Las Vegas Sands has announced it is no longer pursuing a license to build a casino and resort at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale.

The resort company says the potential legalization of online gambling hurting their returns is the reason for backing out.

As News 12 has reported, critics pushed back against the casino citing potential impacts to traffic and the environment.

Sands' draft environmental impact statement called for an expansion of the Meadowbrook Parkway to handle increased traffic and adding a fourth lane in some areas.

"I could not be more pleased. It's kind of everything we've been working towards. The battle is won. The war may not be won yet," said Richard Williams, with the civic group "Say No to the Casino."

Sands said it is trying to find another company to take over the bid for a casino license.

"There is strong interest from gaming organizations which have been in confidential discussions with Nassau County," said Chris Boyle, spokesperson for the Nassau County executive.

"Say No to the Casino" says it would like to see something else developed there.

"We've begged the unions all along. Build something better here. We're not anti-development," said Monica Kiely, with "Say No to the Casino."

Nassau County says it expects to "crystallize" within the next 30 days whether or not to entertain a casino component or develop the site without it.