In The News

The majority of people living in and around Times Square are saying no dice to a proposed casino backed by Jay-Z, a new poll shows.

So let’s make the right call. Say no to a casino in Times Square that will flood our streets with traffic and sell out our public space to the highest bidder. Let’s bet on a better future—one built for people, not cars.

A Times Square casino does not fit the bill.

Owners of 24 Broadway Theaters are taking their opposition to a new Times Square casino right to theaters goers by stuffing a pamphlet into copies of the iconic “Playbill” magazine urging patrons to personally protest the proposed Midtown gambling hall.

Times Square doesn’t need a casino to thrive. Its future lies in doubling down on what already makes it unique: the arts, the workers who bring them to life, and the residents who keep this neighborhood vibrant.

Sixteen theaters lit up their marquees and digital billboards with a “No Times Square Casino” message before and during the first state hearing on the gaming facility proposed at 1515 Broadway — home of the Minskoff Theatre and “The Lion King” Disney musical.

The Entertainment Community Fund is the latest organization to publicly oppose the proposed Caesars Palace Times Square Casino. The nonprofit that provides support and resources to the entertainment industry has joined the No Times Square Coalition, which was formed in 2023 to offer a communal dissent from organizations and unions that work in and around Times Square.

Nobody with a brain really believes that a casino would improve Times Square.

“To bring a casino to this area, at this time, would just wreak havoc and break up all the work that we’ve done on Broadway to bring Broadway back,” Broadway performer Lachanze said.

Gottesman is the first office landlord to join the No Times Square Casino coalition, which has been spearheaded by the Broadway League — a locally powerful group that represents theater owners and producers — and also includes other entertainment and hospitality groups. The opposition could matter for SL Green once applications open next year, since every casino proposal must survive binding votes by neighborhood committees.

The No Times Square Casino Coalition today announced that the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) is joining its coalition opposing a casino in the Theater District. The announcement follows recent news that all seven of IATSE’s New York Theater Locals joined the coalition, as well as a poll showing that an overwhelming 71% of registered voters who live in and around Times Square are against opening a casino in the area.

In a city that is experiencing a surge in street prostitution, advocates, social services providers and law enforcement are deeply concerned about the prospect of opening casinos in New York City, particularly in Times Square.

The union that represents the bulk of Broadway theater workers wants to tear up “The Blueprint” for a proposed Times Square casino backed by rapper Jay-Z. “A casino in New York would add a new dimension to New York City’s vibrant entertainment industry but placing it amidst our theater district would be a mistake,” the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees told The Post in a statement.

​“At a time when Broadway has made great strides bringing audiences back to the theater, it is difficult to imagine a casino enhancing Times Square and the communities that surround it. The potential downside of a casino in the heart of one of the busiest areas in the country is simply not worth the gamble.” – Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

​“I’m still waiting for one human being who lives in my district who doesn’t work for one of the bidding casino companies to tell me that they really, really think that a casino is a great idea. I think it’s a terrible idea.” – State Senator Liz Krueger, whose district includes Times Square

“If you agree that ‘Times Square was hit hardest by the pandemic and slowest to recover, it needs an economic boost,’ as (Times Square casino supporters) claim, the last thing you would want to encourage for Times Square is an economy-draining casino… Apart from Las Vegas, most U.S. casinos draw the bulk of their revenues from their local populations. The dollars the casino promoters are after are already largely in the city’s economy.”

“The prospect of a Times Square casino fills me with dread… Putting a casino in the heart of the city may make it easier for gamblers to get to the slot machines and craps tables, but it won’t make life easier for the rest of us. (I would also suggest, given the depressing reality that the house usually wins, that ultimately an easy-to-access casino won’t make life any easier for gamblers either.)”

“CB5 believes the considerations regarding the labor market, economic activity, congestion, community fallout and gambling addictions, all provide ample reasons to not develop a casino in the District; therefore, be it RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends opposition of casino development in CB5 and urges our elected officials to vote no on the siting of a casino in CB5.”

​“…A casino in the heart of the theater district… is a ghastly idea.”

“…(C)asinos can lead to higher crime and bankruptcy rates in a local community as well as addiction among some gamblers… Casino industry giants are considering (a) new location in Times Square. A new casino could take business away from other entertainment activities, particularly Broadway theaters, which are still scrambling from the consequences of the pandemic.”

“Times Square has firmly escaped from the bad old days of the ’80s and ’90s. All the recent redevelopment still attracts major companies for marquee HQ locales… It’s is a bustling, active, healthy ‘hood. Last month, foot traffic was above 300,000 a day, climbing back to pre-pandemic levels. The last thing it needs is a casino.”

​“Casino resorts built in the center of large cities are rare… (Philadelphia’s) two casinos (for example) … are on the edge of the city and surrounded by large parking lots…”