Arizona has become the latest U.S. state to usher in legal sports betting after a landmark bill was signed into law this week.
State Governor Doug Ducey inked HB 2772 on Thursday, which means a brave new world for local tribes, sports organizations and online bookmakers.
The bill allows sports betting outside tribal casinos for the first time ever, but also cements the ongoing relationships with Native American groups.
Arizona betting licenses
There are 10 licenses for tribes as part of a new 20-year gaming compact, while there are 10 more tabbed for sports organizations.
Two of those are already spoken for, with the Phoenix Suns partnering with FanDuel on a luxury sportsbook at Phoenix Suns Arena. The PGA Tour meanwhile will team up with DraftKings for a sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale.
With all of the major U.S. pro sports leagues having franchises locally, Arizona should deliver strong revenues, and taxes to the state. A welcome boost as it tries to balance the books during a global pandemic.
On a related note, Super Bowl LVII will be played Sunday February 12, 2023 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale – home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.
The NFL showed it is all in on sports betting earlier this when it inked its first ever partnerships with sportsbooks. The massive deals – worth a reported $1billion – ushered in relationships with FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars.
Navigating a minefield
Arizona’s decision – which somehow navigates the complex legal situation and appears to make everybody happy – also stops the state losing out on tax dollars to neighboring Nevada in particular. Now locals will be able to bet via apps on their phones or at local casinos, instead of hopping on a plane from Phoenix to Las Vegas.
It is expected there will be four new casinos constructed in state during the coming years as part of the legislation.
Crucially, bettors will be able to install betting apps on their phones without registering in person at land-based casinos. This means the revenue potential for the state is significantly increased.
It’s hope online and retail operations will be up and running by the time the NFL season begins on September 9.