Jake's 58 $200M Expansion Preliminary Site Plan Approved

ISLANDIA, NY — Jake's 58 Casino Hotel's proposed $200 million expansion got good news Tuesday night, as Islandia officials approved the Suffolk OTB's preliminary site plan.

The OTB plans to construct a 110,000-square-foot building north of the existing casino hotel.

Phil Boyle, president and CEO of the Suffolk OTB, said the group is "excited" about the preliminary approval and "cautiously optimistic" Islandia officials will grant final approval on Aug. 1.

"We believe we've answered most of, if not all, the concerns of our neighbors and village officials," Boyle told Patch. "We look forward to continuing a partnership with them as we move toward a big expansion."

The OTB plans to add 1,400 parking spots for a total of 2,000, as well as a three-story parking garage.

Gov. Kathy Hochul in January signed legislation that would allow Jake's 58 to double its video lottery terminals from 1,000 to 2,000 machines. The OTB plans to transfer 500 of the terminals from the old building to the new one.

The OTB also plans to renovate all 210 rooms in the "dated" hotel, add a concierge level, bridal suites, ultra lounge and high-end bar, Boyle said.

The Jake's 58 restaurant will be converted into a sports bar, as Suffolk OTB officials hope to institute a sports book. The new building will house a food hall with higher-end and mid-level restaurants, according to Boyle.

The Suffolk OTB is holding two bids: construction and financing. Boyle said he hopes a shovel will be in the ground for the casino hotel's expansion by November so that it could be completed by the end of 2025.

The OTB is also building a 10-foot sound buffer after Boyle said he heard Delaware North, the previous owner of Jake's 58, promised a sound wall during outreach with nearby residents.

"And what did they put up but a chain link fence? Not exactly a sound wall, right?" Boyle said previously.

Boyle promised a high-tech 10-foot wall with true soundproofing and greenery on both sides. It is expected to cost $1.25 million, and Boyle hopes the wall will be built early in the potential expansion process to protect neighbors from construction noise.

Boyle is a former New York state senator, a Republican based in Bay Shore. He did not seek re-election in November 2022.