Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel located on Long Island in New York is in the midst of a $210 million renovation and expansion, with construction on the resort’s new facility in Islandia expected to commence shortly. 

Jake’s 58 is starting its next phase as fresh competition is scheduled to emerge in the next few years with three resort casinos in the downstate area. Although Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. (Suffolk OTB), the parent company of Jake’s, is not competing for one of the three full-scale casino licenses that come with the rights to slot machines, live dealer table games, and sports betting, the organization is placing a significant wager to strengthen Jake’s standing in the New York gaming sector. 

Suffolk OTB President and CEO Phil Boyle states that the investment aims to draw new visitors to the facility.

"Once completed, the expansion will allow us to host corporate outings, conventions, trade shows, and musical events,” Boyle told Long Island Business News. “For example, I think Jake’s 58 will become the perfect venue for first responders to host their installation dinners. The possibilities are endless.”

Jake’s runs slot-style video lottery terminals (VLTs) via a central lottery system overseen by the New York Gaming Commission (NYGC). The 11 VLT casinos in the state retain roughly 46% of the machines' gross income and allocate 44% to the state for K-12 public schooling. The last 10% is allocated for gaming suppliers and the management of the video lottery central system. 

Expansion Attributes 

Suffolk's $210 million investment entails a much-needed renovation for each of the 210 guestrooms in the hotel. The existing casino, located within the former lobby of a Marriott hotel, is also undergoing renovation. 

The expansion project starting this week aims to build a 110,500-square-foot facility directly behind the historic hotel. The interconnected layout will enlarge the gaming area, increasing VLT positions from 1,000 to 2,000. The new gaming space will also feature a 17,500-square-foot VIP lounge and entertainment section. 

Approximately 3,500 square feet will be allocated for weddings, parties, and various events. The design also includes a food court with 200 seats. 

In addition to the construction, Suffolk is funding a 3.5-story parking structure that will hold as many as 500 cars. Parking has been a problem at Jake’s, which now only offers surface parking lots. During peak times, customers, a majority of whom are seniors, need to cover long distances to get to the casino. 

The new facilities are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. When the enlarged casino begins operations, it is anticipated that local homeowners will have their property taxes removed. Jake’s has vowed to increase its yearly commitment to the local Islandia government from $2.25 million to $4.25 million. 

Betting House Appeal 

While Jake isn’t seeking complete casino rights, Boyle believes that state legislators in Albany ought to broaden sports betting to include VLT venues, racinos, and off-track betting locations.

"There are three million people on Long Island and no sportsbook,” Boyle said.

Sports bettors in Long Island must travel upstate to access a physical sportsbook, at least until the three downstate casinos launch, but New York does offer legal online sportsbooks.