Caesars Entertainment’s bid for a casino in Times Square is receiving a thumbs down from most New York City residents.
Two-thirds of voters oppose the joint venture between Caesars, SL Green, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. The No Times Square Casino coalition, which includes the Broadway League group of theater owners and producers, commissioned the survey. Tulchin Research conducted the study.
“These findings underscore that any effort to move forward with a Times Square casino would be met with intense and widespread public backlash,” the study said. “Opposition to a proposed casino in Times Square remains overwhelming, consistent, and deeply rooted. Despite a sustained campaign by the developers to sell the project, voters continue to reject the idea, citing significant concerns about crime, congestion, and the negative impact it will have on the quality of life in the neighborhood.”
Opposition From All Age Groups
The survey found 67% of residents were against the plan, with 50% “strongly” opposed. Just 24% supported the casino, and the remaining 9% were undecided.
It also found 73% of women and 59% of men opposed the project.
Among those older than 55, 74% were opposed, and 57% of residents younger than 55 were against the plan. Respondents were mostly concerned about changes to their daily life and an uptick in crime.
Another 75% believed the addition of a casino would make the area less desirable to live and work. 74% of respondents were concerned about traffic and dirty streets.
“Opposition to a Times Square casino is broad, intense, and deeply entrenched,” Tulchin said. “Voters overwhelmingly reject the proposal, citing fears of more crime, congestion, and a diminished quality of life. These concerns cut across demographics and have remained consistent over time, despite the casino sponsors’ efforts to sway public opinion. For elected officials, the message is unmistakable: backing this project runs counter to the will of the voters.”
Additionally, 64% of survey respondents said they would be hesitant to support a candidate who backs the casino plan. The district’s community advisory committee is also expected to tackle the issue as early as this week, but must do so by Sept. 30.
The committee’s members are made up of appointees of the governor, mayor, borough president, and local state senator, assembly member, and council member.
Survey Results Disputed By Developers
Developers said the casino would generate $7 billion in taxes over the next decade. Additionally, they said the casino would create 3,000 construction jobs and more than 3,800 permanent jobs.
The companies behind the bid disputed the results of the survey and expect support of the plan at the committee meeting.
“This is more fake news from theater owners who want to maintain their monopoly on entertainment options in Times Square,” said casino stakeholders in a statement. “In the only credible poll that matters, two-thirds of New Yorkers who participated in the public input process have spoken in favor of Caesars Palace Times Square.”
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez said she and the other firms involved have had hundreds of conversations with Manhattan residents. She said they listened to their concerns and residents “overwhelmingly” supported the project.
“A last-minute poll from a biased opposition group does not change that reality,” she said.
Originally, the state gaming regulators expected to award the winners of three downstate casino licenses by Dec. 1. But they have delayed that decision until January.
