Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioBroadway is raising the curtain on its opposition to the Caesars Palace Times Square casino bid. Just days after theaters lit up marquees with the message “No Times Square Casino,” 24 theaters began slipping fliers into Playbills urging audiences to oppose the $5 billion project.
Caesars Palace Times Square is one of eight applicants for the three available downstate New York casino licenses. The proposal, which claims to revitalize the area and boost its economy, has faced intense backlash from Broadway.
A Community Split Over Bid
The Playbill protest highlights the divide over the project, which is backed by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
The insert in Playbill, the magazine for Broadway shows, stated: “Don’t let politicians sell out the iconic heart of New York to the highest bidder. A casino can go anywhere. Broadway can only live here.”
The Broadway League, representing the theater industry, told The New York Post that the anti-casino message will be included in the Playbill for at least several days.
Jason Laks, President of the Broadway League, commented: “Every audience member has a stake in Broadway’s future. If Caesars’ Times Square casino moves forward, shows will close and theatre jobs will be lost.”
“These Playbill stuffers will ensure that theatergoers know what’s at stake. With their help, we can protect the cultural heart of this city before it’s too late.”
The casino bid claims to have the support of over 200 organizations, including labor unions and business groups. Developers argue the casino would inject billions into the local economy and create thousands of jobs.
Still, opponents, including theater owners and neighborhood associations, remain unimpressed. They say the project does not fit the community, as it would siphon resources from Broadway and risk overwhelming an already congested district.
During its initial Community Advisory Committee (CAC) hearing, Jay-Z said:
“We’re not coming to compete with Broadway. We’re coming to add. We come to be additive.”
The developers have pitched a $250 million community benefits package. It includes funds for sanitation, traffic mitigation, LGBTQ+ health services, and support programs for performers.
They have also announced various support initiatives. They include a partnership with actor and producer Wendell Pierce for a $10 million investment to support the New York Coalition of Legacy Theatres of Color Fund.
Shifting Promises, Lingering Doubts
The casino bid has already faced backlash over how it distributes promised community funds. Initial plans of the $250 million benefits package included a $22.5 million contribution and a share of profits to benefit Manhattan Plaza, a housing complex for Broadway workers.
However, that sparked criticism from community groups who accused the developers of favoritism.
In response, the partners redirected the funds to a broader West Side Community Fund, a nonprofit organization supporting local groups in Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, and Hudson Yards, which will administer the money.
The move highlighted the mistrust the bid faces from some residents and organizations.
The Next Curtain Call
The next chapter of the battle includes a second CAC hearing on September 11. The CAC, a six-member panel of state and city representatives, must weigh public opinion and vote by September 30 whether to advance the project for further review.
The bid needs four votes to move forward. If it secures them, it will be considered by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board. The board will review all applications and award the three licenses by the end of the year.
