Residents Divided Over Proposed New York Casinos

Residents are sharply divided over the prospect of new casinos in New York, with final public hearings in both Hell’s Kitchen and Throgs Neck drawing passionate testimony for and against the developments.

In Hell’s Kitchen, the final hearing on the proposed Avenir casino highlighted the stakes of a $7 billion project that could transform the West Side. Over five hours, just over 170 people spoke, with roughly three-quarters of supportive comments coming from outside the affected area, including union members, artists, and backers linked to Silverstein Properties and partner Rush Street Gaming, the parent company of BetRivers.

The Avenir proposal is one of eight bids competing for three downstate casino licenses. It includes a 1,000-room Hyatt hotel, a dozen restaurants, cultural space, and a casino occupying about 12% of the footprint. Developers have pledged to build 2,000 new apartments, including 500 permanently affordable units, and are considering potential infrastructure investments, such as a new subway stop on 10th Avenue.

Yet some residents expressed concerns that the casino would worsen traffic near the Lincoln Tunnel and Port Authority Bus Terminal, and pose a safety risk. On the other side of the argument, supporters emphasized the creation of an estimated 9,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, tensions ran high in Throgs Neck during the final public hearing on the proposed Bally’s Casino, where dozens of residents expressed both support and opposition. 

Bally’s bid faces additional procedural hurdles. Last month, Mayor Eric Adams vetoed a City Council decision blocking the rezoning of part of Ferry Point Park for commercial use, a step necessary for the casino to proceed. The CAC has until the end of the month to vote, after which the state Gaming Commission will award up to three new casino licenses by year’s end. 

Both hearings illustrate the tension between economic development and preserving neighborhood character, with residents’ opinions split sharply along lines of anticipated benefit, safety, and quality of life. 

Times Square residents reject casino backed by Jay-Z

Meanwhile, elsewhere in New York, a fresh poll shows Times Square residents overwhelmingly opposed to another high-profile bid in Times Square, which has been backed by SL Green, casino operator Caesars, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.

According to the survey, commissioned by the No Times Square Casino coalition, 67% of registered voters in the area oppose the plan, with 50% strongly opposing it, and only 24% supporting it. Nearly three-quarters of respondents worried about worsened traffic and dirtier streets, while 77% cited fears of increased crime.

The proposed development at 1515 Broadway and 45th Street has offered $250 million in community benefits. Still, opponents are unconvinced, and theater owners have even inserted anti-casino fliers into Playbill programs, urging theatergoers to protest.

Backers dismiss the polling as coming from vested interests. Desiree Perez, the CEO of Roc Nation, said that years of community outreach proved strong local support, arguing that the casino would bring jobs, security, and tourism dollars.

However, 64% of voters say they would be less likely to support a political candidate who backs the casino, so the proposal could yet become a flashpoint in local elections.