Mr. Silverstein, 92, has never owned or invested in a casino. For that reason, his team argues, the location is less likely than others to raise residents’ hackles. For casino expertise, he has teamed up with Watche Manoukian, a businessman based in London who owns Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pa., that state’s highest grossing venue. In an interview on Thursday, Mr. Silverstein suggested his bid was largely selfless: New York State, he said, needs tax revenue to support the transit system on which New York City’s economy depends. Casinos can provide it, and as a major landlord, he is invested in the city’s future.

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Persons: hustling, Larry Silverstein, Silverstein, Watche Manoukian Organizations: World Trade, Times, Parx, New, New York State Locations: New York City, London, Bensalem, Pa, New York, York