Another casino opens in central New York

BRIDGEPORT, N.Y. — More than 250 people lined up this morning to be the first inside the new $40 million Point Place Casino in Bridgeport in Madison County.

Twins Jason and Matthew Portnoy of Liverpool arrived at 4:30 a.m. to be first in line.

“We just wanted to be the first ones to check it out,” Jason Portnoy said. “It’s something exciting to do. I took the day off from work, and we’ll spend a couple hours here.”

The casino, off Route 31 in the town of Sullivan, opened at 10 a.m. today.

The grand opening featured costumed entertainers, appearances by local officials, a ceremonial log-cutting and chances for guests to win cash, Free Play, dining credits and more.

The first 1,000 people in line received t a T-shirt, Oneida Nation officials said.

Doris Capstraw drove about 45 minutes from Pennellville to get in line at 6:30 a.m.

“I was first when Yellow Brick Road opened, and I want to be first today,” she said. “It’s just exciting. I’ll stay today until my money runs out.”

At 7:30 a.m., about a dozen people were in line. By 9:30 a.m., several hundred were in line.

The casino is off Route 31 near the corner of Bridgeport-Kirkville Road in the town of Sullivan in Madison County — less than 1,000 feet from the Onondaga County line.

The 65,000-square-foot casino has parking for more than 800 cars, along with 500 slot machines and 20 table games.

The smoke-free casino also has two fast-casual restaurants:

Wicked Good Pizza, which has locations at Yellow Brick Road Casino in Chittenango and Turning Stone in Verona
The Burgers of Madison County, a family-friendly restaurant with burgers, milkshakes and more.

Opals Confectionery, a chocolatier and bakery with a shop at Turning Stone, also is open at Point Place. The restaurants and bars have seating for more than 325 people.

The two main restaurants have entrances from the outside, so families with children or others can dine without going into the casino.

The casino also has two bars: The Fireside Lounge, and Paddle Bar. There also are three heated outdoor patios — the only spots where smoking will be permitted.

The casino plans local bands several nights a week. An indoor wood-burning fireplace with seating is open in The Fireside Lounge.