The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Point Place Casino opens to fanfare
Hundreds line up for opening day of Nation’s newest enterprise
Before the sun had even risen, patrons were lining up outside Point Place Casino to be the first inside
Matthew and Jason Port noy, twin brothers from Liverpool, were the first ones in line at 4:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. grand opening on March 1.
“I’m here for the excitement and to be the first one at the craps table,” Matthew said.
Right behind them were Allen and Doris Capstraw from Pennellville, who endured the 30-degree weather along with others as they awaited their chance to check out the Oneida IndianNation’s newest offering.
The casino prepared for the ever growing line of people outside the door, checking and double checking the decks of cards for any defects and running some last minute maintenance on slot machines.
A special pre-opening cer- emony featured appearances by Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors John Becker, Sen. David J. Valesky, D-53, and Area Representative of Central and Northern New York Building Trades Council Pat Costello.
“This is a very exciting day for the Oneida Indian Nation, our employees, the Bridgeport community and for the entire region,” Halbritter said. “This venue’s ideal setting and rustic woodland ambiencemirror the unique spirit and style of the Bridgeport community.”
Valesky congratulated Halbritter and the Oneida Indian Nation for their leadership in economic development.
“This is another exciting project,” Valesky said. “To everyone here looking to enjoy Point Place Casino, good luck.”
Becker mirrored Valesky’s sentiments and thanked the
“This is a very exciting day for the Oneida IndianNation, our employees, the Bridgeport community and for the entire region.”
— Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO
Ray Halbritter
Oneida Indian Nation for the $40 million investment in the town of Sullivan. When the Oneida Nation succeeds, everyone succeeds, he said.
“The 400-plus jobs they bring between the two casinos is great for our local economy,” Becker said. “I know we still have nay-sayers out there, but this is a great thing for our community and all of us.”
The ceremony endedwith not a ribbon cutting, but a log cutting to highlight the casino’s rustic theme. With the doors open, people from all over New York came in with high spirits and hopes that luck was on their side.
Melissa Vixtha of Syracuse found herself feeling very lucky when she won $61.56 on her second spin off of an 88 cent bet.
Vixtha said she was just getting started and hoped her luck continued to ride while shewas at PointPlace.