Jay-Z, Roc Nation Dangle $250M Sweetener for Casino License

Jay-Z and Roc Nation are among a long list of suitors hoping to claim a lucrative Times Square casino license. Now the music mogul appears to be sweetening the bid with a $250M grant for Hell’s Kitchen if he’s selected. Here’s the latest.

New York City was recently approved for the casino license and Jay-Z jumped at the chance to make his case. In an Instagram post titled, “It’s Time, Times Square” the mogul laid out his argument for why Roc Nation should be granted the license. “Some conflicted parties have attempted to spread misinformation, so we wanted to speak to you, New York City, directly.”

“The winning group must have a track record of turning words into deeds—of putting New York City and its residents first—people of all races, religions, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and socio-economic statuses. New Yorkers in every corner of every borough—all of us. The winning organization must have a history of campaigning for fair hiring, representation, and reform. Hate, as well as groups that have a history of oppressing the most vulnerable, have no place in New York.”

“The winning licensee must always put the well-being of New Yorkers at the top of their agenda and do right by its residents. This is too important of a moment in our city’s illustrious history. Times Square, the epicenter of entertainment with a palpable energy, is unmatched. Roc Nation and our partners are here to ensure Times Square remains connected to all facets of culture. There’s no better location for a Caesar’s Palace entertainment destination than the Crossroads of the World.”

“Our proposal lays out an innovative plan that will not only draw additional tourists to our city but will also enhance the lives of everyday New Yorkers.”

Jay-Z says his proposal for the Times Square casino gives back to surrounding businesses, benefits mass transit, invests money into sanitation and security from the bowtie all the way into Hell’s Kitchen, develops and delivers a much-needed transportation plan, protects the interests of the actors, producers, theatre staff, writers, and patrons that represent the true heart and soul of Broadway, and provides opportunity for all.

“Our bid commits $115 million for diverse theater programs that include daycare for Broadway workers and their families. Our bid honors the city of dreams, New York City, and the people that have made this place we call home the cultural and entertainment capital of the world.”

Now Page Six reports that Roc Nation will commit more than $250 million in grant money for Hell’s Kitchen if it lands the bid to create a Caesars Palace Times Square casino. The plan would see the group giving a $15 million grant to the local community, plus regular grants based on .5% of the casino’s performance. Roc Nation says its bid is getting support from over 150 organizations and businesses including restaurants, hotels, residents, unions, and Broadway stakeholders.