All signs point to an on time start to legalized sports betting in Arizona on Sept. 9.
That’s the takeaway from the Arizona Department of Gaming, which has received 10 applications from professional sports teams and 15 from tribes for Arizona betting apps so far.
There are 20 sports wagering licenses available in Arizona, once sports betting starts on Sept. 9, with 10 going to sports teams and pro sports facilities and 10 to Indian tribes. The department is currently reviewing applications from operators. The launch date coincides with the 2021 Arizona NFL betting opening night.
The start of fantasy sports contests on Aug. 28 is also on track, the department said in an email Wednesday.
The ADG has until Aug. 16 to determine which applicants qualify for licenses, or until Aug. 27, should there be more applicants than available licenses.
So far, the Arizona Cardinals (BetMGM/Gila River Community), Arizona Diamondbacks (Caesars Sportsbook), Phoenix Suns (FanDuel AZ) and Phoenix Mercury (Bally’s) have signed deals.
In addition, the PGA Tour/TPC Scottsdale signed a sportsbook deal with DraftKings AZ and NASCAR/Phoenix International Raceway inked a partnership with Barstool earlier this summer.
Phoenix Rising, which plays on the United Soccer League Championship level, said it has a partner but has not identified the operator.
“Phoenix Rising FC deeply appreciates the Arizona Legislature and Governor Ducey for including soccer fans in their vision for sports betting in the state," said team governor Berke Bakay. "As Arizona’s highest-level professional soccer team, Phoenix Rising FC has submitted its application to the Arizona Department of Gaming for an Event Wagering Operator’s License in partnership with a market-leading, best-in-class online sports betting operator. The club is excited to offer Arizona’s diverse soccer fans an opportunity to participate in this new form of entertainment.”
When the market goes live, AZ bettors are expected to particpate, according to a recent survey of Arizona residents commissioned by BetArizona.com.
