A community advisory committee killed two prospective New York City casino bids. The Manhattan committee rejected plans for a Caesars-owned casino in Times Square and Silverstein Properties’ pitch for a property in Hell’s Kitchen.
The possible Times Square casino was a joint venture between Caesars Entertainment, SL Green Realty Corp., and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Silverstein Properties combined with Rush Street Gaming and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment for a casino just west of Times Square.
The six-member panel voted 4-2 against moving forward with both projects. The community advisory committee’s members are comprised of appointees of the governor, mayor, borough president, and locate state senator, assembly member, and council member. Only representatives appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams voted in favor of the casino projects.
Projects Can’t Overcome Opposition
The Times Square project faced significant opposition from the Broadway League Group of theater owners and producers. Locals also significantly opposed the proposition.
A survey conducted by Broadway League-backed anti-casino group said 67% of residents were against the casino.
Councilman Erik Bottcher opposed both projects because they weren’t able to galvanize enough support in the community.
“Casinos must clear a particularly high bar, requiring a uniquely strong degree of community buy-in before being sited in a neighborhood.” Bottcher said. “Despite extensive outreach by the applicants, that level of support has not materialized.
The Caesars Palace Times Square project included a casino, hotel, four restaurants, and a theater. Developers estimated billions of dollars in economic growth for the city and state. However, community groups expressed concerns about increased traffic, crime, and sanitation issues.
“This was a vote to protect the magic of Broadway,” Broadway League President and No Times Square Casino Coalition member Jason Laks said. “A casino can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here.”
SL Green representative Marc Holliday criticized the committee after the meeting. He claimed the group deprived the area of major economic benefits.
Casino has been REJECTED 4-2
SL Green CEO Marc Holliday just approached the CAC members after the vote to harangue them: “What you did here today was despicable.” https://t.co/WvFCbhSkan pic.twitter.com/xl8nfOAJuP
— Nick Garber (@nick_garber) September 17, 2025
New York gaming regulators were expected to award the three downstate casino licenses by Dec. 1, but they pushed the timeline back to January.
Once regulators finish the land-based casino landscape, New York legislators might take on the addition of online casinos to the state’s gambling industry.
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