Caesars NY Casino Bid Rejected

A long-running bid to bring a Caesars Entertainment casino to Times Square has hit a wall. The New York Community Advisory Committee voted down the proposal on September 17, leaving the project unable to advance to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board.

Good to know

• The project needed four committee votes but only received two.
• Caesars and SL Green projected $23.3 billion in gambling revenue over 10 years.
• Other proposals, including Steve Cohen’s Queens plan, remain under review.

The partnership between Caesars and SL Green Realty Corporation was first introduced in 2022. The developers were aiming for one of the three downstate casino licenses that the New York Gaming Commission plans to award in December 2025.

Local Divide on the Project

The Times Square plan promised major revenue, jobs, and tourism benefits, but local opposition never faded. Critics argued that a casino would worsen traffic congestion and crime in an already crowded neighborhood. At a September 11 public hearing, opponents carried “No Times Square Casino” signs to make their stance clear.

Supporters also showed up in force. Broadway stagehands, restaurant workers, and small business owners joined a rally to highlight how the project could bring steady revenue streams for the city and sustain jobs in the theater district.

Other Casino Bids Still Alive

While the Times Square proposal is off the table for now, other groups remain in the race. Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, has teamed up with Hard Rock International to pitch a casino in Queens. Another contender is the Soloviev Group, working with Mohegan on the Freedom Plaza project.

There are three licenses up for grabs with heavy competition from multiple developers. A decision is expected in December.

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