Entertainment Community Fund Joins Opposition to Times Square Casino

• Group is the latest in long line of opposition to Caesars Times Square casino
• Non-profit organization is joining the No Times Square Casino Coalition

There are eight bids for three New York City-area casino licenses, nearly all of which face some form of dissent, but few, if any, match the opposition encountered by the Times Square proposal.

The list of dissenters to that plan grew today when the Entertainment Community Fund said it has officially joined the No Times Square Casino Coalition. Formerly the Actors Fund, the Entertainment Community Fund is a non-profit group supporting actors, artists, and those working behind the scenes in the theater industry. The organization believes Caesars Palace Times Square will invite crime and be a drag on the theater community.

We believe that a casino in in the heart of New York City takes Times Square in the wrong direction,” said Entertainment Community Fund President and CEO Joseph Benincasa in a statement. “Our Board opposes the Times Square casino bid. We believe it will create a less safe and secure neighborhood for those working on stage and behind the scenes who make Broadway and the entire NYC theater community vibrant.”

News of Entertainment Community joining the No Times Square Casino Coalition emerged less than two weeks after the deadline to submit applications for the three downstate casino licenses.

Times Square Casino Opposition Grows

A group comprised of Caesars Entertainment, real estate developer SL Green, and Roc Nation, the entertainment agency owned by hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, want to bring a casino hotel to 1515 Broadway. The Rev. Al Sharpton and real estate investor Ryan Williams recently threw their support behind the Times Square casino proposal.

“The No Times Square Casino Coalition has grown to 35 members from resident, labor, business and civic organizations that represent the breadth of the Times Square community and are concerned about the significant negative impacts a casino would bring,” said the group in the statement.

Other members of that organization include multiple labor groups, the Hippodrome office building, the National Organization of Women for NYC, Sardi’s, Times Square Church, and the Westside Neighborhoods Alliance, among others.

Times Square Casino Has Support, Too

While opposition to Caesars Palace Times Square is growing and has been vocal, the proposal has plenty of supporters, too. Backers of the plan include hotel and theater operators that believe a gaming venue could drive more business to their properties.

There is belief that bringing a casino hotel to Manhattan will be a tough task. Assessing the suitability of such properties rests with recently formed community advisory committees that will make recommendations to the Gaming Facilities Location Board (GFLB).

Current speculation holds Caesars Palace Times Square is likely among the top four bids for the three downstate permits, indicating the proposal has decent odds of making it to the finish line.