Hofstra University Could Have Ace Up Its Sleeve in Opposing Sands Long Island Casino

Posted on: May 16, 2023, 12:07h. 

Last updated on: May 17, 2023, 03:30h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Hofstra University’s leadership doesn’t want a casino near its campus in Nassau County on New York’s Long Island.

Hofstra University casino Sands Long Island Nassau Coliseum
Former Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz sits on the New York Gaming Facility Location Board. His membership is causing concerns about his ability to remain impartial when considering a casino plan from Las Vegas Sands that targets the Nassau Coliseum, just steps from the university’s campus on Long Island. (Image: Casino.org)

The private school has gone so far as to block a gaming resort from being authorized at the Nassau Coliseum and to file a lawsuit against the local planning commission on allegations the government entity violated open meetings laws while mulling a multibillion-dollar plan presented by Las Vegas Sands. Hofstra President Susan Poser appeared before the Nassau County legislature earlier this month to express her reasons for opposing a casino resort.

Poser cited the frequently claimed reasons for opposing a casino. She opined that a casino in Nassau County would increase crime, reduce families’ savings accounts, add traffic congestion, and bring seedy characters to town.

Poser believes a casino has no business being just steps from Hofstra’s campus. And while Sands is one of the most respected gaming operators in the world and has the financial wherewithal to lobby heavily in New York and on Long Island to win over government officials and the public, Poser might hold better hole cards in her head-to-head battle against Sands.

Former Hofstra President on State Board

New York lawmakers in 2013 ended the state’s prohibition on commercial casino gambling. The law initially authorized four upstate brick-and-mortar casinos with slots and live dealer table games. Three additional downstate casino licenses were also approved, but a 10-year moratorium on issuing those concessions was included in the statute.

Those 10 years have since passed, and New York state officials are now readying to dispense the coveted downstate licenses. Two of the concessions are expected to go to MGM Resorts’ Empire City Casino at the Yonkers Raceway and Resorts World New York City in Queens. Those properties are currently racinos that can only offer video lottery terminals and electronic table games.

The third license is up for grabs and has spurred robust interest from not only Sands but also from major gaming players like Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, Hard Rock International, and the Mohegan Tribe. The competitive bidding war for the license will ultimately be determined by the New York State Gaming Commission and the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB).

The GFLB consists of three members appointed by the gaming commission. One such member is Stuart Rabinowitz, who served for 20 years as president of Hofstra University until his August 2021 retirement.

Rabinowitz’s appointment to the board that will recommend to the New York State Gaming Commission which projects get greenlit has caused some criticism among those who want Sands to come to Long Island.

Bias Alleged

Nassau County residents who want a casino to come to Uniondale — or who, at least, want the county’s bid to receive an unbiased consideration from the state — question Rabinowitz’s ability to remain impartial, considering his close ties to Hofstra and Poser’s staunch opposition to the Sands pitch.

It certainly has an appearance of impropriety,” Robert LoScalzo, a civic activist based in Queens, told the New York Post. “This isn’t a person who’d throw Hofstra under the bus.”

Rabinowitz’s name is adorned on Hofstra’s Honors College, officially the Stuart and Nancy Rabinowitz Honors College. A state spokesperson responding to inquiries about Rabinowitz’s placement on the Gaming Facility Location Board said “there are no issues” with his seating on the agency panel.