Jay-Z’s Roc Nation joins Caesars, SL Green in Times Sq. bid

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation said it will join Caesars Entertainment and SL Green in a bid for a casino license in New York’s Times Square. 

The partners have said that Caesars Palace Times Square has the potential to attract 7 million new visitors to the zone and create billions in economic benefits to Broadway and the local community.

Roc Nation is a full-service entertainment agency. 

“New York is a beacon, the epicenter of culture. We have the opportunity to create a destination at the heart of Times Square, the true crossroads of the world,” said Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter in a statement. “My partnership with SL Green and Caesars, this coalition, has all the promise and commitment to economic opportunity, growth and enrichment for the community, and everyone who visits the Empire State.”

Caesars announced it had tied up with property developer SL Green for a tilt at the New York license in October. It gave no financial details for the development, which will also include a Broadway Theater for The Lion King. 

The New York Gaming Commission appointed  the first three members of the Gaming Facility Location Board, which will oversee the process for the three casino licenses in the downstate region in October.. 

Each license will cost at least $500 million and competition is expected to be tough. Wynn Resorts, Bally’s, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts and Genting are all in the running. 

While last month, Saratoga Casino Holdings pledged a $3 billion investment in the Coney Island district, saying it would help to rejuvenate the area by providing all-year-round entertainment.