Jake's 58 Expansion Approved By Islandia Board: 'We're Elated'

ISLANDIA, NY — Jake's 58 Casino Hotel will have its $200 million expansion. The Islandia Village Board unanimously approved the Suffolk OTB's final site plans on Tuesday night, the OTB announced.

"We're elated," Phil Boyle, president and CEO of the Suffolk OTB, told Patch. "We're so grateful for Islandia Mayor [Allan] Dorman and the village board for this approval. They've been great partners through the years and we'll continue long into the future with our expanded Jake's 58."

The Suffolk OTB expects to break ground on the casino expansion by November and begin renovating the hotel by the fourth quarter of 2023. The targeted opening date of the expanded casino floor is late 2025 with more amenities to follow in 2026.

The expansion will see Jake's 58 double its video lottery terminals, add more parking spaces, renovate its hotel rooms, and upgrade its amenities. The Suffolk OTB plans to add 1,400 parking spots for a total of 2,000, as well as a three-story parking garage.

"For those who are clients and customers of Jake's who may have had some issues finding parking over the years, we're going to have more than enough parking with the big, beautiful new facility," Boyle said.

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 expansion will allow for more money to be spent in Suffolk County and its schools, Boyle said.

"It's a win-win-win for everyone concerned."

The expansion will create construction jobs and, eventually, more jobs in the casino and hotel, Boyle said.

"Suffolk OTB's success in the past six years from bankruptcy to becoming a billion-dollar company is linked to the support that we have received from the Village of Islandia, Mayor Dorman, and local residents," Boyle said in a news release. "I couldn’t be happier for the village, our current and future workforce, and Suffolk’s taxpayers, who will benefit greatly from this decision long into the future."

Jake's 58 will "truly realize its full potential" as an entertainment destination in the region, said James LaCarrubba, vice president and COO of Suffolk OTB.

"We appreciate the Board’s trust in Jake's 58 and its management, and we will continue to be responsible neighbors acting for the public’s benefit," LaCarrubba stated.