The Buffalo Bills have released renderings of their new stadium. The team has built excitement and hype for the new facility, one they expect to bring plenty of championships and memories for Bills fans.
Ron Raccuia, the Bills executive vice president and chief operating officer, told The Buffalo News the project’s estimated cost will be $1.54 billion. The Bills also announced that the new stadium is expected to be ready by the start of the 2026 NFL season.
One thing yet to be announced is the impact New York sports betting will have on the future gameday experience for Bills fans. But based on what we’ve seen from the professional sports teams in the Empire State, as well as throughout professional sports, it’s safe to make some educated speculations.
One step closer toward the New Bills Stadium.
The latest renderings have arrived! #BillsMafia
Be the first to learn more: https://t.co/wQjumbzQA7 pic.twitter.com/vdyKBji4bt
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) March 27, 2023
Bills one step away from beginning construction on stadium
The Bills, Erie County and the state of New York recently finalized negotiations for the new stadium in Orchard Park, nearly two years to the day since those discussions began. As a result, according to Raccuia, “we have secured the future of the Buffalo Bills in Western New York for 30 years.”
The Erie County Legislature now much sign off on the agreement before construction can begin, which is expected to do so in May.
As Raccuia said: “There is a lot of talk right now about the potential of that area.”
But what kind of potential could we see in the stadium? Specifically, could the new facility eventually integrate in-person NY sports betting should state lawmakers authorize such a move?
Will there be a sportsbook in the Bills new stadium?
Adding a state-of-the-art sportsbook to the Bills future stadium seems like a no-brainer. It would surely draw lots of customers, and the state would rake in even more money.
Unfortunately, professional sports stadiums in New York are prohibited from opening retail sportsbooks. In 2022, there was a push to allow sports betting kiosks, but those efforts didn’t yield results.
Instead, some NY stadiums offer sportsbook lounges. These are designed to give the feel of an actual sportsbook without the ability to place bets. Of course, patrons can still do so through a mobile sports betting app.
The Bills already have a similar area at Highmark Stadium with the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge. Though, this area is just a suite with a view of the northwest corner of the field. It doesn’t quite replicate the feel of an actual sportsbook.
So it’s likely the new Bills stadium will feature a similar area that provides the feel of a sportsbook. Plus, it was recently announced that NFL owners voted to allow in-stadium sportsbooks to operate on game days.
So maybe by 2026, lawmakers will pass legislation that will allow the New York State Gaming Commission to lift the ban on retail sportsbooks in stadiums. Then Bills fans will have the opportunity to place wagers at the game.
Will NY sports betting signage adorn new Bills stadium?
In January 2022, the Bills announced a multi-year partnership with Caesars Sportsbook. Caesars made their presence known around Highmark Stadium with the lounge, and advertising signage throughout the venue.
The deal also allows Caesars to use the Bills logo in their advertisements.
It’s unclear how long the Bills’ partnership with Caesars is set to last. But if the pair are still doing business together in 2026, expect similar signage at the Bills future stadium.
