ONEIDA — Thousands of Oneida Indian Nation employees hit the jackpot in their paychecks this week.

The tribe has given $5.1 million in bonuses to about 90 percent of its 4,800 employees. That works out to an average of about $1,180 each.

The total payout topped last year by about $400,000.

Despite the downturn in the economy, including a slowdown in the gaming industry overall, the Oneidas’ businesses, including Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, "performed exceedingly well," said the announcement released Friday by the Oneidas.

The nation laid off upwards of 100 people 13 months ago.

In keeping with past practice, the annual employee incentive is given out as the holiday shopping season approaches.

"Awarded just before Thanksgiving, the bonus money will help jump start the holiday shopping season in Central New York and beyond by injecting several million dollars into the local retail economy," said the statement.

The bonus program began in 1995, two years after the casino opened,

The tribe is the county’s largest employer and one of the largest in Central New York.