Arizona Sports Betting Thriving in First Year of Operation
After a year of gathering data from the Department of Gaming and billions of dollars in bets made, we can now assess the first year of sports betting in Arizona.
Arizona sports betting apps and retail locations have collected more than $5.4 billion in wagers since September 9, 2021. In August alone, the handle reached $361.008 million, coinciding with the approval for the 18 licensed online sports betting operators to begin accepting bets.
With the exception of New York, which had retail sportsbooks before introducing mobile betting in January, the Grand Canyon State is the fastest market to reach over $5 billion in handle.
According to a press release from the department, Ted Vogt, the director of the ADG, characterized the inaugural year as a triumph for the state of Arizona.
Vogt was excited to report the strong betting figures for August, signaling the end of Arizona’s first year of legalized sports betting. He highlighted that over $5.4 billion had been wagered on sports in the inaugural year, demonstrating a successful start for the state’s new sports betting industry.
Top Arizona Operators Based on Handle Size
A Memorable Opening Year
Several sports betting experts in Arizona told yengols.com that they will always remember the first year of sports betting.
Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, partnered with the Arizona Diamondbacks to laud the state’s launch day as a remarkable achievement. He further expressed the operator’s excitement about their successful performance in Arizona.
In an email to yengols.com, Hession stated that September 9, 2021 was a momentous day for the company with the launch of Caesars Sportsbook in a new state on the first day of legalized sports betting. Hession expressed optimism for the future and emphasized their commitment to responsible operation in Arizona. Hession also thanked their partners, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Ak-Chin Casino, for their support in establishing a presence in the state.
As Hession pointed out, The Emperor has been a top performer in Arizona since its inception. Caesars Sportsbook Arizona has achieved the fourth highest handle in the state, reaching a total of $695.993 million, trailing only DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, and BetMGM.
Caesars unveiled its permanent retail store at Chase Field, the home of the Diamondbacks, in June.
One such example of the popularity of placing bets in person and through mobile apps among individuals in the retail industry in the state is Jeff Hoose, the regional director of FanDuel Sportsbook Arizona.
Hoose states that the retail area managed by the New York operator at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix has become a crucial element of the Phoenix Suns’ game day experience and a beloved destination for Valley residents throughout the year.
In an email to yengols.com, Hoose mentioned that although Suns games at Footprint Center are a popular attraction in Phoenix, they also bring in a significant amount of business on game nights. He was taken aback by the large number of football fans visiting the center on a Saturday. Hoose spent the entire day at Footprint Center engaging in conversations with customers who were excited for the start of college football season.
Head over to yengols.com for special NFL betting deals only available in Arizona.
What can we expect for Arizona sports betting in its second year?
Daniel McIntosh, a Senior Lecturer at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, along with other sports economists, see sports betting as a positive distraction for the state, citing the successful outcomes seen in its first year.
During an interview with yengols.com, McIntosh humorously remarked that sports betting is not going to rescue Social Security. Despite the impressive handle numbers and $16 million in tax revenues, these amounts are relatively small in comparison to Arizona’s multi-billion dollar budget. He suggested that people should enjoy sports betting but also make an effort to support local restaurants in order to promote healthy communities. McIntosh concluded by saying to savor the experience while it is still available.
McIntosh noted that the upcoming Super Bowl in Arizona will be the first time that the country’s largest sporting event is held in a state where sports betting is permitted. This adds a distinctive element to the Grand Canyon State as it gears up to host the Big Game, alongside its beautiful winter climate and plethora of resorts and hotels.
BetMGM Sportsbook Arizona opened its retail location at State Farm Stadium just in time for the start of the Cardinals season.
McIntosh anticipates a rise in activity that is expected to be profitable, but he emphasizes that the magnitude of this increase will be influenced by the teams participating in the major event. Specifically, the lack of legalization of online sports betting in California, where the Rams are the reigning champions, remains a critical issue that needs to be addressed. If the teams competing do not have legalized betting, the potential impact could be more substantial.
Derrick Hall, President & CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and other sports team executives in Arizona have enthusiastically adopted sports betting as a means to connect with fans and foster loyalty, playing a key role in the club’s overall success.
He expects the bond to strengthen as time goes on, particularly with the recent launch of the Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field and customers gaining more knowledge about sports betting.
Hall shared his enthusiasm about the growth of sports betting in the past year since its legalization. He emphasized the added entertainment opportunities for fans and the heightened level of fan involvement. The organization started with just a few betting windows in the Ticket Office last September, but now proudly hosts the largest standalone sportsbook in Arizona as well as a premier culinary venue in Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar at Caesars Sportsbook.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Author
Peterson Christopher has been reporting on sports and sports betting in Arizona for more than seven years, having worked for ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News. Currently, he is the main writer at yengols.com.
Cited by leading media sources, such as: