The majority of people living in and around Times Square are saying no dice to a proposed casino backed by Jay-Z, a new poll shows.
Two-thirds of registered voters in the famed district oppose opening the gaming facility pitched by partners SL Green, Caesars and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, according to the survey, which was commissioned by the No Times Square Casino coalition that includes the influential Broadway League group of theater owners and producers.
The poll, conducted by Tulchin Research, found that 67% of area residents are against the casino, with 50% of them saying they are “strongly” opposed, only 24% supporting it and the other 9% undecided.
“These findings underscore that any effort to move forward with a Times Square casino would be met with intense and widespread public backlash,” Tulchin said in its poll analysis, which was obtained by The Post.
“Opposition to a proposed casino in Times Square remains overwhelming, consistent, and deeply rooted. Despite a sustained campaign by the developers to sell the project, voters continue to reject the idea, citing significant concerns about crime, congestion, and the negative impact it will have on the quality of life in the neighborhood.”
The controversial casino bid, planned at 1515 Broadway and 45th Street, could become a hot potato in the race to succeed retiring Manhattan Rep. Jerrold Nadler in Congress.
About 64% of the voters polled said they’re less likely to back a candidate who supports the betting facility, while 18% said they were more likely to vote for a pro-casino pol, and 18% were unsure.
The district’s six-member community advisory committee could vote on whether to approve the Times Square casino bid as early as Thursday, after a public hearing. They have till no later than Sept. 30.
The panel’s members are appointees of the governor, mayor, borough president, local state senator, assembly member and council member.
The opposition is stiff despite Caesars Palace Time Square pledging $250 million in community benefits to win over neighbors, foes said.
The findings are similar to a previous survey from No Times Square Casino that was released in May 2024, which found 71% of registered voters who live in or near the area opposed the project.
Opposition to the proposed casino spans every major demographic group.
For example, 73% of women oppose the casino, compared to 17% who support it and 10% who remain unsure. Likewise, 59% of men give a thumbs-down compared to 33% in support, with 8% of respondents undecided.
Three-quarters, or 74%, of voters age 55 and over also have rejected a casino, while only 16% support it, with 10% undecided. Younger voters under 55 oppose the proposed gambling complex, too, 57% to 34% in favor, with the remainder undecided.
Voters are concerned that a casino would worsen the area: 77% said they are concerned about an increase in crime, 75% said the project would make the area less pleasant to live and work in,
74% worried about more worsened traffic congestion, and 73% it could make streets dirtier.
“Opposition to a Times Square casino is broad, intense, and deeply entrenched,” Tulchin said in its memo. “Voters overwhelmingly reject the proposal, citing fears of more crime, congestion, and a diminished quality of life. 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.”
The casino bidder responded with: “This is more fake news from theater owners who want to maintain their monopoly on entertainment options in Times Square. In the only credible poll that matters, 2/3 of New Yorkers who participated in the public input process have spoken in favor of Caesars Palace Times Square,” Caesars Palace Times Square said in a statement Sunday.
“We expect to see an even stronger display of public support at the final public hearing this week.”
The poll queried 400 registered voters surrounding Times Square from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2 in these zip codes: 10017, 10019, 10022, 10036, 10018 and 10020. Interviews were conducted by landline telephone and cell phones, including by text and email. The margin of error for the survey was +/- 4.9 percentage points.
The Caesars Palace Times Square bid has some heavy-hitting backers, in addition to its deep-pocketed partners.
Rapper Fat Joe and radio host Charlamagne tha God testified on the casino bid’s behalf during the first public hearing last month along with members of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network and trade unions.
Theater owners, for their part, recently inserted anti-casino fliers into the iconic Playbill magazine which is distributed during shows, urging patrons to personally protest the Midtown gambling hall.
A Caesars Palace Times Square rep accused the Broadway League of “fear-mongering” and twisting the facts. The proponents maintain the casino will bring more business to the Broadway theaters, generate more jobs and improve public safety.
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