As the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York anticipates its 30th anniversary in 2023, the property will experience “the largest evolution in the last 20 years,” according to Oneida Indian Nation Vice President of Communications Joel Barkin. “We’ll be doubling the size of our convention space, and we’ll be adding a new 250-room hotel. Adding this hotel will completely redefine the property and be the anchor for the next 30 years.”
Another highlight for 2023 will be the return of the World Series of Poker to Turning Stone. “We’re the only property in New York State to offer the World Series of Poker. Last year, we had people travel from 22 states and provinces to attend,” Barkin said.
In addition, Turning Stone once again will host the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Barkin said the 2022 International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend attracted 4,350 fans to watch Bakhodir Jalolov go up against “Big Jack” Mulowayi. Barkin said, “We’ve got a number of other big events we’ll be announcing later in the year.”
Looking back on 2022, Barkin said, “It’s been a historic year, from an Oneida Nation Enterprise standpoint to a government and cultural standpoint.” He noted Casino Player Magazine named Turning Stone the Number One Best Overall Dining in New York. The casino’s largest restaurant, 7 Kitchens, opened in early 2022, has expanded its market-style buffet to include weekend brunch.
Also in 2022, Barkin said, “We hired close to 400 new employees, and payroll increased significantly as well, increasing wages across the board. We just announced a new starting wage for cooks at $20 an hour.” He added Oneida Nation Enterprises built 50 new apartments in Verona for its hourly workers, new hires in select positions and those seeking to relocate.
Barkin said the tribe’s total investment in vendors in New York State rose by more than $64 million to a total of $254 million distributed among more than 1,300 different vendors, a 34 percent increase in vendor spending over 2021. The tribe also paid more than $85 million to the state and select counties as part of a 2013 settlement agreement.
OIN Representative and ONE Enterprises Chief Executive Officer Ray Halbritter noted the tribe recently broke ground on a new community and cultural center located on tribal lands. Halbritter said when it’s completed, the community center will “truly be the center of our nation, an investment in the very heart of our community and a permanent representation of all the history and meaning that term encompasses.”
Halbritter added, “As we begin our 30th year at Turning Stone, we know that reinvestment in our people and our community has been the key to our success.”
