The Oneida Indian Nation has embarked on a significant $50 million expansion project at Point Place Casino, located in Central New York. The groundbreaking event, which brought together local elected officials, community leaders, and stakeholders from the building trades, marks a pivotal moment for the casino’s development.
This expansion will greatly enhance the casino’s offerings and transform it into a larger entertainment destination, further strengthening the local economy. The new project will double the size of the existing gaming floor and introduce a range of new amenities, including a multi-storey hotel, new dining and entertainment options, and upgraded facilities. With a $50 million investment, the Oneida Indian Nation aims to create new opportunities for the local community while continuing to build on the casino’s success since its opening in 2018.
The Vision Behind the $50 Million Expansion
At the heart of the Oneida Indian Nation’s expansion of Point Place Casino is a vision to transform it into an even larger entertainment destination. The expansion will double the size of the gaming floor, offering guests more space to enjoy various gaming options. However, the project goes far beyond gaming—it will introduce a multi-storey hotel with 100 rooms, adding to the convenience and experience of visitors.
The new hotel will feature a Perfect Pour Café satellite location in the lobby, offering a unique blend of premium beverages, and will include an expanded restaurant and event space. Additionally, the Fireside Lounge will undergo a major update, doubling in size and providing guests with a 360-degree view, creating a perfect venue for relaxation and social gatherings.
Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises, emphasized that the project aligns with the Oneida Indian Nation’s long-term strategy of continuous growth. Halbritter stated, “When we built Point Place Casino six years ago, we had a vision for what it could become as an entertainment destination and an economic engine for this community. As with everything we do, that vision was guided by the understanding that if you are not growing, you are going backward.”
Economic Impact and Community Investment
The expansion of Point Place Casino will not only attract more visitors to the region but also create significant economic opportunities for Central New York. The project is expected to generate more than 200 construction jobs, providing an immediate boost to local employment. In addition to the new jobs, the enhanced facilities will create long-term opportunities for employees within the hospitality, entertainment, and gaming industries.
Local leaders have voiced their support for the project, recognizing the Oneida Indian Nation’s contributions to the region. Jim Cunningham, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, praised the Nation’s economic role, saying, “The Oneida Indian Nation has created many good things that have impacted this region that we all benefit from, from helping win American independence two-and-a-half centuries ago to the significant economic role it plays today in our county.”
The relationship between the Oneida Indian Nation and the local community extends far beyond the Point Place Casino. Since opening in 2018, the casino has undergone two previous expansions and introduced a sportsbook, making it a prime entertainment spot in Central New York. These developments are part of the Oneida Indian Nation’s broader efforts to invest in the local economy, creating new job opportunities and contributing to the region’s growth.
New York State Senator Joseph Griffo underscored the importance of the collaboration between the Oneida Indian Nation and the state. He highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two, stating, “The Oneidas have been friends and partners since the Revolutionary War, and when we work together, we can see success.” He added that the $50 million expansion will further enhance Point Place Casino as a destination, attracting even more visitors to the area.
Transforming Point Place Casino into a Premier Destination
With this latest expansion, Point Place Casino is poised to become a premier destination for entertainment, gaming, and relaxation. The introduction of a new hotel with 100 rooms will attract more visitors looking for an extended stay, while the updated event space and restaurant offerings will provide additional amenities for guests to enjoy.
The expansion reflects the Oneida Indian Nation’s commitment to constantly innovating and growing its enterprises. Brian Miller, a member of the New York State Assembly, highlighted that the project represents an investment in the future of Madison County and the surrounding region, adding, “Today’s groundbreaking is not just about a new hotel, enlarging current spaces or renovations, but about expanding opportunities and investing in the future of Madison County and the surrounding region.”
Previous Investments: Building on Success
The $50 million investment in Point Place Casino is not the Oneida Indian Nation’s first significant contribution to the gaming and entertainment industry in New York. In 2022, the Nation announced a $370 million capital investment for the largest renovation of New York’s Turning Stone Resort Casino in two decades. This renovation, like the expansion at Point Place Casino, is designed to ensure that the Oneida Indian Nation’s properties remain competitive and attractive to visitors.
The Turning Stone Resort Casino renovation project included the addition of a new conference center, outdoor event spaces, and a hotel, further cementing the Nation’s reputation as a leading player in the state’s hospitality and gaming sectors.
The continued growth of the Oneida Indian Nation’s enterprises reflects a broader trend of diversification within the gaming industry. In recent years, the Nation has invested heavily in expanding its gaming operations while also introducing new amenities and services to cater to a wider audience. This diversification strategy has helped the Nation remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
New York’s Mobile Sports Betting Boom: A Growing Industry
In addition to the Oneida Indian Nation’s investments in brick-and-mortar casinos, New York’s gaming industry has seen significant growth in the mobile sports betting sector. In July 2023, the state’s mobile sports betting handle reached $1.26 billion, a 31% increase year-on-year. However, this figure was down by 14.3% compared to June’s handle of $1.47 billion.
Despite the slight dip in spending from June to July, the year-on-year growth reflects the increasing popularity of mobile sports betting in New York. According to the New York Gaming Commission, the state generated $140.3 million in revenue from mobile sports betting in July, a 33.5% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Notably, FanDuel led the market with $59.3 million in revenue from $482.5 million in wagers, while DraftKings followed closely with $48 million in revenue from a $456.7 million handle.
This surge in mobile sports betting represents a major shift in the gaming industry, as more players turn to online platforms for their betting needs. The Oneida Indian Nation’s expansion of its gaming floor at Point Place Casino is likely part of a broader strategy to remain competitive in this evolving market, offering both physical and digital gaming experiences for its guests.
The $50 million expansion of Point Place Casino signals the Oneida Indian Nation’s continued commitment to investing in the future of Central New York. By doubling the size of the gaming floor, adding a new hotel, expanding dining options, and upgrading existing facilities, the Nation is transforming Point Place Casino into a premier entertainment destination.
With local leaders and the community supporting the project, the expansion promises to bring new jobs, economic growth, and increased tourism to the region. Furthermore, the Oneida Indian Nation’s broader investments in its enterprises, including the $370 million renovation of Turning Stone Resort Casino, reflect its long-term strategy of continuous growth and diversification.
As New York’s gaming industry continues to evolve, with mobile sports betting becoming an increasingly important component, the Oneida Indian Nation is positioning itself to capitalize on new opportunities while remaining a vital economic engine for Central New York. The expansion of Point Place Casino is just one example of how the Nation is building a brighter future for the region.