The Oneida Indian Nation has completed a major expansion of the Point Place Casino Hotel, marking a significant reinvestment in the Bridgeport property and strengthening its role as a regional destination in Madison County, New York. The $50 million project reached full completion on November 17, bringing new hospitality, gaming, and community-focused amenities to the venue. Leadership from the Oneida Indian Nation joined elected officials, business partners, and local representatives to celebrate the opening.
Expansion Introduces Hotel, Dining, and Event Facilities
The new development introduces a 99-room hotel designed to accommodate guests visiting the increasingly popular entertainment property. The addition of The Forest Grill, described as a farm-to-fork restaurant, expands on the casino’s dining options, while an event space has been created to support gatherings and community functions. These amenities aim to elevate the guest experience and broaden the types of activities available on-site.
Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of the project for the property’s future. “This expansion is the largest reinvestment we have made in Point Place, adding new experiences and amenities to the property,” he said. He added that these improvements come “while keeping in place everything that has made it so beloved by our guests and the community,” underscoring the balance between upgrading the facility and retaining its established character.
The expansion also features updates to the casino floor, which has doubled in size and now offers more than 900 slot machines. Renovations to the Fireside Lounge, enhancements to the Perfect Pour Café, and a redesigned event venue called The Evergreen have been completed as well. Expanded parking further supports the increased capacity.
Community Leaders Highlight Economic Impact
Officials attending the ceremony used the occasion to highlight the broader economic significance of the project. The property, which originally opened in March 2018 as a smoke-free gaming venue, has been positioned as a contributor to economic development, job creation, and tourism growth in Madison County.
Madison County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Cunningham noted the transformative potential of the hotel. “This hotel is not just stone, glass and timber,” he said. “It is a vision made real, ready to lift this region into a new era of growth and opportunity. Jobs created here are not merely positions to be filled; they are lifelines for families.”
According to WKTV, New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo echoed these comments, tying the expansion to long-standing collaboration between the Oneida Indian Nation and local partners. “What we’re seeing today – the potential, the extraordinary opportunity – that comes through partnerships,” he said. “That investment will continue, that potential exists because the Oneidas and Turning Stone Enterprises have been an engine for economic opportunity not only in this region, but across the state.”
Assembly Member Brian Miller pointed to the momentum within the region overall, stating, “We’re experiencing a rebirth here in Central New York that we haven’t seen in over 100 years. And the Oneida Indian Nation and their vision is the biggest part of what’s going to happen here.”
The grand opening event included a ceremonial unveiling of an updated Point Place Casino Hotel logo, presented over the original log used during the property’s 2018 opening ceremony. The gathering brought together a range of stakeholders, from labor partners and business leaders to community members, reflecting the collaborative approach emphasized by the Nation and local officials.
