The Big Apple is about to roll the dice in gambling, and many billionaire investors want to try their luck at winning the big prize.

Elected officials finally authorized one casino license in the Big Apple (that’s right – just one for a city of 8 million), sparking a massive and sometimes ugly bidding war between several wealthy suitors.

One stakeholder is none other than Jay-Z and his entertainment company Roc Nation. The australiabusinessblog.com famous for saying, “I’m not a businessman, I’m a corporation, man,” is teaming up with SL Green and Caesars Entertainment to propose building a Caesars Palace in the heart of bustling Times Square.

In an open letter posted on Roc Nation’s Instagram and Twitter titled “It’s Time, Times Square,” the company made the case for why they should get New York City’s golden gambling ticket.

“The winning group must have a track record of turning words into action – in putting New York City and its people first – people of all races, religions, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and socioeconomic statuses” , the statement said. “Our proposal includes an innovative plan that will not only attract additional tourists to our city, but also improve the lives of everyday New Yorkers.”

Jay-Z’s plan promises to include giving back to surrounding businesses, promoting public transportation, investing in sanitation and safety, and “delivering a much-needed transportation plan.” “Our offer secures $115 million for diverse theater programs, including childcare for Broadway employees and their families,” the letter said.

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A total bidding war

New York voters approved Las Vegas-style casinos in their state in 2013. But it wasn’t until last year that elected officials in Albany approved casino permits for downstate New York, which includes New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.

The prospect of opening a fully operational casino in America’s largest city has thrilled billionaires to become the King of New York casinos. Besides Jay-Z, other bidders include New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, Gristedes supermarket scion John Catsimatidis, and Hudson Yards developer Stephen Ross.

“Every billionaire wants a casino. The pinnacle of success in the US is to own your own casino,” a source told me. The New York Post.

However, the billionaires have different ideas about where to build their casinos. Cohen is working with Hard Rock and wants to open a casino around Citi Field in Queens, where the Mets play. Catsimatidis faces Coney Island, famous for its boardwalk, amusement park, and hot dog eating contest. Ross, working with Wynn, wants to place the casino in the newly developed Hudson Yards.

Allegations of a ‘misinformation’ campaign

The Roc Nation letter, which also appeared in advertisements in the New York Post, New York Daily News and Amsterdam News, accused some “conflicting parties” of spreading “misinformation,” claiming they wrote the letter to get the facts out. to put right.

While Roc Nation did not name names, some believe they are referring to a coalition of Broadway theater owners and producers, the midtown Manhattan community, and tenant organizations calling themselves No Times Square Casino.

According to an article in deadlinethe coalition opposes the construction of a Caesars Palace in Times Square, also home to most Broadway theaters, citing traffic congestion, economic disruption and making the area “less welcoming to families”.