New York Using Casino Revenue To Help Fund Bills Stadium

On Monday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state would contribute about $600 million to the Buffalo Bills’ $1.4 billion stadium project. 

A day later, Hochul clarified where a lion’s share of that cash would come from: the Seneca Nation of Indians.

• The Seneca Nation made a “long-delayed” payment of $564.8 million in casino revenue to resolve a legal dispute. 
• Hochul said $418 million worth of that money will go directly toward the Bills’ stadium.
• Now, taxpayers will be responsible for about $172 million, Hochul said.

In a statement, Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels called the decision “hostile and shameless greed. … The Governor’s new stadium won’t be a product of progress. It will be a monument to Albany’s vindictive desire to punish the Seneca people.”

Outside contributions won’t stop there, however.

As part of the deal, Erie County is contributing $250 million, and on Monday, the NFL  announced it had approved a $200 million loan to help with construction. Bills owners are required to match that amount and pay for any cost overruns.

Stadium Specifics

The stadium will be built next to the team’s current one in Orchard Park. The plan is for an open-air venue that seats 62,000 fans. 

Construction is expected to finish in time for the 2026 season.