Operator News
US – Oneida tribe opens Yellow Brick Road Casino
By Phil - 5 June 2015
The Oneida Indian Nation has pulled back the emerald curtain to reveal a stunning, brand-new, US$20m, 60,000 square-foot Yellow Brick Road Casino in the Village of Chittenango in Upstate New York.
Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter, Central New York Building Trades President Pat Costello, Chittenango Mayor Ronny Goeler, and President of The Hayner Hoyt Corporation Jeremy Thurston spoke about making the vision of Yellow Brick Road Casino a reality. A number of members of the Oneida Nation Council were also in attendance.
As attendees gathered outside, they were treated to a dramatic fly by from a wicked witch on her broom. Launched from the roof, the unique unmanned aerial vehicle flew low over the attendees, adding to the fun and excitement of the event as guests pointed at the sky and pulled out their cell phones to capture the moment.
Following their brief statements from the stage, Mr. Halbritter and his fellow community leaders pulled back the Emerald Curtain draped over the entrance, revealing Yellow Brick Road Casino. Enthusiastic guests stepped onto the stunning new gaming floor amid a sea of confetti, Oz-themed music and costumed entertainers.
Inside, the Yellow Brick Road Casino’s Cyclone of Cash provided thunder and flashes of lightning. The iconic centerpiece at the new casino is a custom-made tornado-style simulator where guests standing in the sealed maelstrom try to collect flying money and other prizes as they swirl about. Patricia Barnwell of Lee Center, NY, who recently won an online contest to be first contestant, stepped inside and walked away with her pockets filled by all of the bills that she could grab. The Cyclone of Cash will continue to run throughout today’s Grand Opening event and daily at Yellow Brick Road Casino.
Grand Opening day bingo players also enjoyed a special treat during the inaugural session of Oneida Nation High-Stakes Bingo at the Wizard Hall, as Mr. Halbritter served as the special guest caller.
“Today was a very exciting day for the Oneida Nation, our employees, and the entire community as we introduced Central New York to Yellow Brick Road Casino at our fantastic Grand Opening event,” said Halbritter. “This all-new, state-of-the-art gaming and entertainment venue, which aligns perfectly with the unique Oz identity of Chittenango, has already created hundreds of local jobs and will continue to build up Central New York tourism by attracting locals and tourists alike.”
Celebrating the community’s connection with the iconic story, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Yellow Brick Road Casino features more than 430 Vegas-style cash slot machines, a 500 seat bingo hall named Wizard Hall, and an intimate Keno lounge. The casino also includes casual restaurants and bars including home-style cooking at Dorothy’s Farmhouse, sit-down or take-out hand tossed pizza and wings at Wicked Good Pizza, a fierce selection of brews at the country-western style Heart and Courage Saloon, and mischievously great cocktails at Winged Monkey.
