ALBANY – The Seneca Nation of Indians Council has voted to pay over $500 million dollars to New York State, resolving a legal dispute over their casino fund gaming compact. Some of the funding, according to New York’s Governor, will help pay for the new Buffalo Bills stadium.
Governor Kathy Hochul says because the funds were generated in Western New York, she felt it was fair to direct the State’s share, which is more than $418 million, to the new Buffalo Bills stadium.
“Upon taking office, I sought to negotiate in good faith, and we have met every hurdle,” said Hochul. “I am pleased to have finally reached a resolution, and the full $564 million has been received by New York.”
The courts have consistently ruled in the State’s favor, Hochul goes on to say, yet no payments were made. The money is covering the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021.
Over the weekend, the Seneca Nation’s bank accounts were frozen at the request of New York State, who gave them until March 14 to make a payment to the state.
Because the accounts were frozen, the Seneca Nation president said they could not conduct banking transactions. At the time, he called it a “overreach” on New York’s part.
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