Most recently, Oneida Indian Nation announced a major expansion plan for its Point Place Casino. As part of the US$50-million project, the tribe will double the gaming floor space, launch a new hotel, as well as offer new dining amenities and open an updated lounge. The plan arrives amidst growing interest from guests for additional amenities at the gambling destination.
Currently, the Nation operates three gaming resorts across the Empire State, the already mentioned, Point Place Casino and Turning Stone Resort Casino and Yellow Brick Road Casino. However, after an increase in customer demand and explosive growth and economic development in Central New York, the tribe has decided it is high time to make some upgrades.
Injecting over US$50 Million into the Property
Oneida revealed that its expansion plans for the casino worth over US$50 million will result in doubling the gaming floor at the resort. It will also include the development of a new multi-storey hotel with over 100 guest rooms and eight luxury suites. Meanwhile, the lobby area will feature a Perfect Pour Café satellite location, as well as an event venue for meetings, celebrations and more.
With the expansion, the nation will also introduce more dining options. A new restaurant will provide guests with American grill-style fare, while an existing dining venue, The Burgers of Madison County will add breakfast service. Meanwhile, the Fireside Lounge will also get a revamp, as it will double in size, and introduce a 360-degree view of its wood-burning fireplace.
Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter explained listening to guests’ input is one of the reasons why the tribe’s operations have been so successful. He also noted that as Central NY continues to see unprecedented growth, the Nation is devoted to continuing its historic investments in its properties to sustain this level of economic success.
John Pinard, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors stated that the tribe has been a valuable partner for Madison County for many years now. He said that the county is confident the latest investment in the Point Place gaming establishment will create more jobs and spark expanded economic activity which will make the surrounding region a better place to live.
But that is not all of its expansion plans, as in September 2022, the tribe revealed it will make some upgrades to its Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. This project is set to be the casino’s largest expansion in the last two decades. It will double existing convention space and see the launch of a brand-new hotel tower with over 250 guest rooms.
New York and Seneca Resume Negotiations
In the meantime, New York awaits the development on another tribal gambling-related topic, the one of Seneca Nation striking a new gaming compact with the Empire State. At the end of 2023 the two parties signed a short extension of the current agreement. It was also reported that a Rochester casino is no longer part of the Senecas’ new terms for continuing gambling operations.
Source: “Oneida Indian Nation Announces $50 Million Expansion of Point Place Casino” Indian Gaming, February 16, 2024
