A Long Island attorney that supports Las Vegas Sands’ efforts to build a $6 billion integrated resort at the site of Nassau Coliseum encouraged Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) to approve legislation that would accelerate the bidding process for three downstate casino licenses — something the governor hasn’t signaled she’ll do.
In an op-ed for Long Island Business News, Joshua Liebamn, a partner at Rosenberg Calica Birney Liebman & Ross LLP in Garden City, NY, opined that the saga of “Waiting for Kathy” is stalling the process through which gaming companies can bid for the trio of downstate permits.
In May, Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Queens) and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon) proposed bills in their respective chambers that if signed into law by Hochul, would have opened the bidding window for the New York City-area licenses as soon as Aug. 31. With that date just 16 days away, the governor hasn’t shown any intent to sign the legislation.
Press reports suggest that her staff never asked for the bill to be sent to her office for review, much less for her approval or, for that matter, a veto. Rather, there appears to have been a conscious decision to ignore the proposed bill and, by doing so, push a regulatory decision far into next year,” wrote Liebman.
The Addabbo/Pretlow effort could pave the way for decisions to be made on the three winners of the casino licenses by the middle of next year. Without, that process could drag well into late 2025 or beyond.
NYC Casino Process Long Derided
In his op-ed, Liebman clearly noted that neither he nor his firm have any relationship with Sands nor do they have financial interests in the operator’s Long Island venture. The attorney believes the gaming venue could be a driver of economic growth for Nassau County.
He is, however, the latest in an increasingly long line of commentators, experts, and gaming industry observers that have criticized the process by which New York is attempting to award the three downstate casino permits with much of that derision stemming from lack of action.
“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 has consistently said she’s not directly involved in how and to whom the licenses will be awarded, but some New York political experts believe there are obvious links between the New York Gaming Commission (NYGC), the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, and political entities.
Sands Casino Could Boost Nassau County Economy
Owing to the sluggish pace at which New York regulators are moving, there’s nothing more than speculation regarding which of the more than 10 bidders will win the three downstate casino licenses. However, the Sands plan is widely viewed as one of the most viable.
Not only is the operator one of the largest gaming companies in the world, it’s already making significant investments in the surrounding community. Plus, Nassau Coliseum is close to Manhattan, but doesn’t a gaming venue at the Coliseum doesn’t pose a traffic threat to the already highly congested borough.
For his part, Liebman believes the LVS casino hotel could jumpstart Nassau County’s local economy while paying dividends over the long-term.
“This governor and her casino siting board need to recognize what the business community has long known. Delay is as much a decision as definitive action,” concluded the attorney. “Our region’s economy can’t be permitted to be deferred into oblivion. The casino decision should be issued ‘letters of transit’ and allow it to fulfill its economic potential.”
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