The Shinnecock Indian Nation on Wednesday unveiled plans to build a casino on its territory on the eastern end of Long Island, to be known as Shinnecock Casino Hamptons.
The federally recognized tribe of historically Algonquian-speaking Native Americans is headquartered in Suffolk County.
In mid-2020, the Shinnecock Nation received approval from the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) to operate a Class II casino on its Reservation in Southampton.
The Shinnecock Council of Trustees said it has contracted with Tri State Partners for the construction and operation of the casino.
The Trustees said construction will begin this summer.
The Shinnecock Nation and Tri State said they are in discussions with restaurant providers to provide a range of food options for guests. Tri State added it is exploring right-sized venues within the casino for entertainment.
“We are starting with the casino, but we are also looking at multiple options for additional land acquisitions off Territory, potentially including developing waterfront properties and hotels, which the Eastern end of Long Island is lacking,” Tri State partner and managing member Jack Morris said in a statement.
“Our research, which is ongoing, indicates the casino will be a boost for tourism here on the eastern end of Long Island,” the Trustees said. “While the summer months will be the busiest months of the year for us, working with Tri State we will attract visitors during the rest of the year as well.”
Morris added: “This will be a property Long Island residents will enjoy visiting, while enabling the Shinnecock Nation to take advantage of opportunities other members of Native American nations have harnessed.”
