Casino Project in Long Island Not Involving DraftKings
May 29, 2025
Negotiations between Las Vegas Sands (LVS) and DraftKings over a potential partnership on a Long Island casino plan appear to have stalled, leaving the project's future unclear.
In a turn of events, LVS, which had earlier dropped out of the New York casino license competition due to the potential legalization of iGaming and increased project costs, revealed that discussions with DraftKings about the Nassau Coliseum site have reached an impasse. One source close to the matter told Newsday, "There is no deal between the companies nor will there be. DraftKings will not be taking over the Sands bid."
LVS had initially hoped to find a gaming company with both brick-and-mortar and online experience to take over its Long Island obligations. With the June 27 deadline for submitting New York City-area casino applications approaching, however, Sands has yet to announce a replacement.
DraftKings, currently one of the top sports betting and iGaming companies in New York, would have been an unexpected choice for the Long Island project, given its emphasis on digital operations. Although it operates a land-based casino branded with its name, DraftKings does not manage the day-to-day operations of the venue.
Meanwhile, Hempstead Town is pushing ahead with rezoning and development approvals for the 72-acre Uniondale site, where the Nassau Coliseum is located. Sands still holds the lease for the property, and discussions about potential partners to take over the project continue.
The Long Island casino project faces strong opposition from local residents. Over 200 residents attended a Hempstead Town Board meeting, urging a halt to the proposal until a clear plan and new developer are determined. With the deadline for a new developer to step in fast approaching, it seems uncertain whether the casino will be built anytime soon.
As other casino operators such as Resorts World progress with their regional plans, the focus may shift away from the Nassau Coliseum site. The uncertain future of the LVS-DraftKings collaboration only adds to the question marks hanging over the Long Island casino project.
- Despite rumors of a possible partnership, negotiations between Las Vegas Sands (LVS) and DraftKings over a Long Island casino plan have seemingly reached an impasse, casting doubt on the project's future.
- As the June 27 deadline for casino applications in the New York City-area approaches, Las Vegas Sands has yet to announce a replacement for DraftKings, who would have brought a blend of brick-and-mortar and online gaming experience to the table.
- DraftKings, a leading sports betting and iGaming company, would have been an unexpected choice for the Long Island project given its focus on digital operations, and although it operates a land-based casino, it does not manage its day-to-day operations.
- Meanwhile, regional news revolving around the mid-atlantic has highlighted Hempstead Town's push for rezoning and development approvals of the 72-acre Uniondale site, where the Nassau Coliseum is located, with Sands still holding the lease for the property.
- With finance and business leaders watching closely, the future of commercial gaming in the mid-atlantic region could hinge on the Long Island casino project, as questions regarding the partnership between Las Vegas Sands and DraftKings continue to swirl.
- As technology plays an increasingly significant role in the sports industry, the delay in the Long Island casino project could impact the landscape of sports betting and finance in the mid-atlantic, with the banking-and-insurance sector potentially feeling the ripple effects.
