The Broadway League stands in opposition to Caesars Entertainment’s proposed casino

In October, Caesars Entertainment and SL Green unveiled their casino plans. Since then, several theater owners have joined the “No Times Square Casino Community Coalition”.

The Broadway League, an association of theater owners and producers, has joined forces with restaurant owners to oppose Caesars Entertainment’s proposal for a casino in Times Square. The “No Times Square Casino” Community Coalition argues that such a casino would draw visitors solely for gambling, without encouraging them to explore other dining, drinking, or entertainment options in the area.

On their website, the “No Times Square Casino” Community Coalition expressed their concern, stating, “Casinos are designed to keep visitors inside their premises for as long as possible, encouraging them to spend money at their own restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, which could negatively impact the over 90,000 jobs supported by nearby businesses.”

The coalition opposing Caesars Entertainment’s proposed Times Square casino continues to gain support from a diverse group of stakeholders. This includes the Broadway League, Times Square Church, the American Bus Association, the Manhattan Plaza Tenants Association, and the Student & Youth Travel Association, among other residents, businesses, and community organizations.

The coalition opposing Caesars Entertainment’s proposed Times Square casino has highlighted research indicating that, with the exception of Las Vegas, casinos do not significantly drive new tourism. Instead, they tend to attract local gamblers and exploit vulnerable populations. The coalition argues that a casino in Times Square would result in economic and social disruption rather than development, making the community less welcoming to families from around the world.

“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 bring economic and social disruption, not development, and make our community less welcoming to families from all over the world.”

In October, Caesars Entertainment and SL Green revealed their plans to construct a Caesars Palace at 1515 Broadway in Manhattan. The application for the project is currently pending review by the New York State’s Gaming Facility, with a decision expected later this year.

Recently, the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association (NYSLRBLA) declared its support for the proposed Caesars Palace at 1515 Broadway in Manhattan. The NYSLRBLA represents Hispanic and minority-owned businesses in the food and beverage industry, with over 350 restaurant members.