New renderings reveal the proposed design of the Caesars Palace Times Square casino complex at 1515 Broadway in Midtown Manhattan.
Released this week, these visuals offer a glimpse into the project as it moves through New York's rigorous casino licensing process, highlighting the planned interiors of the casino, hotel, and entertainment areas.
The Times Square Casino plan is ambitious. It proposes a 992-room hotel, featuring over 150,000 square feet dedicated to gaming excitement. Multiple dining options, a wellness center, and curated nightlife experiences by Roc Nation are part of this grand proposal.
Developers Hope to Reimagine 1515 Broadway
Plans for Caesars Palace Times Square involve repurposing the existing office building at 1515 Broadway, transforming the 54-story skyscraper into a vibrant hotel and casino hub.
This $5.4 billion project is a testament to sustainable development, emphasizing efficient site utilization while retaining the core structure. The casino complex will also feature a rooftop observatory, further integrating luxury with unparalleled city views.
Battle For Downstate Casino License is First Step
Before anything can happen, the developers must win one of the coveted downstate casino licenses. There are three available, and the process is highly competitive, with eight proposals under review, including sites in Midtown Manhattan, Coney Island, and Yonkers.
Licensed venues such as Resorts World New York City and Empire City Casino are also in the running, seeking upgrades to full-scale operations. The evaluation process is intense, with licensing decisions expected by December 2025.
The Road Ahead: Navigating the Licensing Process
As part of the application process, whose deadline has already passed, each contender submitted materials to the New York State Gaming Commission, accompanied by a non-refundable $1 million fee.
Successful projects will face a $500 million licensing fee and a mandatory $500 million investment minimum. Here’s what comes next:
Starting today, each proposed site will establish a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to gain insights and assess community sentiment. CACs, comprised of state and local appointees, must hold at least two public hearings. Developers must finalize the necessary approval processes, securing a two-thirds CAC vote by September 30, 2025, to remain in contention.
Post-CAC approval, applicants will submit further documentation, including proposed tax rates, for evaluation by the Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB). By December 1, 2025, the GFLB is tasked with announcing their licensing choices, with the New York State Gaming Commission finalizing the decisions by year-end.
As this process unfolds, the dynamic and evolving landscape of New York’s gaming industry holds the promise of redefining entertainment in one of the world’s most iconic settings—Times Square.
