Posted on: December 5, 2023, 08:38h.
Last updated on: December 5, 2023, 08:38h.
Turning Stone Resort Casino in Upstate New York is set to unveil its latest sports betting space this month, marking the completion of the tribal destination’s $370 million project. This massive overhaul offers a new perspective and further winning avenues for sports bettors.
Set to open on Dec. 18, the resort’s newest venue—NY Rec & Social Club, will merge sports wagering with contemporary nightlife and casual dining, providing the optimal atmosphere for placing bets and enjoying a good time.
The sportsbook area will be branded as “TS Sports” after the dissolution of the Oneida Nation’s partnership with Caesars Sportsbook. Officials say NY Rec & Social Club will host an array of amenities, including a sportsbook counter and self-wagering kiosks, in addition to a three-story “media tower” equipped with video displays, 60 televisions, and various indoor recreational games such as foosball, shuffleboard, darts, and billiards.
A fully-stocked bar and restaurant will ensure guests’ comfort and complement the excitement of the sports betting experience. NY Rec & Social Club will take over from the Lava Nightclub in the Exit 33 wing of the casino with a fresh, new approach to entertainment and leisure.
Athletes constantly evolve for a better play, and we’re no different.
Enter: TS Sports — a new sports book experience that will make its debut at NY Rec & Social Club, YBR Casino & Sports Book, and Point Place Casino on December 18th. On the same day, you can experience TS… pic.twitter.com/FtDCacXguU
— Turning Stone Resort (@TurningStone) December 4, 2023
Tribe Goes In-House for Sportsbook
The Oneida Nation started accepting sports bets in July 2019 after New York legalized sports betting. The Supreme Court’s striking down of a federal law in May 2018 sparked the opportunity to expand sports gambling outside of Nevada, which was embraced by the state of New York.
New York’s tribal gaming compacts allow for slot machines, table games, and any other Class III game defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. New York has now embraced online commercial sportsbooks as well, but tribal sportsbooks remain restricted to in-person wagering.
The Oneida Nation’s decision to part ways with Caesars Sportsbook and proceed with their own TS Sports operations showcases a bold move to seize greater control and autonomy over their sports betting offerings.
After ending its marketing partnership with Caesars, TS Sports will continue to operate under Turning Stone Enterprises. This transition aims to maintain the quality and diversity of sports wagers the venues have provided.
Ray Halbritter, CEO of Turning Stone Enterprises, stressed that the launch of TS Sports underpins the tribe’s commitment to deliver engaging and evolving sports betting experiences. This amendment will deliberately replace Caesars Sportsbook operations not only at Turning Stone but also at the Oneida Nation’s YBR Casino in Chittenango and Point Place Casino in Bridgeport.
Turning Stone Renovation, Expansion
The $370 million facelift aims to turn Turning Stone into a premier convention center and entertainment destination. The resort, which first started as a bingo hall in 1993, is enlarging its events space, constructing a 2,000-space indoor parking garage, and building a new hotel with 258 guestrooms and suites. The overhaul also includes refurbishing the casino’s 825 current hotel rooms.
Turning Stone plan extends to building an on-site medical center for its 4,500 employees, and this will be complemented by a new and practice area at the resort’s three championship golf courses, overseen by Robert Trent Jones Jr.