Broadway Resistance Ends Jay-Z’s Times Square Casino Bid

A proposed Caesars Palace casino and resort in Times Square, supported by Jay-Z and developers, has lost its bid for a highly coveted New York City-area gambling license.

The $5.4 billion project aimed to transform a Midtown office tower into a Caesars-branded complex of hotels, gaming floors, and entertainment venues.

Proponents argued it would bring in tourism and make Manhattan home to one of the world’s most iconic resort casinos. However, the proposal was met with strong backlash from Broadway theater owners and producers, who feared the casino would threaten the character, economy, and sustainability of New York’s theater district.

A state-appointed community advisory committee ultimately rejected the plan, preventing it from moving forward to the New York Gaming Commission for licensing.

The decision comes as part of a broader debate about how to balance new investments in tourism with preserving Manhattan’s cultural identity.

Another major project, the Avenir casino near Hudson Yards and the Javits Center, was also struck down by a separate local board.