BRIDGEPORT, NY – The Oneida Indian Nation gathered with elected officials, representatives of the building trades, community leaders and its team members for a topping ceremony to recognize a milestone in its major expansion at Point Place Casino. During the event, the final beam required for the first phase of the $50 million expansion was raised by construction workers working on the project. Before its installation, the beam was signed by Point Place Casino team members, the Oneida Indian Nation Council and regional partners.
The Oneida Indian Nation’s investment in Point Place Casino will double its existing gaming floor; create a new multi-story hotel with an event space and a new Perfect Pour Café in its lobby; add a new full-service restaurant; reimagine the Fireside Lounge; double available parking; and introduce new retail space. All of the amenities created by the expansion will begin opening in phases later this summer.
Along with a host of new offerings, the Point Place Casino expansion is expected to create approximately 250 construction jobs and a variety of full-time and part-time permanent roles for area residents when complete. The $50 million investment by the Oneida Indian Nation into the casino continues its commitment to the constant growth and diversification of its enterprises and to serving as a leader in economic development and job creation for Madison County, the Mohawk Valley and all of Central New York.
“Expanding Point Place Casino expands our shared success, making a better future not just for those of us here today, but for our grandchildren’s grandchildren unto the Seventh Generation and beyond,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO. “The placement of this beam is a major step toward that better future.”
“The Oneida Indian Nation’s vision and commitment to this project have been instrumental in making this expansion a reality,” said Tom Daviau, Town of Sullivan Supervisor. “We are grateful for the Nation’s continued support and relationship. This expansion is a significant achievement for our community and I am thankful for the positive impact it will have on the town of Sullivan.”
“When the Oneida Indian Nation opens or expands its businesses, it’s only a matter of time until the project is finished and they’re ready to do it all over again,” said Greg Lancette, Central-Northern New York Building & Construction Trades Council President. “We can count on that because the Nation has a 30-year track record of constant reinvestment, building and growth. When that next project comes – and we know it will – it’s going to be even bigger and better than the last.”
With the expansion at Point Place Casino, the Oneida Indian Nation continues a historic period of growth across its enterprises, which generate $1 billion in economic activity each year. Last year, work began on the $370 million Turning Stone Evolution, the largest reinvestment in and expansion of the resort in two decades. More recently, the Nation announced the grand opening of two new Verona Collective dispensaries with plans for two additional dispensaries to follow by the end of 2025.