The Oneida Indian Nation, owner of the Turning Stone Resort Casino in New York, has announced a partnership with Caesars Entertainment to offer sports betting in New York.
The agreement is subject to approval from National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and the New York State Gaming Commission’s sports betting regulation.
Through this agreement, sports betting will be offered at the Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino and Point Place Casino with the opening of “The Lounge with Caesars Sports” at the venues later this year.
The partnership between the Oneida Indian Nation and Caesars will involve sponsorship opportunities and loyalty program exchanges. The partnership has been described by both parties as a “licensing and branding alliance.”
According to a press release issued by the Oneida Indian Nation: “Turning Stone, Yellow Brick Road and Point Place Casino players will be able to exchange and redeem their TS Rewards loyalty points, as well as have their player tier levels matched, for Total Rewards Points at all Caesars properties, with the same exchange available for Caesars players at Oneida Indian Nation properties.”
Ray Halbritter, a Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO said: “When it comes to sports betting, Caesars is in a class of its own. We are pleased to be joining forces with this world-renowned gaming leader.”
Christian Stuart, Executive Vice President Gaming and Interactive Entertainment at Caesars said: “We are eagerly awaiting the National Indian Gaming Commission’s review of this innovative new partnership involving a licensing and branding arrangement. The Oneida Indian Nation has already established Turning Stone as the preeminent New York gaming destination, which makes the property and its sister casinos fitting partners for Caesars.
“When it comes to partnerships, Caesars seeks collaborators who share our commitment to exceeding guest expectations, and we are confident that “The Lounge with Caesars Sports” at Turning Stone, Yellow Brick Road Casino and Point Place Casino will be a top sports betting destination in New York.”
At the moment it looks like New York will be one of the next states to legalize sports betting in the US. However, lawmakers still need to agree on legislation and state regulators have yet to issue regulations for sports betting.
In terms of tribal groups and sports betting only two groups outside of Nevada offer sports betting. The Tamaya Nation in New Mexico offer sports betting at the Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians offer sports betting at the Pearl River Resort in Mississippi.
In other states where sports betting is still being discussed, some tribes are preparing for the eventual legalization of the activity. In October 2018, MGM GVC Interactive struck a deal with the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) in California for future sports betting operations.
