Turning Stone to introduce cash-play slot machines in March

VERONA — The Oneida Indian Nation today announced plans to introduce new cash-play slot machines at Turning Stone Resort Casino on March 4.

The Oneidas also plan to introduce an upgraded free-play offering and “Buddy Bonus Bingo” that rewards bingo players for bringing friends, the Nation said in a news release.

Turning Stone also announced a “major expansion” of its loyalty rewards program.

Oneida Nation Enterprises on March 4 plans to unveil new cash-play slot machines, converting the entire casino to the updated system.

The Oneidas contend that Turning Stone’s $15 million investment in new slot machines, and the upgrade of its entire casino-operating system, will allow guests to enjoy all of the same slot machines available at “world-class” casinos.

The system will provide players the “convenience” of Vegas-style slots that accept cash and eliminate the need to stand in line to load funds onto a card before playing, as had been required with the “decades-old” casino system at Turning Stone, the release stated.

The system also links Turning Stone’s slot machines to a system of jackpot pools across many other casinos to create “progressive” jackpots, which “routinely” reach into the millions of dollars, the Nation said.

Some of the new linked slot machines will “always” offer jackpots of at least $1 million, and several others will feature minimum $500,000 jackpots at all times, the Oneidas said.

Additionally, Turning Stone Resort Casino is also planning to launch its brand new “TS Rewards” loyalty program, replacing the diamond-card system that Turning Stone has used since opening 20 years ago.

TS Rewards will allow guests to earn points on purchases at all Oneida Nation Enterprise businesses, including golf courses, restaurants, spas, hotels, entertainment and nightlife venues, SavOn Stores, and gaming at Turning Stone.

Patrons can redeem TS Rewards points at all Oneida Nation Enterprise businesses.  The Oneida Nation will automatically convert existing players’ Turning Stone Diamond Card accounts and points (or karats) to TS Rewards points, the Oneidas said. 

The upgraded, free-play program will mean “more winnings” for gamers at Turning Stone Resort Casino, according to the news release.

Buddy Bonus Bingo creates a way for bingo enthusiasts to earn an unlimited number of free games at Turning Stone, the Nation contends. The game rewards visitors with credits for every friend they bring and every dollar they spend, but also for the friends of friends who join them.

The gaming changes follow the Oneida Nation’s research, along with feedback from Turning Stone’s “loyal” guests, the organization said.

Those guests “helped turn the former cornfield located in Verona into a major national gaming, sports and entertainment destination,” the release stated. 

The Oneidas are planning a “major public event” to celebrate the new offerings in March.  They’ll announce details in the future, according to the release.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com