Jay-Z Backed Times Square Casino Proposal Rejected in Key Votes

The Times Square casino project planned for Broadway has been eliminated from the competition for one of the three available New York state licenses after local advisory committees voted them down on Wednesday. 

Caesars Times Square, backed by Caesars and Jay-Z, was rejected by a four-to-two vote, with support coming only from representatives of the governor and mayor.  The bid was for $5.4 billion in investment funds, 3,800 permanent jobs, and $250 million in community investment, such as safety enhancements and a civil rights museum.

Nabeela Malik, Mayor Eric Adams' representative, expressed frustration that the committee voted before the deadline, arguing that more time was needed for review.

In response to the proposal, the Broadway League expressed strong opposition, with concerns that it would create higher congestion and hurt the Broadway industry. The league made a group to oppose the casino, which included the IATSE, the Shubert Organization, and local theater restaurants. 

“This was a vote to protect the magic of Broadway for the one hundred thousand New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods, and for the tens of millions who come from around the world to experience it. A casino can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here,” said the president of the Broadway League, Jason Laks, after the vote. 

Proposals in other areas of New York remain active, while opposition plays a decisive role in the process.

Other hearings highlight tensions

Attention shifted to Queens and Yonkers on Tuesday, as public hearings were held for Metropolitan Park near Citi Field and MGM Empire City in Yonkers. Both projects now await the binding votes of their respective Community Advisory Committees by September 30.

Mets' Owner Steve Cohen's $8-billion mixed-use development, Metropolitan Park, would replace Citi Field's parking lots with a casino, hotel, entertainment hub, and 25 acres of park space. Its proponents, such as the Queens Chamber of Commerce, felt it would bring business potential and cultural investment.

Critics accused Cohen of wielding political power and griping about civic representation. Many residents protested the project despite their fandom of the Mets.

MGM Empire City, operating since 2006 as a video lottery terminal parlor, outlined its $2.3-billion renovation plan to a packed evening hearing. The project is touted to bring a new casino floor and entertainment space. However, investors noted that without the full casino license, the space could not be competitive and could potentially close.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and dozens of MGM employees urged for passage, citing the danger to thousands of local jobs.

Both projects are considered strong contenders. MGM benefits from being an existing gaming site with established community ties, while Metropolitan Park carries significant financial backing. 

The final decisions on the three licenses will be made later this year.