If there was any doubt that Arizona was targeting the start of the NFL season to launch Arizona sports betting apps, a new timeline posted Monday makes it clear.
The state says it is still on track to meet the targeted “go-live” date of Sept. 9, the start of NFL betting in Arizona and the rest of the nation. The Arizona Cardinals open the 2021 season in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 12.
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The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) began accepting applications on Monday. It posted final proposed regulations and the application on its website and the ADG sent the proposed regulations to the Secretary of State’s office on Monday.
The complete 14-page final rules document is posted on the ADG website. The operator application is also on the site.
The timeline for Arizona sports betting looks like this:
- The deadline for the initial application period is Aug. 9 with the qualification evaluation period starting on Tuesday, Aug. 10.
- The ADG will have up to five days to evaluate and will announce applicants who qualify for a license on Aug. 16. If necessary, an allocation evaluation period will start on Tuesday, Aug. 17 with the ADG having eight days to review with any of those license allocations announced on Aug. 27.
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- On Aug. 28, marketing will be allowed from platforms that are approved with account creation and net/mobile apps available for sports betting. On Aug. 30, if necessary, additional licensing period for allocated applicants will be allowed.
- Go live on Sept. 9.
More Details on Rules
The AZ law calls for a maximum of 20 event wagering licenses in the state, with 10 reserved for Arizona Tribes. There are 10 reserved for an owner of an Arizona professional sports team, franchise, operator of a sports facility that hosts an annual tournament on the PGA Tour, the promoter of a NASCAR race in the state or the owner’s, operator’s or promoter’s designee contracted to operate both retail event wagering at a sports facility or complex and mobile event wagering within the state.
Additionally, there are 10 limited event wagering licenses available reserved for racetrack enclosures or additional OTBs in Arizona.
