Jay-Z Loses the Battle for a Times Square Casino

^{Pictured: Posters with slogans against building a casino in Times Square}

The project backed by Jay-Z, Caesars Entertainment, and developer SL Green Realty to build a Caesars Palace casino in Times Square has been rejected by New York’s advisory commission. The news was confirmed by SL Green CEO Marc Holliday. Four out of six board members voted against the plan, effectively halting the ambitious proposal.

The strongest opposition came from local residents and members of the theater community, who view Broadway not just as a neighborhood but as a cultural symbol of the city.

Critics argued that a casino would disrupt the area’s atmosphere and damage the reputation of the United States’ leading theater district. Concerns included safety risks, shifts in tourist flows, and further commercialization of a space many believe should remain cultural.

Caesars Palace Casino Project in Times Square

“A casino doesn’t bring people out onto the street. A casino locks people inside,” said Joan Borts, an actress and musician who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years.

Still, the project had notable backers. Supporters included prominent public figures such as former Obama advisor Al Sharpton and rapper Fat Joe. They emphasized that the casino could generate thousands of jobs, attract significant investment, and create new opportunities for minorities in the entertainment industry. Caesars and SL Green maintained they were ready to invest billions of dollars into revitalizing the area and upgrading infrastructure.