Jay-Z's Roc Nation and his developer team are forging ahead with plans to open a casino on Broadway, in Times Square. The hip-hop legend made public his ambitions of expanding into the casino business a few years ago, and is now sharing his vision for the venture in the heart of New York City. "New York City is the entertainment capital of the world, so the idea of a world-class casino here makes perfect sense," he explained in an interview with City & State New York. "I've always looked at opportunities that can shift culture while uplifting communities, and Caesars Palace Times Square is exactly that. For me, it's an extension of culture, an extension of the energy and action that makes New York the city it is." He described Times Square as the ideal location for a casino, because it's "the heartbeat of New York; a place where millions of people come every year to see Broadway shows, shop, celebrate the New Year, and experience the city's unmatched energy". Despite much backlash to the plan, Jay said he believes the casino will complement the area rather than compete with it. "Our vision is to build a destination that draws even more people into the neighbourhood, generating new energy, new business, and new opportunities for everyone." A major concern of a casino coming to Times Square has been the potential impact on Black and working-class communities that have historically been adversely affected by the lure of gambling. Jay-Z has emphasised "responsible gaming" and community uplift.