioning the lack of action in awarding the three casino licenses in New York.
Several experts have joined in criticizing the process for its inaction and lack of transparency in awarding the licenses.
“If Rick’s casino in the movie ‘Casablanca’ had been waiting for Governor Hochul’s administration to issue it an operating license, the amoral French Captain Renault would have died of old age long before being presented with his winnings,” wrote Liebman.
Hochul claims she is not directly involved in the licensing decisions, but observers believe there are political connections influencing the process.
Sands Casino Could Boost Nassau County Economy
As New York regulators continue to delay, speculations arise on the potential winners of the three downstate casino licenses, among which Sands is considered a strong contender.
The operator’s size and investments in the community make its Long Island project promising, with Nassau Coliseum’s strategic location minimizing traffic concerns.
Liebman sees the LVS casino as an opportunity to stimulate Nassau County’s economy and provide long-term benefits.
“The casino decision should be issued ‘letters of transit’ and allow it to fulfill its economic potential,” concluded the attorney.