When can we expect the next Arizona sportsbook to launch after TwinSpires?
As of Thursday, the launch of TwinSpires Arizona has resulted in eight mobile and retail sportsbook operators in the state starting their sports betting operations.
There are currently seven active sports betting apps in Arizona: BetMGM Arizona, Caesars Arizona, DraftKings Arizona, FanDuel Arizona, Penn National Gaming/Barstool Sports, WynnBet Arizona, and Unibet Arizona.
TwinSpires, a division of Churchill Downs Inc. based in Louisville, Kentucky, has joined forces with the Tonto Apache Tribe and the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino to make their entry into the Arizona sports betting market. This collaboration will bring a retail sportsbook to the hotel and casino in Payson, as well as a mobile sportsbook accessible across the state. The Tonto Apache Tribe is leading the way as the first tribe to introduce sports betting in Arizona.
TwinSpires has launched its sports betting brand in Arizona, marking the seventh state where the company is now operating. The brand is currently active in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Mississippi, and Michigan, with New Jersey as the next state in line for expansion.
Calvin Johnson, Chairman of Tonto Apache, announced in a press release that after years of hard work, they have successfully obtained their sports wagering license. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Tonto Apache. Johnson expressed excitement about the launch of their innovative sportsbook, the positive impact it will have on the local community, and the opportunity to attract more visitors and sports enthusiasts to the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino with the support of their esteemed partner.
This opportunity will bring substantial economic advantages and opportunities for our community.
When will other companies launch in Arizona?
10 out of the 18 operators licensed in Arizona have not yet begun their operations.
Fubo Sportsbook, in collaboration with the Ak-Chin Indian Community, revealed to yengols.com on Wednesday their plans to launch in Arizona in the fourth quarter of 2021, although the precise release date has not been finalized.
Bally’s Sportsbook, in partnership with the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, revealed plans to launch in Arizona in early 2022.
A representative from Golden Nugget, in collaboration with the Hualapai Tribe, declined to disclose details about the company’s growth strategy in Arizona.
A representative from SuperBook Sports, in collaboration with the Fort Mohave Indian Tribe, told yengols.com that the company is currently working on deciding a launch date. They have chosen not to disclose any additional information regarding the exact rollout date at this moment.
Additional operators in Arizona who were granted licenses but did not respond to yengols.com’s inquiry include Rush Street Interactive/BetRivers (in collaboration with the Arizona Rattlers), Digital Gaming (in partnership with the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe), and Betfred (partnered with the Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation).
Only 18 out of the 20 permitted licenses in Arizona have been issued, leaving the possibility for two more operators to receive licenses.
To establish new partnerships, it is necessary to collaborate with a professional sports team in Arizona as all 10 tribal licenses have already been allocated, while only eight out of 10 licenses have been granted to sports teams.
Sports betting is flourishing in Arizona.
Betting on the Arizona NFL and Arizona Cardinals officially began on September 9th, with bettors taking advantage of promotional codes provided by Arizona sportsbooks.
GeoComply reports that sportsbooks in the Arizona market have seen a surge in demand.
GeoComply reports that Arizona placed fourth among 18 states and the District of Columbia for sports betting transactions during the NFL’s opening weekend, with a total of 6.1 million transactions.
The state ranked fourth in total transactions, coming behind New Jersey with 12.5 million, Pennsylvania with 11.5 million, and Michigan with 7.5 million.
In a recent company news release, GeoComply’s Managing Director of Gaming, Lindsay Slader, revealed that preparations for the upcoming NFL season began well before the conclusion of the last season. While they expected a surge in demand, they were taken aback by the unprecedented response, particularly in emerging markets such as Arizona. This underscores a significant pent-up consumer demand for the opportunity to engage in legal sports betting.
The industry’s rapid growth, as shown by the data, is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our clients and state regulators in preparing for the upcoming NFL season.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Author
Peterson Christopher has over seven years of experience covering sports and sports betting in Arizona, with previous positions at ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News. He currently holds the position of lead writer at yengols.com.
Top media outlets, such as those mentioned in the reference.