*Jay-Z’s ambitious vision to transform Times Square with a casino has hit a major setback. The Community Advisory Committee, in a 4-2 vote on September 17, rejected the proposal put forward by Roc Nation, SL Green, and Caesars Entertainment. The decision blocks the group’s path to securing one of New York City’s three available casino licenses, effectively stalling the project.
The proposed casino, named “Caesars Palace Times Square,” aimed to convert the 1515 Broadway office tower into a vibrant complex featuring luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants. Roc Nation’s plan included a significant community investment, with an initial $15 million pledge and 0.5 percent of the casino’s profits, totaling $250 million, dedicated to local initiatives.
“Caesars Palace Times Square will benefit all of New York—the hotel and restaurant workers in the area, retailers and surrounding neighborhoods,” Roc Nation stated in a letter published in the New York Post, New York Daily News, and Amsterdam News.
Despite the promise of economic growth, the Broadway community fiercely opposed the casino, Deadline reports. Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League, celebrated the committee’s decision, stating, “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.” He emphasized that Broadway’s unique cultural significance outweighs the appeal of a casino, which he noted “can go anywhere, but Broadway only lives here.”
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Jay-Z previously expressed optimism about the project’s potential. “New York City is the entertainment capital of the world, so the idea of a world-class casino here makes perfect sense,” he said in a recent interview. “I’ve always looked at opportunities that can shift culture while uplifting communities, and Caesars Palace Times Square is exactly that.”
He also highlighted the cultural and economic benefits in a statement: “New York is the epicenter of culture. We have the opportunity to create a destination at the heart of the true crossroads of the word.”
The rejection drew sharp criticism from SL Green CEO Marc Holliday, who called the committee’s decision a “despicable display of cowardice, lack of leadership, lack of consideration for all the people who would benefit from this proposal,” according to a video shared online.
Casino has been REJECTED 4-2
SL Green CEO Marc Holliday just approached the CAC members after the vote to harangue them: “What you did here today was despicable.” https://t.co/WvFCbhSkan pic.twitter.com/xl8nfOAJuP
— Nick Garber (@nick_garber) September 17, 2025
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