TwinSpires has partnered with Mazatal Hotel & Casino in Arizona.

An additional competitor is joining the Arizona sports betting industry.

Churchill Downs’ TwinSpires AZ Sportsbook announced a new partnership on Friday with the Tonto Apache Tribe to expand into the Arizona market. The collaboration will involve working with the tribe, which owns and runs the Mazatal Hotel and Casino.

In a news release, Tonto Apache Chairman Calvin Johnson expressed excitement about collaborating with their esteemed partner to enhance the local community and draw more visitors to the beautiful Mazatzal Hotel & Casino and the surrounding county.

In accordance with the agreement, TwinSpires has been granted the option to set up a physical sportsbook at the Mazatal Hotel and Casino. Furthermore, TwinSpires intends to launch its online sports betting platform in the state. However, both the physical and digital sportsbooks must secure the appropriate gaming licenses and adhere to regulatory standards before they can be operational.

TwinSpires President Ian Williams shared his enthusiasm for teaming up with the Tonto Apache Tribe to bring their premier sportsbook product and promotions to sports enthusiasts throughout Arizona.

Churchill Downs Inc. is renowned for hosting the prestigious Kentucky Derby and has been a key player in American gaming for more than 150 years.

As of now, TwinSpires is active in six states including Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Mississippi, and Michigan. In the third quarter of 2021, Churchill Downs’ BetAmerica sports betting and iGaming platform in New Jersey will transition to the TwinSpires brand.

Arizona is targeting a launch before the start of the NFL season.

TwinSpires and other sports betting operators in Arizona are preparing for the upcoming NFL season as the state is set to launch on Sept. 9. The 2021-22 NFL season will kick off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing the Dallas Cowboys on opening day, followed by the Arizona Cardinals taking on the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 12.

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) began accepting applications and released the final proposed regulations and application on its website on Monday. The proposed regulations were also submitted to the Secretary of State’s office.

Under Arizona law, there are a total of 20 event wagering licenses allowed in the state. Half of these licenses are designated for Arizona tribes, and the other half are reserved for owners of professional sports teams, operators of sports facilities hosting annual PGA Tour tournaments, franchises, promoters of NASCAR races, and contracted operators or promoters overseeing both retail and mobile event wagering within the state.

In Arizona, there are 10 special limited event wagering licenses set aside for racetrack enclosures or additional off-track betting locations.