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US – The Broadway League forms ‘No Times Square Casino’ Community Coalition to oppose Caesars New York hopes

By Phil - 17 April 2023

Caesars Entertainment’s bid to bring a boutique casino to Broadway in the heart of Times Square is splitting opinion between existing local businesses.

Citing concerns about congestion, economic disturbance, social harm and other issues, a growing coalition of prominent community stakeholders has announced its opposition to a proposal for a casino in Times Square. The new coalition already includes some of the area’s largest resident associations, iconic restaurants, key tourism organizations and trade associations and has launched a website – NoTimesSquareCasino.com.   

As the competition for downstate casino licenses intensifies this spring, the Gaming Facility Location Board’s Request for Applications has made clear its intention that “only projects embraced by the community are placed before the Board for consideration.”

Early members of the No Times Square Casino coalition, which urged officials to reject the proposal and called on other residents and community stakeholders to join their efforts.

Separately, Manhattan’s Community Board 5, which includes Times Square, has already passed a resolution recommending “opposition of casino development in CB 5 and urges our elected official to vote no on the siting of a casino in CB 5,” citing “the labor market, economic activity, congestion, community fallout and gambling addictions.”

Times Square is already the most heavily trafficked crossroads in the Western Hemisphere, A casino would bring thousands of taxi drop-offs, deliveries and load-ins that will further snarl traffic and make Times Square less safe, less livable and less friendly to the pedestrians and families that drive the area’s economy.

After a long recovery from the pandemic, visitors are rediscovering the allure of the theater and returning to restaurants around Times Square. Casinos are built to keep visitors inside their doors for as long as possible, patronizing their own restaurants, shops and entertainment venues – at the expense of the 90,000-plus jobs area businesses support.

Research shows that, Las Vegas aside, casinos don’t meaningfully drive new tourism. Instead, they act as magnets for local gamblers and prey on vulnerable populations. A Times Square casino would make the community less welcoming to families from all over the world.

The economic benefits of casinos dwindle over time with fewer customers and falling tax revenue, especially in dense cities. By contrast, the theaters and businesses that a Times Square casino would disrupt have proven to grown the city’s jobs and economy decade after decade. 

“After a decades-long turnaround that revitalized the neighborhood and turned it into a pre-eminent destination for locals, businesses and tourists, Times Square is one of the most vibrant areas in the country. We don’t want to see that progress jeopardized by a casino,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League. “We hope to be joined by more members of the community as the casino siting process moves forward.”   

“No matter how much emphasis promoters try to place on glitz and glamour, a casino in Times Square has the potential to unravel the fabric of the theater district and jeopardize the fate of its restaurants,” said Max Klimavicius, owner of Sardi’s. 

“Small businesses in our community have had to overcome profound challenges since the pandemic – a plan for a casino in Times Square creates unnecessary hazards that we should not have to confront,” said Mary Hattman of Joe Allen and Orso restaurants.  

“The streets bringing vehicular traffic to Times Square from the West Side are excessively congested. With its limos and buses, a casino would make it much more unsafe for residents, tourists and commuters who walk,” said Christine Berthet, co-founder of CHEKPEDS.  

“We are troubled by a proposal to put a casino in the heart of an area that, historically, has been difficult to access and presents profound challenges for our members,” said Peter Pantuso, president & CEO of the American Bus Association.  “While we can support the creation of a casino in a less congested area of downstate New York, the density and existing traffic problems of Times Square make it a poor choice.” 

“The Hell’s Kitchen Block Association is categorically opposed to a casino in Times Square, or anywhere in Manhattan,” said Julia Campanelli, president of Hell’s Kitchen Block Association. “We demand our elected officials in Albany stop selling our city to the highest commercial development builders and instead create desperately needed affordable housing for residents.” 

“The theater district is a treasured destination for students and young people seeking culturally enriching experiences in New York City,” said Carylann Assante, CEO of the Student & Youth Travel Association. “Adding the volatility of a casino to one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the country is certainly not in the best interest of the young people we serve.”

“The very last thing Times Square needs is a casino,” said Kathleen Treat, president of the Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association.

The divided opinion has seen other local businesses speak out in favour of the proposed gaming and entertainment destination put forward by SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation. The New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association has already confirmed its support for Caesars Palace Times Square.

“Times Square is the right place for New York’s next gaming destination, hands down,” said Jeff Garcia, President of the NYSLRBLA. “It’s great not only for the Times Square area but for the city as a whole. We believe the increased tourism is going to directly benefit small, minority-owned businesses across the five boroughs.”

Economic forecasts indicate that a gaming and entertainment destination would attract over 7 million new visits to Times Square and generate $967m in annual area spending, providing a much-needed boost to hotels, theaters, restaurants, and businesses, bolstering retail and dining options. The proposal also includes a critical congestion mitigation, improved sanitation strategy and security improvement plan for the Times Square area.