A controversial proposal, backed by rap mogul Jay Z, to bring a casino to Times Square has been officially shut down after a 4-2 vote by the Community Advisory Committee. With only two members in favor, the project failed to gain the support needed to advance to the New York State Gaming Facilities Location Board, which is tasked with awarding three new casino licenses across the five boroughs.
The plan was part of a broader initiative to expand gaming in New York City, but it quickly became a flashpoint for debate, especially within the theater community. The Broadway League, representing theater owners, producers, and general managers, led a vocal opposition campaign. They argued that placing a casino in the heart of the theater district would disrupt the cultural ecosystem, increase congestion, and threaten the livelihoods of thousands who depend on Broadway.
The League wasn’t alone. It garnered support from key industry players, including IATSE (the theatrical stage employees’ union), the Shubert Organization, and beloved local institutions such as Sardi’s restaurant. Together, they formed a coalition that strongly opposed the proposal.
Broadway’s Response
Following the vote that struck down the Times Square casino proposal, Broadway League President Jason Laks issued a heartfelt statement:
“This was a vote to protect the magic of Broadway for the one hundred thousand New Yorkers who depend on it for their livelihoods, and for the tens of millions who come from around the world to experience it. A casino can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here.”
Laks also expressed deep appreciation for the elected officials who opposed the plan—State Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Member Tony Simone, Borough President Mark Levine, and Council Member Erik Bottcher—crediting them for listening to community voices and standing up for the neighborhood’s unique character.
What Next For NYC Casino Licensing?
The long-awaited decision regarding the issuance of casino licenses in New York City is expected to be finalized by December 1, 2025, with the New York State Gaming Commission anticipated to award licenses later in the month officially.
The licensing process has entered a more decisive phase in recent weeks, following a series of community board evaluations, zoning reviews, and public hearings. Several proposed sites have received crucial endorsements from local advisory groups, while others have faced pushback or outright rejection due to concerns over traffic, neighborhood impact, and social implications.
Will NY Ever Legalize Online Casino Gambling?
New York is inching closer to licensing sites that offer online casino games, but the process is not yet complete. The momentum is building, and 2025 could be the breakthrough year. Senator Joseph Addabbo has been leading the charge with Senate Bill 2614, which proposes:
- Legalizing online casinos and lotteries
- A 30.5% tax rate on gambling revenue
- Mandatory responsible gambling plans
- Live dealer games hosted in New York studios
For now, Big Apple players have access to online NY casinos that operate from outside of the state lines and accept players over the age of 18. While this method is tried and true, some players prefer the state-licensed sites as they offer a few additional player protections.