Caesars NY bid endorsed by biggest US hotel chain
In a significant development for the gambling industry, a prominent hotel executive has voiced support for Caesars’ endeavor to secure a casino license in New York State.
The New York State Gaming Commission held an essential second environmental public comment hearing for the Caesars Palace Times Square initiative, where a remarkable endorsement was presented. Geoff Ballotti, the president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, offered his backing for the project proposed at 1515 Broadway. While Caesars Entertainment is joining forces with SL Green and Roc Nation for this venture—distinct from Wyndham—this partnership underscores the evolving dynamics within the gaming and hospitality sectors.
Notably, Caesars and Wyndham maintain a cross-matching rewards points program, a strategic collaboration that has become prevalent among both gaming and non-gaming hotel operators. According to CEOWorld magazine, Wyndham ranks as the largest hotel operator in the United States by property count as of last year.
“We believe this location is unique. After evaluating all potential sites and considering various partnerships, it has become clear that a casino here will seamlessly integrate into a neighborhood that is ripe for revitalization,” Ballotti elaborated during the hearing. He emphasized that the project represents “the most comprehensive private safety and security investment in Times Square’s history” and affirmed Wyndham’s unwavering support.
A Commitment to Community: No Housing, No Displacement
As the competition for three available downstate New York casino licenses heats up, bidders are refining their proposals by focusing on their strongest arguments. Caesars, in particular, has centered its pitch around housing. Unlike most rivals which incorporate housing commitments, often resulting in disruptive construction, Caesars’ project repurposes an existing office building, providing a compelling case for efficiency and minimal disruption.
For comparison, Wynn Resorts’ proposal at Hudson Yards faltered partly due to an inadequate housing commitment, while Silverstein Properties recently announced an addition of 100 housing units to their Manhattan proposal.
“Rather than constructing a new structure, we are revitalizing an outdated office building, ingeniously creating a hotel and gaming facility within the existing footprint of a 1960s building,” stated Garret Armwood, vice president of government affairs for SL Green, during Wednesday’s meeting. “This is an example of adaptive reuse at its finest, leading to a low carbon footprint with expedited timelines and minimal disruption during construction.”
Changing Public Sentiment: A Balancing Act
The second public commentary session for the Caesars project marked a notable shift in public sentiment compared to the first. The initial hearing featured predominant support from union officials; however, the latest session revealed a more balanced perspective, with opposition and support roughly split evenly.
A considerable number of local residents expressed concern about the state’s licensing process, voicing frustration over the focus on union job benefits rather than local community impacts during the environmental hearing. Some opponents alleged that developers may be incentivizing support through questionable means, including claims of providing free meals for signatures and expenditures of up to $20,000 a month for backing. These allegations remain unverified.
Despite being public forums, the meetings experienced limited promotion, raising suspicions among residents about transparency. Consequently, Caesars now faces a more complex landscape of local opposition than initially anticipated, even given its location in one of New York’s least residential districts.
The New York State Gaming Commission is set to award three casino licenses by the end of the year amidst competitive proposals expected as applicants begin submitting their bids next month. This highlights the ongoing evolution and intensifying competition within the casino landscape, alongside an acute awareness of community engagement and sustainable development in the gambling sector.
