Casino dream dies as Times Square proposal rejected by community board

In New York City, a proposed $5.4 billion Caesars Palace casino and entertainment complex in Times Square faced significant opposition from the local community and was ultimately rejected by a Community Advisory Committee vote on September 17, 2025, with a tally of 4-2 against the project. The proposal, which was backed by prominent figures including Jay-Z and Al Sharpton, sought to convert an office tower above the Minskoff Theatre—home to 'The Lion King'—into a casino destination. However, concerns from Broadway theater owners regarding potential negative impacts on the theater district and increased traffic congestion ultimately influenced the committee’s decision. Despite its high aspirations, the proposal failed to secure the necessary local board approval before being forwarded to New York's state Gaming Commission, which is expected to issue up to three gambling licenses in December 2025. This decision marks a significant setback for the developers, including SL Green, who had projected that the casino would create approximately $7 billion in tax revenue and thousands of jobs for the city, in addition to boosting local businesses. The project had garnered notable support from various community members who believed that it would attract visitors and stimulate economic activity in the area. However, detractors argued that it would detract from the unique character of Times Square and potentially harm existing theater businesses. Al Sharpton, a vocal proponent of the development, criticized the committee's decision, framing it as a decision that maintained historical inequities in control of Times Square entertainment. While this specific project is now dead, other proposals for casinos around New York City are still in the running. Competition includes a Bally's casino on a public golf course in the Bronx and a Hard Rock casino next to Citi Field in Queens, indicating a highly contentious landscape for future casino developments in the metropolitan area. The outcome of the Times Square casino proposal illustrates the complexities of balancing community interests with ambitious developmental plans in an ever-evolving urban landscape.