A proposal to establish a brick-and-mortar casino at the Nassau Coliseum site in Uniondale, New York, has faced resistance and legal challenges. Last week, more than 300 concerned citizens gathered in the ballroom at the Uniondale Marriott to oppose the $4 billion casino project.
With Say No to Casino, George Krug stated, “Casinos are places that lift people up and shake them until all the money falls out.” Later at the event, the Garden City Mayor received cheers when she told the town they opposed the project. However, the Sands Corp has been granted a 99-year lease.
The Village of Garden City sued to block the casino’s construction. The legal arguments include zoning regulations, traffic congestion, and social concerns. The lawsuit has placed the project under intense scrutiny and could delay or expunge the project.
The proposed casino project aims to revamp the Nassau Coliseum site into a vibrant entertainment hub. Led by prominent developers and casino operators, it envisions a modern facility offering gaming, dining, retail, and live entertainment.
The project is expected to offer the following:
- Casino: Featuring hundreds of slot machines, table games, and exclusive high-roller areas.
- Entertainment: Designed to host concerts, live performances, and special events.
- Economic Boost: Creation of hundreds of construction and permanent jobs.
- Local Infrastructure: Enhancing public transportation and traffic management around the site.
Community Opposition
Some of the concerns residents and local organizations have expressed include:
- Traffic and Safety – The proposed casino could significantly increase vehicle traffic on major roads, including Hempstead Turnpike and Meadowbrook Parkway.
- Social Impact – Opponents argue that the casino may lead to crime, gambling addiction, and other social challenges.
- Property Values – There is a concern that proximity to a casino may negatively affect property values in neighboring residential areas.
New York Casinos
There are many legitimate casinos in the USA; however, New York City only has one casino location. Numerous commercial casinos are located upstate, and a new casino license will be awarded to NYC in 2025, but numerous investors are pursuing the license.
New York casinos have full access to class III gaming options for its players, including blackjack, baccarat, roulette, poker, and more. State-licensed casinos cannot offer their services online, but numerous legal operators from outside the states currently accept NY players.