Arizona has become the latest state to join the sports betting craze. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey had come out a few weeks ago in favor of legalizing sports betting and also daily fantasy sports. This bodes well as the bill just needs to get through the senate to be hammered out and likely get the ball rolling for handing out licenses to operate. Keep an eye on the next few days as the bill should be voted on within the senate soon.
What’s In The Sports Betting Bill?
The hurdle in Arizona has always been tied to working with the Native American tribes within the state, and that seems to have changed. The bill would allow the tribes to open both online and in-person sportsbooks. They would also receive ten licenses that could be used to venues. An expansion on table games in their casinos was also included. The one note that differs from most other legalized states is that professional sports venues could have betting kiosks within the stadiums. That means you could go watch the Suns play and bet within the stadium. Only Washington DC and Illinois allow kiosks within professional sports stadiums. TPC Scottsdale would also benefit as a venue to receive kiosks. The Waste Management Open is already one of the more fan-favorite stops on the four, and that would only get larger.
We have yet to see much detail on how tax revenue will be shared but expect those types of details to arise soon. Arizona projects to generate over $40 million in annual tax revenues once the operators get moving within the state. How that many will be divided up for the state remains unclear. With many states feeling the economic pinch after a year in a pandemic, we have seen a few states already in 2021 legalize sports betting. Arizona could be one of the next states to join a growing list to allow sports betting.
When To Expect A Ruling
On February 10th, the Senate committee was expected to vote on the bill but delayed as some members were not prepared. This did cause some slight concern given how quickly it passed the House committee. It nearly swept the voting, finishing 9-1, and had bipartisan support. The Senate and House are both republican controlled, and Ducey’s voice has already been heard in support before his signature is required. We should expect a ruling by the end of the week as this delay should be brief.
Daily Fantasy Sports Approval
FanDuel and DraftKings have not been able to operate in Arizona since they were established. Arizona has had strict laws in place banning fantasy sports for money, mainly due to their deal with tribal casinos and not taking revenue away from them. Within this bill, both FanDuel and DraftKings, amongst other operators, would be able to operate in Arizona. Both FanDuel and DraftKings have both a fantasy platform and sportsbook, as they were early adopters and got out ahead before the legalization accelerated. This is long overdue in the Grand Canyon State.
Jason Guilbault is the Brand Content Manager for Lineups.com, powered by Catena Media. He has worked 10+ in the sports betting & iGaming space as a writer and content manager. Jason has also written for DailyFantasyCafe, NBAMockDraft, & FantasyPros. He aims to bring the best sports data & insight to the industry for both novice & advanced users.
What’s In The Sports Betting Bill?
FanDuel and DraftKings have not been able to operate in Arizona since they were established. Arizona has had strict laws in place banning fantasy sports for money, mainly due to their deal with tribal casinos and not taking revenue away from them. Within this bill, both FanDuel and DraftKings, amongst other operators, would be able to operate in Arizona. Both FanDuel and DraftKings have both a fantasy platform and sportsbook, as they were early adopters and got out ahead before the legalization accelerated. This is long overdue in the Grand Canyon State.
