Turning Stone Combines Sophisticated Nightlife With Traditional Sportsbook Via NY Rec & Social Club

Written By Grant Lucas on September 29, 2023
image of the new lounge and sportsbook opening at turning stone resort casino

This winter marks a “new era” at Turning Stone Resort Casino, one that comes as part of a $370 million “evolution” at the Verona property that sets itself apart from the rest of the New York casino industry.

On Dec. 6, Turning Stone will hold its grand opening for the NY Rec & Social Club, which it describes as “a modern lounge and sports book.”

According to a press release from Turning Stone, the venue represents the most significant addition to the entertainment complex since it opened 10 years ago.

Turning Stone upgrading its former nighclub

Owned and operated by the Oneida Indian Nation, Turning Stone NY will relocate The Lounge with Caesars Sportsbook to the NY Rec & Social Club.

As a result, according to a press release, guests will encounter “a more playful” nightlife and dining experience. A sophisticated restaurant lounge, the press release details, will meet with a traditional sportsbook.

Located where its former nightclub Lava once stood, NY Rec & Social Club expects to carry a “speakeasy vibe that is eclectic and energetic and is designed to be a fun place to socialize with friends.”

The bar will anchor the center of the main room, surrounded by crystal chandeliers and serving a variety of signature cocktails. The space – with a capacity of nearly 200 guests – will also boast 60 high-definition TVs and a live DG as well as table games such as blackjack and social games like foosball, shuffleboard and billiards.

CEO: Expect Turning Stone to remain industry leader ‘for the next 30 years’

The Oneida Indian Nation revealed plans over the summer the detailed how the tribe would use its $370 million investment for renovations.

Those upgrades include a four-diamond hotel, a 77,000-square-foot conference center, outdoor event spaces and a parking garage. As a result, the “evolution” would create a $616 million one-time economic impact, 3,600 one-time jobs and generate $22.1 million in state and local tax revenues.

Turning Stone continues to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, and in December it can do so at NY Rec & Social Club.

“NY Rec & Social Club will be one of the most unique entertainment venues in the region,” Ray Halbritter, an Oneida Indian Nation representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO, said in the press release.

“As an industry leader for the last 30 years, venues like NY Rec & Social Club ensure that Turning Stone remains an industry leader for the next 30 years.”

Photo by Turning Stone Resort Casino
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Grant Lucas

Grant Lucas is the managing editor for PlayNY. A longtime, award-winning sports writer, Grant has covered gambling and legal sports betting since 2018, when he got his start reporting on the New Jersey and Pennsylvania industries. He now oversees PlayNY as New York expands legalized gambling to sports betting and online casino gaming.

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