Caesars Times Square Casino Pledges $15M for Museum of Civil Rights
Posted on: August 26, 2025, 07:10h.
Last updated on: August 26, 2025, 07:10h.
- Sharpton lauds commitment, calls it “historic”
- Donation will support build-out of a civil rights museum in Manhattan
The entities attempting to bring a casino hotel to Times Square in New York City today announced a $15 million commitment to bring a civil rights museum to Manhattan.
Caesars Entertainment, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and SL Green — the groups behind the Caesars Palace Times Square bid — are pledging $15 million to facilitate the construction of the Museum of Civil Rights, which will be located in Manhattan. The casino consortium has a partnership with the Civil Rights Foundation.
Investments like this are what set this gaming proposal apart from all the rest: a demonstrated commitment to the community they seek to be a part of. Thank you for this support, and we look forward to making this project a reality,” said the Rev. Al Sharpton in a statement.
News of Caesars Palace Times Square contribution to the Museum of Civil Rights emerged two months after Sharpton threw his support behind the gaming project.
Caesars Times Square Promising Plenty of Perks
The proposed $5.4 billion Caesars Palace Times Square, like other pitches for three New York City-area casino licenses, is promising an array of community benefits.
The Caesars group has said it will help Broadway workers find jobs when they’re in between theater gigs. There’s also talk of more community perks, including enhancements to public safety and various healthcare initiatives.
“This commitment (to the Museum of Civil Rights) is a piece of Caesars Palace Times Square’s $250 million investment in public benefits that also include public safety, workforce support, emergency medical services, and health equity initiatives across Times Square and surrounding neighborhoods,” according to the press release.
Caesars, Roc Nation, and SL Green previously estimated that Caesars Palace Times Square will create 3,000 construction jobs and 3,800 permanent roles while generating $7 billion in direct tax receipts over its first 10 years in business.
Still Plenty of Opposition to Caesars Times Square Casino
While the group behind Caesars Palace Times Square is making bold promises and financial contributions to foster goodwill among New Yorkers, not everyone is pleased with the idea of a casino in the heart of Manhattan. Some are downright opposed to the plan and have been for some time.
That dissent recently took a new turn when the owners of 24 Broadway theaters included pamphlets in copies of Playbill given to theater-goers, imploring them to oppose the Times Square gaming venue. The arts community worries that a casino will keep its guests inside gambling rather than out and about supporting local restaurants and shows.
Other local businesses and education groups, among others, oppose the Times Square gaming venue plan, but there’s also support among some in the theater world, local restaurants, organized labor, and other business entities.
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