Wyndham CEO Supports Caesars Times Square Bid: A Strategic Endorsement

In a surprising turn of events, Geoff Ballotti, the CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, has come out in support of Caesars Entertainment’s bid for a casino license in Times Square, New York City. Despite not being directly involved in the project, Ballotti praised the proposed casino at 1515 Broadway during a recent public hearing hosted by the New York State Gaming Commission.

Caesars’ partnership with SL Green and Roc Nation has garnered attention not only for its potential impact on the gaming industry but also for its unique collaboration with Wyndham. The two companies allow for rewards points cross-matching, a feature that has become popular among both gaming and non-gaming hotel operators.

Ballotti’s endorsement highlighted the strategic location of the proposed casino, emphasizing how it would seamlessly integrate into the neighborhood and contribute to its revitalization. He also commended the project for its commitment to safety and security, calling it a landmark investment in the history of Times Square.

One of the key selling points of Caesars’ bid is its focus on adaptive reuse, as the company plans to renovate an existing office building rather than constructing new housing units. This approach has garnered praise for its efficiency and minimal disruption, contrasting with other bids that involve more extensive construction projects.

However, public sentiment towards the Caesars project appears to be shifting, with a more balanced mix of supporters and opponents voicing their opinions during recent public comment sessions. Some residents have expressed frustration with the process and questioned the motives behind the project, suggesting that developers may be engaging in questionable practices to garner support.

As the race for casino licenses in downstate New York intensifies, the competition among bidders is heating up. With the state commission set to award three licenses by the end of the year, the outcome of the bidding process remains uncertain, with public opinion playing a significant role in shaping the final decision.