A major uplift is coming to Point Place Casino.
The Bridgeport property will undergo “a major expansion,” according to a press release, that will double the size of the casino floor and add a new hotel, restaurant and meeting areas.
Owned by the Oneida Indian Nation, Point Place will receive a $50 million infusion that comes in response to “incredible demand from Point Place Casino guests and the surge of growth occurring throughout Central New York.”
Point Place ‘rapidly outgrowing’ existing space
One of seven Native American casinos in New York, Point Place Casino opened in 2018. Yet in the press release, the Oneida said it “has anticipated the need for this expansion project for some time.”
The popularity of the casino, the tribe said, has rapidly outgrown the existing space, with guests asking for additional lodging space, dining options and expanded gaming choices.
“Listening to our guests is one of the reasons the Oneida Indian Nation’s enterprises have been so successful,” Ray Halbritter, an Oneida Indian Nation representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO, said in a statement.
“With constant requests for more of everything Point Place Casino offers since its opening, we knew this expansion was more than necessary. As Central New York continues to experience an extremely exciting period of unprecedented growth, we are committed to continuing historic investments like this in our enterprises and the region to sustain this level of economic success for generations to come.”
What’s coming to Point Place Casino?
The Oneida announced a multitude of expansion opportunities as part of the $50 million plan. That includes doubling the size of the casino floor, “giving guests more ways to enjoy the excitement of gaming.”
On top of that, Point Place will add a new, multi-story hotel with 100 rooms and eight luxurious sweets. In the lobby will go a Perfect Pour Cafe with a spacious event area to accommodate meetings, celebrations and other similar events.
A new restaurant is also part of the plans, featuring an American grill-style menu as well as The Burgers of Madison County adding breakfast service to complement its existing lunch and dinner offerings.
The Fireside Lounge will also double in size, including the installment of an expanded bar area with 360-degree views of the wood-burning fireplace and “cozy seating.”
All of this will create some 250 construction, full-time and part-time jobs, according to the announcement, an “investment in the Nation’s workforce.”
Oneida keeping pace with expanding NY gambling world
Much change is in store for the gaming industry in New York. Not only are state officials in the process of awarding three downstate casino licenses, but upstate facilities are also getting upgrades. What’s more, the burgeoning New York sports betting industry and the potential legalization of online casinos in NY have created much buzz around the state.
Perhaps Oneida’s investment is unrelated, as the tribe touted its project as a continuation of Oneida’s “historic track record of investments in its enterprises and communities throughout Central New York.” Oneida also began a $370 million upgrade to Turning Stone Resort Casino last summer, the largest such renovation in the two-decade history of the property.
“When the Oneida Indian Nation invests in its enterprises, it also invests in our members,” Greg Lancette, president of the Central & Northern Building Trades, said in a press release. “From the opening of Point Place Casino in 2018 to the recently announced evolution of Turning Stone Resort Casino and this incredible new expansion, the Oneida Indian Nation’s investments continue to grow opportunities for workers with good-paying jobs throughout the region.”
Added John Pinard, chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors:
“We are confident that this latest investment in Point Place Casino will continue to create jobs and spur expanded economic activity that will help make Bridgeport and its surrounding communities even better places to live and work.”
