World-renowned rapper Jay-Z is continuing with his quest to open a casino in New York City’s Times Square. There are many consortiums vying to secure the contract to open a legal casino in the city, and the music producer mogul has stepped up his push by releasing a very public statement on the matter.

Jay-Z released a statement via Instagram on behalf of his Roc Nation company, stating;

“It’s Time, Times Square.”

“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,”

“The winning license 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.”

“Caesars Palace Times Square” — will “benefit all of New York.” Jay-Z concludes.

The push to open a sizeable mega casino in New York has been ongoing for some months now, with five potential sites being outlined thus far, these being in Times Square, Hudson Yards, Citi Field, United Nations, and Coney Island.

A number of ludicrously wealthy individuals are putting in their bids for a chance to front the chosen casino, with the likes of New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, real estate icon Steven Soloviev and magnate Joe Sitt having all stumped up the $1 million needed just to put in an application.

There is a fair amount of criticism laid at the door of those looking to push on with efforts to open this casino project, with Broadways representatives concerned this could impact the theater industry, with their group stating;

“Every dollar spent at the craps table, roulette wheel or slot machine is a dollar not spent on a play, dinner, or a souvenir,” 

To fight this issue, Jay-Z has committed to offering $115 million to diverse theater programs.