The debate over the proposed casino in Times Square is intensifying as various stakeholders weigh in on the potential impacts. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), a significant force in New York, has come out against the idea, arguing that a casino at 1515 Broadway would threaten the educational and distinctive nature of the Broadway theater district, as reported by the New York Post. UFT President Michael Mulgrew emphasized the unique educational opportunities Broadway provides for students, pointing to programs like Broadway Bridges, which aims to ensure every public school 10th grader sees a performance before graduation.
Meanwhile, trade unions are expressing support for the casino, highlighting potential job creation the project would bring. Ed Pinnich, SL Green's chief operations officer, noted in an interview with amNY, "I believe that our reputation speaks for itself," with the partnership of Caesars Entertainment slated to generate around 6,000 construction jobs, according to iGaming Business. The proposed development includes not just a gaming area, and a hotel, but also restaurant space in the heart of the city's iconic Times Square.
Contrasting the UFT's position, a spokesperson for Caesars Palace Times Square criticized their stance, suggesting that "The UFT didn’t do its homework on our project." The spokesperson argued the casino would actually grow Broadway's audience and committed to providing "tens of millions of dollars in Broadway tickets to New York City students and educational programs" should they win the bid, according to statements made to the New York Post. They also cited support from unions representing Broadway actors and musicians, suggesting a net positive for the theater community.
Concerns remain, however, with some neighborhood groups and the Broadway League joining the UFT in their opposition. The No Times Square Casino Coalition, which the UFT is part of, believes the casino is misplaced and unnecessary in the bustling theater district, Mulgrew argues that the educational value of Broadway is a goldmine that must be preserved, as detailed by iGaming Business. In contrast, certain developers and landlords, including groups like One Times Square and the SoHo Group, have expressed their support for the casino, as mentioned in a letter revealed by amNY.
The state Gaming Commission is expected to approve up to three downstate casino licenses by the end of 2025, with the process involving reviews by local panels and a statewide siting board earlier in the year. Developers are eyeing a variety of locations for potential casinos, with projects proposed not just in Times Square, but also in locations such as Hudson Yards, next to CitiField in Queens, and near the Nassau Veterans Memorial Museum Coliseum, among others. The outcome of this decision could reshape the economic and cultural landscape of New York City in significant ways.
