The Coalition for a Better Times Square, a group of nearly 75 businesses in and around Times Square, came out last week with full-throated support for the idea of Caesars, Jay Z’s Roc Nation, and SL Green Realty Company getting a casino license in the area.

The group was launched by SL Green Realty a year ago, according to CoStar.com. Still, getting nearly 75 of anything to agree on something in New York real estate has to be counted as a win.

“Times Square exemplifies the culture, energy, and optimism of New York City and is justifiably referred to as the crossroads of the world. It is the destination for the domestic tourist as well as the international traveler and a playground for New Yorkers from all five boroughs,” RFR co-founder and principal Aby Rosen, one of the members of the group, said in a statement, according to CommercialObserver.com. “No location in the city is more suitable for the beginning of our gaming industry than Times Square, being the No. 1 tourist destination and hub for entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transportation.”

RFR is a major New York developer and owns the Paramount Hotel in Times Square.

“As one of the closest neighbors to the proposed site, we carefully considered the impact this bid would have on our neighborhood,” Charlie Rosenberg from The Paramount Building at 1501 Broadway said in the statement. “The more we learned, the more it became clear that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in the future of Times Square and firmly improve the quality of life for neighbors in the area. Our tenants include restaurants, small creative businesses, and Broadway industry leaders that would all benefit from this bid for a Caesars Palace Times Square.”

Not all on board

Not everyone is equally enthused about the idea of a casino in Times Square.

The Broadway League, which represents the numerous theaters in the area, is against the idea. It’s part of the No Times Square Casino Coalition, which also includes the Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Association.

The Times Square casino group is expected to put its bid in to the New York State Gaming Commission once it is prepared to accept such proposals. Currently, the NYSGC is combing through a second round of questions from would-be bidders. Once those questions are answered and posted, it’s expected that there will be a 30-day window for official bids.

As it currently stands, there are expected to be at least 11 bidders for three potential downstate casino licenses.

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