The race to earn one of three casino licenses in downstate New York is heating up and Las Vegas Sands has received good news regarding its proposed development on Long Island. Nassau County lawmakers approved a lease agreement for the site of the Nassau Coliseum, the former home of the New York Islanders, following an 18-1 vote despite opposition from locals.

The “Say No to the Casino Civic Association” labeled the decision as “shameful” and questioned how “predatory casino companies” can wield so much power. The organization said the decision to green light the lease is “a dangerous example of the power of money in politics.”

believe a casino in the area will lead to a rise in traffic and crime

They believe a casino in the area will lead to a rise in traffic and crime. While the nearby Hofstra University successfully nixed Sands’ initial lease last year as it did not inform the public properly about a meeting, the company subsequently won its appeal and restarted the lease process.

The county will get $54m from Las Vegas Sands and another $241m will go to Nassau Live Center LLC, the current lease holder. The casino company still needs to obtain a gaming license to proceed with the project, although it will still develop a non-gaming resort if it doesn’t get approval.