The Hamptons can look forward to its first casino. After 20 years of battling, the Shinnecock Tribe finally won the right to start construction on the project in Summer 2021, called Shinnecock Casino Hamptons. 

The Shinnecock Council of Trustees had wanted permission from New York State to build but were “rebutted” each time, so the council turned to the National Indian Gaming Commission for help. The Commission granted the Shinnecock Council permission to operate a Class II casino on its land in the Southampton Reservation. The Seminole Tribe is also helping to back the project.

What Are the Details of the Casino?

The tribal land is located just off Montauk Highway in the Shinnecock Hills section of Southampton and will be 76,000 square feet. Plans also include a bingo parlor, 30 Texas Hold ‘em table games and 1,000 video lottery terminals. The tribe would like the casino to open roughly 18 to 24 months after construction begins. The Shinnecock Council estimates that it will create 300 to 400 jobs, many of which will be filled by Shinnecock tribe members, with others filed by locals in the East End. As of February 2021, no architect has been selected for the project.

What Are Some Potential Problems with the Project?

Some local Southampton officials oppose the project because of its location but cannot force the council members to reconsider because it is tribal land. However, there has been some discussion. Some Southampton officials have asked the council if they would consider a move closer to Manhattan for an upgrade to a Class III casino, and council members did not say it was out of the question. 

Because of this uncertainty, it remains to be seen if this project will be built in Southampton or closer to the city. However, it seems likely that the Shinnecock Council wants to build this project on their land.

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