While much of the recent casino news around New York has focused on a casino coming to New York City, the Oneida Indian Nation recently announced a major expansion of the tribe’s signature upstate property.
Plans call for a $370 million expansion of Turning Stone casino, the largest in the resort’s history. The two-year project will include a new conference center, outdoor event spaces, hotel, and more.
“The Turning Stone evolution is much more than just an expansion,” Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter said. “It is nothing less than a full evolution of the region’s premier destination and its role as an economic leader. Together with our existing facilities and partnerships, the new conference center will make Turning Stone and Central New York an even more desirable destination for larger and more prestigious events.”
More Details on the Expansion
The Oneida are partnering with architecture and design firm Gensler for the additions, with a groundbreaking early next year. The tribe expects to generate a $616 million one-time economic impact, 3,600 one-time jobs, and $22.1 million in state and local tax revenue.
The 77,000-square-foot conference center doubles the existing conference space with new indoor and outdoor event spaces including: eight new meeting rooms; two ballrooms including a 30,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom with a terrace overlooking Shenendoah Golf Course; outdoor courtyard with three event spaces; and an indoor parking garage with 2,000 spaces.
“When complete, these new facilities will make Turning Stone Upstate New York’s largest convention center and one of just three venues of the same size and caliber in the state,” the tribe announced.
To accommodate more conference and event guests, Oneida Nation is also building a new hotel called The Crescent. Plans call for “stunning architecture” and 258 rooms, including 23 suites. Other amenities include: a lobby with fireplace and lounge seating; cafe; VIP lounge; Salt Seafood & Raw Bar restaurant; and more. Existing Turning Stone lodging will also undergo renovations as well with The Hotel becoming The Brook, a tribute to the region’s waterways, with a fresh, modern remake.
In December, The Lounge with a Caesars Sportsbook will move to Turning Stone’s latest nightlife destination named Exit 33, NY Rec & Social Club. The new entertainment destination will offer: more than 60 high-definition screens; plush seating; cozy fan caves; outdoor patio with fire pits; and more.
Even More Planned for Turning Stone
Beyond the new additions, more development is also planned. The property will soon unveil a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf practice area with driving range and short game area.
Guests can also expect more than 120 electric vehicle chargers across Oneida Nation lands in partnership with Tesla. The entire Oneida operation receives a change as well. On Oct. 1, Oneida Nation Enterprises will become Turning Stone Enterprises.
“The new organizational identity recognizes the important role of Turning Stone in setting the standard for all of the Oneida Indian Nation’s enterprises and the essential contributions of every team member, regardless of where they work, in establishing and upholding this standard,” the group adds.
Since its creation 30 years ago, Turning Stone has been a major economic driver and job creator in upstate New York. An economic analysis conducted by Oxford Economics reported that in 2022, Turning Stone and other Oneida enterprises generated more than $1 billion in economic impact in the region. That also noted that the tribe supported more than 7,000 jobs annually, including the tribe’s 4,500 employees.
The planned addition is expected to bring thousands of construction jobs to the area. Tribal officials also expert millions of dollars in revenue from an increase in guests and additional regional tourism.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Settlement Agreement between the Oneida, the New York state government, and Oneida and Madison Counties. Since the agreement was finalized, local communities, regional governments, and businesses have benefited with hundreds of millions of dollars.
“These partnerships have been instrumental in the mutual success of the Oneida Indian Nation and the region and will continue to be so for the next 30 years and beyond,” the Oneida note. “The evolution continues the Oneida Indian Nation’s commitment to investment in the region, its enterprises and team members.”
New York City Casino Update
The race to build a new casino in New York City continues as the state has now seen 11 bids. In January, the state began accepting proposals for a property in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County.
The Gaming Facility Location Board is still reviewing bids and a timetable on when an announcement might be made isn’t yet known. Bidders must pay a $1 million application fee, a $500 million license fee, and make a minimum $500 million capital investment.
