Caesars Entertainment and SL Green Realty Corporation’s Times Square casino proposal is officially dead after the New York Community Advisory Committee voted against it on September 17. The project, three years in the making, needed four committee votes to move forward but secured only two, halting Caesars’ bid for one of three downstate gaming licenses set to be awarded in December.
Why This Casino Couldn’t Win Over Critics
From the beginning, community groups strongly opposed the plan, citing fears of increased crime, heavier traffic, and disruption in one of New York’s busiest areas. Caesars projected the project would generate $23.3 billion in gambling revenue over the next decade, but those numbers didn’t outweigh local concerns.
Ironically, the proposal did find allies among Broadway workers, union members, and small businesses who believed the casino could boost revenues and jobs. But their support was overshadowed by the louder, more organised opposition that dominated public discussions.
What Happened During the Final Push
A September 11 public hearing foreshadowed the result, with opponents filling the room waving “No Times Square Casino” signs while supporters held counter-rallies outside. Residents themselves were divided — some feared cultural and safety impacts, others saw economic opportunity. Six days later, the committee vote sealed the project’s fate: two in favor, the rest opposed.
How This Changes New York’s Casino Race
Caesars’ exit narrows the field to two major contenders: Steve Cohen’s Queens bid with Hard Rock International and the Soloviev Group’s Freedom Plaza project with Mohegan. Both still need their own committee approvals, but Caesars’ rejection highlights just how critical community support is in the process.
The Gaming Commission will award three licenses in December, but this decision sends a clear warning: no matter how large the projected revenues, community opposition can derail even the most ambitious casino plans.
