Supporters of a casino in Times Square believe such a development could help reenergize New York City’s local economy. Former NYPD commissioner William Bratton, who is consulting SL Green/Caesars on its development, also believes a casino could help reduce crime in Times Square, which escalated greatly during the pandemic.
The project has the backing of the “Coalition for a Better Times Square,” which is comprised of theater workers, construction unions, hotels, and small businesses.
New York legalized seven commercial casinos in 2013, with four allocated upstate. The 2013 law provided the upstate casinos with an operating period free of downstate competition. That moratorium expires this year.
Two of the three downstate licenses are likely to go to Resorts World New York City in Queens and Empire City Casino in Yonkers. The racinos currently can only operate video lottery terminals and electronic table games.
The project has the backing of the “Coalition for a Better Times Square,” which is comprised of theater workers, construction unions, hotels, and small businesses.
New York legalized seven commercial casinos in 2013, with four allocated upstate. The 2013 law provided the upstate casinos with an operating period free of downstate competition. That moratorium expires this year.
Two of the three downstate licenses are likely to go to Resorts World New York City in Queens and Empire City Casino in Yonkers. The racinos currently can only operate video lottery terminals and electronic table games.