The Waste Management Phoenix Open offers a one-of-a-kind chance for sports betting in Arizona.
As guests near the entrance of TPC Scottsdale, they are greeted by a vibrant oasis of lush green grass and abundant water, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding beige high desert terrain. This breathtaking backdrop serves as the perfect setting for the upcoming 2022 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Golf fans and partygoers can reach a two-story tent located between the 10th and 17th holes with a brief 10-to-15-minute walk. The tent is decorated with the recognizable emblem that Arizona sports betting customers know well.
The logo referenced is the property of DraftKings Sportsbook Arizona, a New York-based operator and a key sponsor of the Grand Canyon, the sole PGA Tour event in Arizona.
DraftKings is preparing to open its inaugural retail sportsbook in Arizona, set to be located in the Phoenix area. The specific completion date and location of the facility are still being finalized.
Johnny Avello, an experienced professional in the gambling industry, was sitting near the railing of the DraftKings tent on Wednesday. He was wearing a black polo shirt with the company’s logo prominently displayed.
Avello and the DraftKings Sportsbook team view this week’s PGA Tour event as an opportunity to commemorate their thriving launch in the state and lay the groundwork for continued success in the area.
Avello enthusiastically described the Waste Management Phoenix Open as an exceptional golf event that stands out from the rest. He highlighted the exciting atmosphere, where professional golfers and celebrities come together to celebrate. Avello also praised the Thunderbirds and the PGA Tour for their efforts in organizing such a one-of-a-kind and prosperous tournament.
A celebration of Arizona’s emergence
Avello and the DraftKings Sportsbook team viewed this week’s tournament as a chance to build on the company’s strong debut in the state and increase their success.
From September 9 to the end of November, DraftKings Sportsbook has accumulated more than $397 million in wagers, exceeding the $287.2 million wagered at FanDuel Sportsbook Arizona during that period.
The success of Avello’s launch in Arizona is due to its mobile app and the strong demand for sports betting in this emerging market.
Avelo confidently proclaimed that their top ranking is thanks to their exceptional app. They highlighted its user-friendly interface, seamless navigation, and extensive range of content. Along with popular sports such as football, basketball, and hockey, they also provide unique options like cricket, darts, and cornhole. This diverse array of choices distinguishes them from other rivals in the field.
There is a high demand for PGA action in Arizona.
Avello expects a notable surge in betting activity and overall volume during the upcoming PGA tournament this weekend, thanks to the introduction of additional betting options like outright winner and prop bets.
Avello, a respected figure in the gambling industry, believes that the wide range of options available is essential for maximizing the sports betting potential for users in Arizona and other markets where DraftKings is active. The attendance of over 200,000 fans at each day of the WMPO is anticipated to lead to a substantial rise in PGA activity in Arizona.
Avello stated that aside from pre-tournament bets, players can now also wager on in-play golf, a growing sector in the industry. This type of betting allows for bets to be made on individual holes and players throughout the tournament, with odds changing in real-time. In comparison to traditional pre-match futures, in-play golf offers more betting opportunities.
Avello predicts that there will be a surge in betting activity on “The People’s Open” through Arizona betting apps before the start of Thursday’s opening round, potentially reaching record-breaking levels.
The state had expected sports betting to be a success within the first six months, as residents had been going to Las Vegas for years to engage in gambling.
Arizonans and out-of-state visitors at the four-day golf event can now unwind in the comfortable bar-style chairs within the DraftKings-sponsored hospitality tent or find a seat on the course to place their bets on selected wagers.
This unexpected gift brings joy to people like Avello, who is reminded of the lively house music playing near the perfectly manicured 10th green, just a short distance from the DraftKings suite.
Avello admitted that he had high hopes for Arizona based on their successful ventures in Las Vegas, but was pleasantly surprised by the rapid growth and success in the state, making it one of their top five states. He acknowledged the need for further expansion and work to achieve their ultimate goals in Arizona.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Author
Peterson Christopher has spent seven years reporting on sports and sports betting in Arizona, working for outlets such as ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News. He now holds the position of lead writer at yengols.com.
Top media outlets, such as those mentioned.