Governor Doug Ducey signed the House Bill legalizing sports betting in Arizona on April 15. This bill will allow people to place bets on sporting events and daily fantasy sports (in some places). However, gamblers cannot start placing bets yet. The rules, regulations, and timelines are still in the drafting process. The Arizona Department of Gaming believes all the logistics involved will be settled by the fall season.
Wagering Availability
Wagering will be available in-person at tribal casinos and off-reservation sportsbooks. Mobile wagering will also be available. Available event-wagering mobile licenses have been limited to 10 for sports franchises and Arizona tribes with no limit for fantasy sports. Online fantasy sports operations (like Draftkings) can piggyback on pro-sports licenses.
Craps, roulette, baccarat, pai gow tiles, big six, and sic bo will be available in tribal casinos in Arizona.
The amendment allows for potentially nine new authorized casinos in Arizona, with sovereign tribal nations been given the decision-making power to determine whether to expand or not. This decision must be aligned with the requirements of the amended compact.
The Pascua Yaqui tribe could build a third gaming facility. The maximum cap has been set to 900 gaming machines. The location is expected to be on the I-10 east side, West Grant Road. The 12.7-acre movie theater property has been purchased by the Pascua Yaqui tribe for US$ 4.65 million.
Potential Revenue
Sports betting, new lottery, and keno options are expected to bring the state annual revenue of more than US$ 34 million by 2024.
Conclusion – When can Arizonians start placing bets?
The Arizona Department of Gaming is aiming for a mid-June start for casino games. Sports betting and fantasy sports betting are expected to begin right in time for NFL games – this fall season. While the Department of Gaming has decided on this timeline, it ultimately depends on when the rules and regulations are drafted and approved.
