The first retail sportsbook in Tucson since the launch of new Arizona sports betting apps opened its doors on the city’s south side Thursday.
Casino Del Sol’s SolSports retail sportsbook features 4,000-square-feet of space and more than 60 televisions, with six ticket counters and eight self-service betting kiosks.
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe partnered with Scientific Gaming on its SolSports sportsbook. It’s one of 10 Arizona-based tribes to receive a license from the Arizona Department of Gaming in late August.
SolSports a Game Changer for Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Tribal Chairman Peter Yucupicio said in a statement that the tribe’s first retail sportsbook is a game-changer for the Pascua Yaqui, giving Tuscon-area residents a physical Arizona sports betting option in their backyard.
“Our ability to offer sports wagering to our guests has been many years in the making, and we are elated to see our vision come to fruition with SolSports,” Yucupicio said in a press release. “This new gaming option will have a positive economic impact on our tribe and the state of Arizona.”
The Tucson sportsbook will use Scientific Gaming’s OpenSport sports betting technology at the facility.
“Our team developed a truly fantastic environment for sports fans to enjoy all of the game day action, and we are thrilled to welcome Tucsonans to experience the excitement of in-person sports betting at SolSports,” Casino Del Sol CEO Kimberly Van Amburg said in the release.
Where Arizona’s Sportsbook Market Stands
So far, tribal sportsbooks have been built on Gila River Indian Community and Tonto Apache land, with the Pascua Yaqui becoming the third state-based tribe to open such a facility.
Gila River has partnered with BetMGM Arizona and the Arizona Cardinals to open four retail sportsbooks at the Tribe’s casino locations in the Phoenix area.
In total, Gila River Hotels & Casinos has opened its BetMGM Arizona-branded sportsbook at its Vee Quiva, Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte properties, with all three opening this month. There’s also a plan to open a sportsbook at the Santan Mountain facility in south Chandler.
The Tonto Apache, meanwhile, have opened a TwinSpires Sportsbook Arizona location at its Mazatzal Hotel & Casino in Payson.
There’s also a FanDuel Sportsbook Arizona retail location at downtown Phoenix’s Footprint Center and Caesars Sportsbook betting windows at Chase Field. There are plans to open a BetMGM facility at State Farm Stadium in 2022.
As for the Casino Del Sol facility on Tucson’s southside, there is a seating area that can accommodate at least 100 patrons, a full bar and food service options — paving the way for in-person sports betting in Southern Arizona.
