RETURNING TO NORMAL
Across the Northeast tribal casinos have reopened their doors
By Karrie L. Zukowski
Despite the toll on the gaming industry COVID-19 has had, tribal casinos across the Northeast have reopened their doors with much excitement. And all are doing their part to make sure guests and employees are safe. What follows is a detailed look of some of the top Northeast tribal properties and what they have to offer under the current pandemic-driven climate.
Turning Stone Resort Casino
Verona, New York
Regardless of hitting a jackpot, guests will feel like a million bucks after they experience everything Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York has to offer. With a 125,000-square-foot Las Vegas-style gaming floor, 32 tables of comfortable and spacious live poker, professional staff, and world-class amenities, it’s always a safe bet that guests will have an unforgettable experience.
It’s time to get back out there. To your friends. To your life. To yourself. It’s time to get dressed up and get back to what you love. To realize that “safe” and “responsible” can, indeed go hand-in-hand with “fun” and “exciting.” Turning Stone’s staff, trained and eager, will make sure your visit is as worry-free as it is entertaining.
Whether you’re a poker player or a golf lover, a fan of bingo or fine dining, you’ll find more ways to play— more reasons to get away—at Turning Stone. Offering uncompromising hospitality, spa, golf, dining and gaming options to meet every budget. From an affordable overnight stay at The Inn, to a luxury, all-suite getaway at The Lodge, their commitment to meeting guest expectations never wavers.
If you like to spin the wheel, deal the deck or roll the dice, Turning Stone Resort Casino brings excitement to the table with a broad range of your favorite games. Choose from blackjack, craps, Caribbean stud poker, let it ride, roulette, Mississippi stud, pai gow poker, three card poker, four card poker, baccarat, sic bo, Texas hold ’em bonus, mini bac, midi bac (Macau style), and more.
With 2,000 slots to choose from, you’re sure to find your favorite classic or new specialty machine. Experience the fast-paced action and thrill of playing slots, with the added security of a PIN-controlled TS Rewards Card account that easily tracks your wagers, play, account balance and points earned for you.
Turning Stone currently has seven award-winning restaurants serving everything from quick bites to savory three-course meals. In order to serve you best, and keep guests safe, Turning Stone has altered hours of operations. Hours are subject to change, so check back frequently for the latest information.
Guests looking to wind down will find the resort offers plenty of relaxing activities such as the Golf Dome. Putting and chipping practice has never been easier with the relatively new short game golf instruction area, featuring three greens, fairway areas, short rough, long rough, multiple putting surfaces, fringe and two bunker options. Don’t forget to practice your swing at the world championship course, Shenendoah. Or relax at the all-encompassing Ska:ná Spa.
Not far away, guests can find even more excitement at two more casinos within the Turning Stone family – Yellow Brick Road Casino in Chittenango, NY and Point Place Casino in Bridgeport, NY. Both casinos have reopened and provide more than 400 slots, classic table games and unique dining experiences. Guests will find YBR’s playful theme celebrates the Village of Chittenango’s connection to the iconic American story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, while Point Place Casino’s rustic atmosphere was inspired by its picturesque location surrounded by a number of the area’s beloved points on Oneida Lake.
The Phase 1 reopening of Turning Stone’s properties has many protocols in place designed to create both a fun and responsible experience. These protocols will also apply at the highly anticipated opening of The Lake House at Sylvan Beach. The Oneida Indian Nation will be adopting the same policy as New York State in regards to the purchasing of alcoholic beverages in all of their venues at Turning Stone Resort Casino, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino and soon-to-open The Lake House. For more information on Turning Stone Resort Casino, visit www.turningstone.com. And for a list of health and safety protocols before you go, visit www.turningstone.com/page/health-and-safety.
Seneca Resorts & Casinos
New York
If you’re looking for the perfect getaway with relaxation and luxury accommodations, the heartpounding excitement of casino gaming, the thrill of world-class entertainment, the opulence of renowned fine dining, and the energy of the nightlife, look no further than Seneca Resorts & Casinos. Seneca Resorts & Casinos offers everything you need to make that casino getaway a memorable experience.
