Jay-Z recently made a surprise appearance at the New York State Capitol to meet with Democratic Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. In doing so, he discussed Roc Nation’s bid to secure a gaming license and open a Caesars Palace casino in Times Square. The deal would make him the second Black casino owner in U.S. history, according to XXL.
State officials will award three new gaming licenses this year and Jay-Z wants in. Last year, Roc Nation pledged to give away millions of dollars in grants for surrounding communities if their bid in successful. They proposed $250 million in grant money for Hell’s Kitchen, including a $15 million initial payment as well as 0.5% of the casino’s future performance. It remains unclear how Stewart-Cousins responded to Jay-Z’s proposal.
