Jay-Z Loses Bid for Times Square Casino Amid Criticism Over Broadway Impact

A high-stakes proposal backed by Jay-Z, Caesars, and SL Green to build a $5.4 billion casino entertainment complex in Times Square has been rejected by a New York community advisory committee. The vote came after fierce opposition from Broadway theater owners, residents, and cultural leaders worried about the impact on the theater district. The proposal would have transformed 1515 Broadway—currently home to the Minskoff Theatre—into a hotel-casino-entertainment hub. Critics said Broadway’s delicate ecosystem would be harmed; supporters emphasized minority ownership, job creation and tourism. This defeat halts the project before the state gaming board’s licensing decisions later this year. Jay-Z and his partners had envisioned a Caesars Palace casino, a luxe hotel, restaurants, and a sports and entertainment complex in the heart of Times Square. But in a 4-2 vote, the community advisory committee said no. This marks a significant win for Broadway unions, local residents, and theater industry advocates who argued a casino doesn’t “belong” in this cultural epicenter. With one of the three available casino licenses in NYC at stake, this decision reshapes what’s possible in future proposals. What would put people in theaters, jobs for locals, and revenue for NYC was countered by worries about traffic, crowding, and cultural damage. Jay-Z’s team proposed renovating the office tower at 1515 Broadway into the casino complex. But the Broadway League and neighborhood voices rallied against, saying the costs outweigh the promised gains. Now, with this bid rejected, the spotlight turns to other casino proposals around the city, ahead of state licensing decisions this winter.