Arizona Confirms Launch of Sports Betting Ahead of NFL Season

September 9 will be huge for all residents in Arizona because, not only is the NFL season starting, but gaming officials in the state have confirmed that sports betting will go live as of that day. According to the Arizona Department of Gaming, the rules for fantasy sports and event betting have been submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office. This means that Arizona will potentially have sports betting in place just five months after approved by lawmakers, a feat several states haven’t accomplished a year or more after approving the activity.  

Arizona’s New Sports Betting Market

Now that the rules have been submitted, it’s time to get to work. Sports betting operators have until August 9 to submit their applications for a license, while those operators interested in the fantasy sports space need to have their applications turned in by August 4. By August 16, applicants will have learned whether or not they’ve been approved.

That will give accepted operators little time to get ready. The NFL season starts on September 9, and sportsbooks will want to have everything in place to inaugurate their new operations and the new season. The first game will see the defending Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Dallas Cowboys in what is sure to be a hotly-contested game.

Arizona Reaches the Finish Line Quickly

Governor Doug Ducey signed a new Arizona tribal gaming compact on April 15 and, with it, associated legislation to legalize betting on sports after the rules have been established. This plan also states that there will be a total of 20 licenses on event wagering. The tribes will receive ten, while the other ten will go to professional sports organizations. Additionally, there will be ten special licenses for off-track betting facilities and racetracks.

These events already impacted the sports industries as gaming entities are partnering up with Arizona sports teams. For example, Caesars Entertainment partnered with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Bally’s partnered with Phoenix Mercury, and FanDuel partnered with the Phoenix Suns. DraftKings continues to expand its influence and reach heights that no other sportsbook has in 2021. It managed to partner up with TPC Scottsdale and the PGA Tour. Penn National Gaming teamed up with the Phoenix Raceway and NASCAR and a Barstool Sportsbook is included in this deal.

State Tribes to Benefit, As Well

According to the gaming compact, state Indian tribes will have access to sports betting licenses, a virtual requirement that kept them from possibly trying to prevent the introduction of legalized sports betting in the state. They will also be able to offer more gambling options, as well as fantasy betting. The tribes will be able to expand their services by adding baccarat and craps, but also by maintaining the number of poker and blackjack games, while increasing the overall number of slot games.