Times Square Casino Plan Draws Opposition from Theater Union

Posted on: July 25, 2024, 02:51h. 

Last updated on: July 25, 2024, 03:25h.

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Expertise: Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers and Acquisitions.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is the latest member of the No Times Square Casino Coalition, signaling the Broadway community opposes a plan to bring a gaming venue to the neighborhood.

Times Square casino
Times Square in New York City. A major theater union said it’s opposed to a casino coming to the neighborhood. (Image: NY Eater)

IATSE, which includes Local One stagehands, Local 764 wardrobe workers, Local 798 hair/makeup workers, ATPAM theater company managers and press agents, USA 829 scenic artists, Local 306 ushers, Local 751 treasurers and ticket sellers, isn’t necessarily opposed to a casino calling New York City home, but the union doesn’t want such a venue in Times Square.

Casinos are self-contained and are designed to keep patrons inside for as long as possible. Meanwhile, our iconic theater district and Broadway are still recovering from the financial hardship brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a statement issued by the union. “There are over a dozen viable proposals other than the Times Square location that would result in new entertainment venues and more jobs without compromising the theater district and surrounding businesses.”

IATSE acknowledged that a casino could bring “a new dimension” to New York’s “vibrant” entertainment scene, but added placing a gaming venue in Times Square would be “a mistake.”

Theater Groups Consistently Oppose Times Square Casino

Theater groups have consistently opposed the plan by Caesars Entertainment, real estate developer SL Green, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment agency to bring a casino hotel to Times Square.

Last month, TDF (formerly the Theater Development Fund) joined the Council of Chelsea Block Associations (CCBA) and the New York City chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW) in voicing objection to the casino plan. The Broadway League was one of the first theater organizations to raise concerns about gaming property in Times Square.

IATSE called attention to the variety of downstate casino bids — many of which have drawn opposition of their own — in noting there are credible alternatives to the Times Square effort.

“Notable proposals include a luxury casino resort by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts in Hudson Yards, as well as a high-end casino atop Saks Fifth Avenue,” added the union in the press release. “Other bids include proposed casinos at the Hotel Pennsylvania, Midtown East, an expansion at Yonkers Raceway, near Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, near Citi Field in Queens, as well as at Coney Island.”

Familiar Concerns About Times Square Casino

As noted above, IATSE views casinos as “self-contained” venues meaning patrons are likely to stay inside betting and enjoying the property’s other amenities. That’s stirred worry among theaters and other Times Square businesses that guests of the Caesars casino hotel won’t go out to see shows, eat, and frequent other local businesses.

The gaming company and SL Green have attempted to allay those concerns. In February 2023, the companies announced a plan to link the popular Caesars Rewards loyalty platform to various businesses in Times Square. That would allow for program members to accrue and use points at those establishments.

SL Green previously pledged $250 million in community investments if the Times Square casino bid is approved and Caesars believes the venue could generate annual tax revenue of $100 million.