We are troubled by a proposal to put a casino in the heart of an area that, historically, has been difficult to access and presents profound challenges for our members.  While we can support the creation of a casino in a less congested area of downstate New York, the density and existing traffic problems of Times Square make it a poor choice.” –Peter Pantuso, president & CEO of the American Bus Association

No matter how much emphasis promoters try to place on glitz and glamour, a casino in Times Square has the potential to unravel the fabric of the theater district and jeopardize the fate of its restaurants.”  –Max Klimavicius, owner of Sardi’s

Small businesses in our community have had to overcome profound challenges since the pandemic – a plan for a casino in Times Square creates unnecessary hazards that we should not have to confront.” –Mary Hattman, general manager of Joe Allen and Orso 

The streets bringing vehicular traffic to Times Square from the West Side are excessively congested. With its limos and buses, a casino would make it much more unsafe for residents, tourists and commuters who walk.” –Christine Berthet, co-founder of CHEKPEDS

The very last thing Times Square needs is a casino.” –Kathleen Treat, president of the Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association 

The Hell’s Kitchen Block Association is categorically opposed to a casino in Times Square, or anywhere in Manhattan. We demand our elected officials in Albany stop selling our city to the highest commercial development builders and instead create desperately needed affordable housing for residents.” –Julia Campanelli, president of Hell’s Kitchen Block Association

“The theater district is a treasured destination for students and young people seeking culturally enriching experiences in New York City. Adding the volatility of a casino to one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the country is certainly not in the best interest of the young people we serve.” –Carylann Assante, CEO of the Student & Youth Travel Association

After a decades-long turnaround that revitalized the neighborhood and turned it into a pre-eminent location for locals, businesses and tourists, Times Square is one of the most vibrant areas in the country. At its heart is the Theater District, home to 41 theaters that bring the magic of Broadway to life and draw millions of people a year to New York City. 

We are a coalition of residents, businesses and community stakeholders committed to the area’s long-term future. And we are opposed to bringing a casino to Times Square.​  

Here’s why:

Congestion

Times Square is already the most heavily trafficked crossroads in the Western Hemisphere. A casino would bring thousands of taxi drop-offs, deliveries and load-ins that will further snarl traffic and make Times Square less safe, less livable and less friendly to the pedestrians and families that drive the area’s economy. ​

ECONOMIC Disruption & SOCIAL HARM ​

Research shows that, Las Vegas aside, casinos don’t meaningfully drive new tourism. Instead, they act as magnets for local gamblers and prey on vulnerable populations. A Times Square casino would bring economic and social disruption, not development, and make our community less welcoming to families from all over the world. 

Undermining Times Square’s Recovery​

After a long recovery from the pandemic, visitors are rediscovering the allure of the theater and returning to the restaurants around Times Square. Casinos are built to keep visitors inside their doors as long as possible, patronizing their own restaurants, shops and entertainment venues—at the expense of the 90,000-plus jobs nearby businesses support.​

Weakening NYC’s Tax Base ​

The economic benefits of casinos dwindle over time with fewer customers and falling tax revenue, especially in dense cities. By contrast, the Broadway theaters and restaurants that a Times Square casino would disrupt have proven to grow the city’s jobs and economy decade after decade.

Join us. Say NO to a Times Square casino.