A strong majority of residents living in and around Times Square are opposed to a proposed casino backed by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, according to a new poll released ahead of a key vote on the controversial project.
The survey, commissioned by the No Times Square Casino coalition—which includes the powerful Broadway League—found that 67% of registered voters in the area oppose the proposed Caesars Palace Times Square casino. Half of those polled said they are “strongly” against the project, while just 24% support it and 9% remain undecided.
“These findings underscore that any effort to move forward with a Times Square casino would be met with intense and widespread public backlash,” wrote pollster Ben Tulchin in an analysis obtained by The New York Post. “Opposition to a proposed casino in Times Square remains overwhelming, consistent, and deeply rooted.”
The casino is being proposed by a partnership of SL Green, Caesars Entertainment, and Roc Nation. The group aims to build the gambling facility at 1515 Broadway near 45th Street, but local opposition could pose a major challenge. Concerns cited by voters include increased crime, traffic congestion, and a general decline in quality of life in the area.
According to the poll, 77% of respondents fear the project will lead to more crime, 75% worry it would make the area less pleasant to live and work in, 74% are concerned about added traffic, and 73% believe the casino could lead to dirtier streets.
The poll also has political implications: 64% of voters said they would be less likely to support a political candidate who backs the casino, compared to 18% who said they would be more likely to vote for such a candidate.
The district’s six-member community advisory committee, composed of appointees from the governor, mayor, borough president, and local lawmakers, could vote on the proposal as early as Thursday. They must issue a decision by September 30.
The polling, conducted by Tulchin Research from August 28 to September 2, surveyed 400 registered voters across ZIP codes surrounding Times Square, including 10017, 10019, 10022, 10036, 10018, and 10020. The margin of error is ±4.9 percentage points.
Opposition to the casino was consistent across all major demographics:
- Women: 73% opposed, 17% in favor, 10% undecided
- Men: 59% opposed, 33% in favor, 8% undecided
- Voters 55+: 74% opposed, 16% in favor, 10% undecided
- Voters under 55: 57% opposed, 34% in favor, 9% undecided
Despite the developers’ offer of $250 million in community benefits, opposition remains steadfast. A similar poll in May 2024 also found that 71% of local voters were against the proposal.
In response to the new poll, the casino’s backers dismissed it as biased. A spokesperson for Caesars Palace Times Square said, “This is more fake news from theater owners who want to maintain their monopoly on entertainment options in Times Square. In the only credible poll that matters, 2/3 of New Yorkers who participated in the public input process have spoken in favor of Caesars Palace Times Square.”
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez echoed the sentiment, stating, “Over the past 4 years, we have had hundreds of conversations with Manhattan residents. They overwhelmingly support this project. A last-minute poll from a biased opposition group does not change that reality.”
Supporters of the bid include rapper Fat Joe, radio host Charlamagne tha God, members of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, and several trade unions. All spoke in favor of the casino at a previous public hearing.
With a decision expected soon, the battle over the future of Times Square’s development—and the introduction of casino gambling in the heart of Manhattan—continues to heat up.
