Times Square Casino Widely Opposed by Locals, According to Poll
Posted on: September 8, 2025, 09:49h.
Last updated on: September 8, 2025, 10:02h.
- Poll commissioned by anti-casino group
- Two-thirds of Times Square residents oppose Caesars gaming venue
A new Tulchin Research poll reveals a significant majority of Midtown Manhattan residents, and those living on the West Side, object to the proposed Caesars Palace Times Square.
Commissioned by the No Times Square Casino Coalition, the survey indicates two-thirds of voters living in the Times Square area don’t want to see a gaming venue in the Theater District, with half saying they’re “strongly opposed” to the idea. That far outweighs local support of the project, which is backed by Caesars Entertainment, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and SL Green.
Just 24% support the proposal and only 6% strongly back the casino as intensity heavily favors the opposition — voters who ‘strongly oppose’ the casino outnumber those who ‘strongly support’ it by a staggering margin of 9 to 1,” according to Tulchin.
The poll emerged in advance of a community advisory committee (CAC) vote later this month, which could be instrumental in determining the fate of the Times Square casino project. Various CACs are tasked with reporting recommendations to the New York Gaming Facilities Location Board (GFLB).
Politicians Would Do Well to Oppose Times Square Casino
With New Yorkers heading to the ballot box in November to decide a hotly contested mayoral race, among other offices, politicians may want to consider the findings in the Tulchin poll. Put simply, voters in the area are unlikely to support candidates backing the casino.
Sixty-four percent of those queried told the pollster they’re less likely to support a candidate that favors the gaming venue, or more than triple the amount who said they’d be more likely to back a candidate that’s in favor of the gaming venue. There are also demographic divides candidates need to consider.
“This deep opposition spans every major demographic group, but is especially pronounced among women, who oppose the casino by a margin of 73% to 17%, and seniors, where nearly three-quarters (74%) are opposed compared to only 16% who support it,” notes Tulchin.
Seniors and women are typically active voters. Those objecting to Caesars Palace Times Square believe the gaming venue would lead to an uptick in crime (77%), while comparable percentages believe it would make Times Square a less desirable place to live and work while also creating more congestion in the already high traffic area.
Broad Objection to Times Square Casino
Despite pledges by Caesars Entertainment, Roc Nation, and SL Green to create thousands of temporary and permanent jobs coupled with billions in tax receipts and $250 million in community investments, opposition to the Times Square casino is fierce and broad-based.
Members of the No Times Square Casino Coalition include community groups, local businesses, and theater unions, among others.
“In sum, opposition to a Times Square casino is broad, intense, and deeply entrenched. Voters overwhelmingly reject the proposal, citing fears of more crime, congestion, and a diminished quality of life,” concludes Tulchin. “These concerns cut across demographics and have remained consistent over time despite the casino sponsors’ efforts to sway public opinion. For elected officials, the message is unmistakable: backing this project runs counter to the will of voters.”
Last Comments ( 3 )
Just wait until Caesar's commissions a poll that says exactly the opposite. Even if the poll was done by an unbiased third party, a single poll is statistically worthless for such a complex issue in such a diverse demographic. Also, the important question: How Much do they actually care? Is the issue enough to sway any votes one way or another?
"B", your comment is 100% spot-on, but I wanted to take it one step further. For arguments sake, lets put aside the traditional polling "sample". Let's say that someone actually rang every bell and knocked on the door of every resident and business that would be impacted by a Times Square casino, or a Queens, Brooklyn, or Long Island casino. And they managed to personally connect with an incredible 90% of these people. That's as close to a truly accurate poll as you're ever going to get. Now here's the kicker. Whether the poll shows 95% of people in support of the proposed casino, or 95% of people against the proposed casino, absolutely ZERO percent of this ultimately matters. The location of the three downstate casinos will be determined by lots of backroom meetings and an even greater number of greasy palms.
A poll commissioned by a group that's opposed to the casino has its results published uncritically and as credible? You can't believe a poll commissioned by a party to an issue, the questions are almost always biased to get the results the group wants; that's why you'll see polls in a political race that has a different candidate ahead depending on which campaign hired the pollster. Is a casino in Times Square really unpopular? Maybe. But I'm not convinced by this poll.