Rapper Jay-Z is facing a major public backlash over his proposed plans for a casino in Times Square. The locals living in and around the area are strongly opposing the opening of a gaming facility; which is backed by partners SL Green, Caesars Palace Casino and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
This is according to a recent poll conducted by Tulchin Research, which was subsequently commissioned by the No Times Square Casino coalition.
Broadway League, the prominent group of theatre producers and owners, are part of this coalition and the poll results suggested Jay-Z’s popularity could drop should the casino eventually open up in Times Square.
New poll results suggests Jay-Z’s Times Square Casino isn’t a popular idea
The proposal for the casino, which will be located at 1515 Broadway, has been forced to wait for a gaming license over the previous five years and this is required to get any project plans in motion.
Jay-Z pitched the NYC Times Square casino bid to the local community and has stumped up $250m of his own money to help fund the project as New York City is set to award three gaming licenses.
According to a new Tulchin Research poll, publicised by NoTimeSquareCasino Instagram account: 67% of area residents are against the casino, while only 24% of the residents support the casino bid with 9% undecided.
This new research comes despite the previous Tulchin Research poll revealing 57% of locals supported the casino, 40% opposed and 3% were unsure.
“These findings underscore that any effort to move forward with a Times Square casino would be met with intense and widespread public backlash,” Tulchin said in its poll analysis.
“Opposition to a proposed casino in Times Square remains overwhelming, consistent, and deeply rooted. Despite a sustained campaign by the developers to sell the project, voters continue to reject the idea, citing significant concerns about crime, congestion, and the negative impact it will have on the quality of life in the neighborhood.”
Benefits of the Times Square Casino proposal
Of course, there are some negatives to the proposed casino, but there are several benefits to the project in Times Square.
Indeed, the economic impact could be staggering. Across the first decade of the project, it is estimated that £7bn in revenue will be generated.
Also projected is about $26-27bn in local economic activity from a host of business in the surrounding area, including restaurants, hotels and shops.
Furthermore, the project will also generate thousands of jobs. From the construction of the casino to the permanent roles when the casino finally opens, this is another added benefit of the proposed project.
“It’s our chance to change the narrative and create something all around the world,” Jay-Z said during his presentation to pitch the casino project earlier this week. “If we treat Times Square with the love and the attention that it requires, it can fulfill its promise.”
Another entertainment vertical in the heart of Times Square in the shape of a casino will bring even more tourists to the Big Apple. That can only be a good thing.