From the awesome power of a natural wonder to the majesty of a hillside view or the epicenter of a city vibe, the Seneca Resorts & Casinos properties offer three distinct feels with the same remarkable service.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Thunderous energy awaits guests at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, minutes from the world-famous Niagara Falls. Inside, feel the rush of excitement across the resort’s 147,000- square-foot gaming floor, where you can enjoy the hottest new slots and all of your favorite table games. With more than 3,600 slot machines and 90 table games to choose from, there’s a game for everyone.
Seneca Niagara offers 604 deluxe rooms and suites, providing easy access to those who dream of hitting a life-changing jackpot and feeling the mists of Bridal Veil Falls, all in one incredible getaway. As a guest, you will enjoy distinctive amenities and luxurious touches designed to elevate your stay.
All rooms feature upscale amenities including a pillow-top bed, oversized shower, flat-panel HDTVs, HD programming including new release movies and music on-demand and complimentary high-speed WiFi access property-wide.
On any great vacation, food and drink is always a topic of conversation. At Seneca Niagara, you can choose from a collection of exciting Niagara Falls restaurants. Although most restaurants will remain closed, the follow are open:
- Morrie’s (located across from Swarovski on the west concourse) which will provide grab-n-go options only, no sit down dining.
- Blues Burger which will provide grab-n-go options as well as socially distanced sit down dining.
- The Western Door Steakhouse is now open. To book a reservation please call 1-877-8-SENECA.
- Koi is open. To book a reservation, call 1-877-8-SENECA.
- Three Sisters is open 24-hours daily with socially sit down dining.
- Tim Hortons is now open.
Get in the game like never before at the Sports Lounge at Seneca Niagara Casino. The Sports Lounge will be open for kiosks only; no counter service will be available. But take the excitement to a new level with a comfortable place to catch the action – with a chance to win big, too. And whether you’re betting on the points, moneyline or planning to parlay your way to a big win – bet the way you want.
Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino
Energy abounds in downtown Buffalo, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino is at the heart of the excitement. Amid the thrill of professional sports, year-round activity, and the energetic nightlife of the city’s Inner Harbor area and Cobblestone District, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino offers non- stop thrills. Guests will find more than 1,200 slot machines and over 30 table games to keep their pulse racing, including a high limit room and expanded non-smoking area, as well as the Stixx Sports Bar and B-Lo Bar.
At Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, you can choose from a collection of exciting restaurants. Between decadent steakhouses and classic American fare to tasty places to grab something sweet, Seneca Buffalo has something for every appetite. But due to the virus most restaurants will remain closed except for The Creek Stop, which will provide grab-n-go options only, no sit down dining and The Creek, which will provide socially distanced sit down dining. STIXX Sports Bar and B-LO Bar are open. No alcohol will be offered at this time, however, beverage service including water, soda, coffee and tea will be provided.
Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino
Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino is the premier resort in New York’s Southern Tier region. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Allegheny Mountains along the New York/Pennsylvania border, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino is a short drive from Buffalo, Rochester, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Southern Ontario.
It’s always time to play at Seneca Allegany, home to nearly 1,800 state-of-the-art slot machines, including classic favorites and the latest technology and themes, and 33 table games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, Caribbean stud poker, and many more.
The recently-redesigned 68,000-square-foot casino floor, not only lets you enjoy all of your favorite games, but also offers you a level of comfort you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll find the new gaming floor design emphasizing the comfort and privacy you want. They’ve in- creased the slot machine bases from 28 inches to 32 inches and also have built-in foot rests and larger chairs that rotate 360 degrees that can be adjusted forward, backward or by height. Seneca is one of the first casinos in the country to go with larger bases and adjustable seats with the goal to continue to make your experience better each time you visit!
To satisfy those inevitable hunger pains, the Bear Claw Cafe is open for grab-n-go options. The Seneca Café is open 24 hours daily with a full menu and socially distanced seating. The Western Door is open Wednesday through Sunday. All other restaurants are closed at this time.
For more information, visit www.senecagamingcorporation.com.
Mohegan Sun
Uncasville, CT
A world at play and a world to its own, Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, is one of the world’s most amazing destinations with some of New England’s finest dining, hotel accommodations, retail shopping, live entertainment and sporting events. Boasting two unique casinos, Mohegan Sun is also host to the Kids Quest/Cyber Quest family entertainment facility, two luxurious spas, world-class meeting facilities, a state-of-the-art Poker Room as well as three major entertainment venues with seating from 350 to 10,000.
