In a stunning turn of events, a grand proposal to establish a casino in the heart of Times Square has officially been rejected by a local advisory committee.

The ambitious plan, backed by big names like Caesars Entertainment, Jay-Z's Roc Nation, and SL Green Realty Corporation, sought to transform the iconic 54-story office building at 1515 Broadway into a dazzling casino. This location, home to the Minskoff Theatre—renowned for hosting The Lion King—was set to feature a luxurious hotel, high-end restaurants, and vibrant entertainment spaces.

However, the committee's decision was clear: two votes in favor and four against meant the project would not advance to the state’s Gaming Facilities Location Board, which had the potential to award one of three coveted casino licenses as part of New York’s initiative to introduce new casinos across the five boroughs.

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