Caesars Entertainment and SL Green Realty Corp have partnered to offer Caesars Rewards options to New York City merchants. The agreement is part of a mutual Times Square gaming license pursuit and in anticipation of the Caesars Palace Times Square opening.
Upon the debut of the Manhattan casino, guests can use accumulated rewards credits and convert them to gift cards that are accepted at participating New York venues that include hotels, restaurants, retailers, comedy clubs and entertainment destinations.
Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg said: "Caesars Rewards is the largest and most successful gaming loyalty program in the world, and it is a natural fit to bring it to a city like New York.
"We know from experience that investing in cities and neighborhoods benefits everyone involved. By expanding our powerful Rewards program in New York, we can better ensure that our work in Times Square creates good jobs and allows small businesses to grow and thrive."
SL Green CEO Marc Holliday echoed similar sentiments and added that the rewards program can offer local businesses economic solidarity.
He commented: "Our vision is to build a gaming and entertainment destination that fits into the fabric of New York. Guests at Caesars Palace Times Square might game at our tables, but they are going to eat at area restaurants, stay in neighborhood hotels, see Broadway shows and shop at stores in Times Square and across the city.
"By expanding the Caesars Rewards program in New York City, we can formalize that relationship with local businesses and demonstrate our deep commitment to New York's economic future."
NYS Latina Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association President Jeff Garcia pointed out the potential benefits the rewards program can create for small and minority-owned businesses.
He said: "As a small and minority-owned business owner and a New York State Latino Restaurant and Bar Association member, we are excited to join this coalition as this partnership will provide economic opportunity by attracting visitors and therefore future customers for our members in all five boroughs.”