Every turn leads to a new adventure with the world’s largest and most spectacular indoor planetarium dome and the awe-inspiring Wombi Rock, a glowing crystal mountain made of imported stone that serves as the focal point of Casino of the Sky.
Even more of Your World At Play is opening with a wider range of dining, shopping, offerings and expanded hours! Enjoy dining at your favorite restaurants like Ballo Italian Restaurant, The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House or laugh with hilarious comedians as Comix Comedy Club welcomes guests with limited capacity. Make a night of it with a hotel stay at Mohegan Sun’s Sky and Earth Towers with more availability added.
Sign up for insider emails or text messages and you’ll have access to discounts, contests and exclusive offers to make your next visit memorable. You’ll even receive insider-only email discounts of 15% or more off hotel room rates at Mohegan’s Sun luxurious hotel. For more information, visit www.mohegansun.com.
Building Momentum
Want to take your benefits to the next level? Join Momentum at a Player’s Club Booth or update your Momentum account and check out these promotions.
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To participate, all entries must be dropped into the drawing drum at the Guest Assistance Center in The Shops at Mohegan Sun by Friday, October 2. Jackpot winners must activate their entries at the Play+ Event Center between the hours of Noon and 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 3.
A total of 26 winners will be drawn on Saturday, October 3 at 8 p.m. There will be no live drawing.
Every Wednesday until September 2
Bring a friend who joins Momentum and Mohegan Sun will give each of you $10 in free slot play! Plus, if they give their email, they’ll email them another $10 in free slot play.
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Every Wednesday until September 2
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Mohegan Sun Pocono
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Mohegan Sun Pocono is located on 400 acres in the hillside of Plains, Pennsylvania. It is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. Owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, it is one of the largest, most distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and dining destinations in Pennsylvania.
Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including more than 50 table games, over 1,900 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness.
The authentic interior displays handcrafted relics & artifacts representing a Tuscan villa which allows guests the option of an intimate dining experience in one of the main dining room’s private booths or a quick pizza from its wood-burning oven in the Bar Café.
The restaurant that showed the world just how great a steak can be, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is known worldwide for searing the finest cuts of USDA Prime beef at 1800 degrees, generating a seductive sizzle that’s heard moments before the arrival of the plate. While regarded by many as the best steak house in the country, Ruth’s Chris is also known for expertly-executed seafood, New Orleans-inspired appetizers, unforgettable desserts and an award-winning wine list.
In an effort to improve the overall guest experience and prevent underage gaming, MSP announced that they are a 21 and over facility on July 8. Many of the gates around the gaming floor will be removed, allowing guests to move more freely to access games and amenities. Guests under the age of 21 will still be able to access certain restaurants and the racing area by entering through the lower level racing entrance.
Mohegan Sun Pocono reopened with increased safety measures in place. Various slot machines have been turned off and table game seating has been reduced to encourage safe distancing practices. Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers are located throughout the property for your use to wipe down machines or tables prior to play. Capacity monitoring of racing.
Just steps from the gaming action, Mohegan Sun Pocono offers a number of food and beverage outlets with everything from snacks and sandwiches to steaks, fresh seafood and gourmet international cuisine. Stop by one of these and experience a taste sensation.
Located across from Unibet Sportsbook, Molly O’Sheas offers delicious comfort food and sports bar favorites and live entertainment with- local bands on weekends. With 10 high-definition big screen TVs throughout the restaurant, every seat is the best seat in the house to cheer on your favorite teams.
While every restaurant seeks to be unique, the 260-seat Tuscan villa-themed Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar actually earns the distinction. This new Bistro & Bar with an Italian Mediterranean-influenced menu the gaming floor has been established to avoid over-crowding.
The 55th season of live harness racing at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono is now underway! Your Racing Rewards card is your key to a world of exclusive benefits. Join today. It’s fast, it’s free and it’s so worthwhile. Just sign up at the Racing Rewards desk at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, or at any of our Off Track Wagering locations. For more information, visit www.mohegansunpocono.com.
