Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is attempting to secure permission to operate a Caesars Palace casino in Times Square.
After “conflicted parties” attempted to “spread disinformation,” the mogul urged New York City officials in an open letter to grant Roc Nation a gambling license to establish a casino with property firm SL Green and Caesars Entertainment.
According to the company’s strategy, New York will attract more tourists and improve the livelihoods of New Yorkers.
It’s also pledging $115 million for “diverse theater programs” to support Broadway workers’ aftercare.
The Roc Nation plan includes investments in sanitation and security in the Times Square area, and the company has pledged to “protect the interests” of the Broadway theater community.
Jay-Z has asked the city of New York for permission to build a casino in Times Square.
The company states that the successful casino bidder “must always prioritize the welfare of New Yorkers and do right by the city’s residents.”
It contends that the group is dedicated to sustaining Times Square’s connection with “all facets of culture” and that there was no better location for a Caesars Palace casino than the “Crossroads of the World.”
In December, Roc Nation joined Caesars Entertainment and SL Green’s bid. At the time, Jay-Z stated, “My partnership with SL Green and Caesars, this coalition, has all the promise and commitment to economic opportunity, growth, and enrichment for the community, as well as everyone who visits the Empire State.”
According to The New York Times, applicants for the gaming license must pay a non-refundable $1 million fee and be prepared to invest $500 million plus an additional $500 million in fees.
The state’s gaming commission is anticipated to make a decision later this year.
Roc Nation did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment made outside of normal business hours.