Times Square Casino Widely Opposed by Locals, According to Poll

• 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.

“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.”