A casino in Times Square, New York, would not be good for business says the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees but the organization does support a casino anywhere else in the Big Apple.
The Great White No Way
Broadway, the most iconic theater district in America and one that is internationally recognized as arguably the best in the world is often called the Great White Way. But the ecosystem of actors, directors, stagehands, and every other occupation that is sustained by New York’s famed theater district will be imperiled should a casino land in their stomping grounds, Times Square.
At least that’s the perspective rendered by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) as the group cites increased traffic congestion while forcing an industry that is still recovering from the COVID shutdown to directly compete with another alternate entertainment venue. The IATSE believes a casino in New York City is fine but just not in its backyard, another example of “NIMBY.”
“A casino in New York would add a new dimension to New York City’s vibrant entertainment industry but placing it amidst our theater district would be a mistake,” said the IATSE. “Casinos are self-contained and are designed to keep patrons inside for as long as possible.”
Fighting Congestion
Carl Mulert, a national business agent of IATSE Local 829, commented, “Having a casino in Times Square is not going to increase attendance at our venues. [ The traffic is] already incredibly congested. We don’t want more. It’s not good for Broadway.”
Opposition is not limited to the theater union members but also many of those who live in the area. There is even a neighborhood alliance that makes no bones about where it stands on the issue called the No Times Square Casino Coalition. The group is comprised of smaller subgroups including the Broadway League, 54 Below, Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association, United Scenic Artists, TDF, and the Shubert Organization, among others.
Casino Support
It is not even certain that those bidding to build a casino in Times Square will get their wish as there are only three downstate licenses available, none of which have yet been awarded. Add to that several bidders who are all seeking to build a casino project in various locations in and around New York City, all of whom are vying for one of the three coveted licenses.
However, Times Square has attracted some big names like the triumvirate of SL Green, Caesars Palace, and Roc Nation joining forces in 2023 to apply for a license to build a casino at 1515 Broadway, directly in the heart of Times Square.
Unlikely Allies
Yet, support for a Times Square casino also has a pair of unlikely allies in the Actors’ Equity Association and Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians. A spokesperson for the Actors’ Equity Association, said, “They’ve put in considerable effort to genuinely understand the ecosystem they’re entering so they can become positive contributors to a better Times Square and a better Broadway – better for New Yorkers, better for visitors, and better for the Equity actors and stage managers who make Broadway the premier destination it is.”
Instead of competing with the theater industry, these two unions believe a sparkling, bustling casino will only complement it, bringing tourists who might not normally seek tickets to a Broadway play but could be intrigued to do so due to the close proximity.
Executive vice president of SL Green Realty, New York City’s largest office landlord, Brett Herschenfeld, said in a statement that he believes both unions agree that “a new gaming and entertainment destination will make the theater industry stronger.
“They are joined by 17 local unions of the Building & Construction Trades Council that support Caesars Palace Times Square and believe a new entertainment destination will bring strong, well-paying jobs to New York City.”
