Key takeaways from the final sports betting operators call in Arizona
Arizona sports betting is set to launch on Sept. 9, according to the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Harold “Hal” Wafer reiterated this point during his third and final call with Arizona sports betting app operators on Wednesday morning as the Department Event Wagering & Fantasy Sports Contest Administrator.
Early registration for Arizona sports betting began on August 28, after 18 sports betting licenses were approved. Sportsbook operators are providing Arizona promo codes to entice new bettors to sign up during this time.
Inspections Ongoing
Wafer told the online audience that the department expects to finish checklist inspections of all facilities within the next few weeks. This will enable operators to receive final approval shortly thereafter.
Wafer indicated that the process will require a few weeks, continuing beyond September 9th, as we meticulously examine the list to verify that everything is correct. Once this step is finished, you will be granted final approval.
This is the reason we need a few more weeks following the initial launch of legal sports betting. These additional weeks will ultimately lead to a more streamlined, faster, and simpler process for all parties involved, benefiting everyone in the end.
Wafer states that sportsbook operators must ensure that all suppliers have completed applications and payments prior to the September 9 launch.
The Final Stretch
Wafer conveyed to the operators that he and his team are eager to finish the remaining regulatory tasks, guaranteeing a seamless launch of sports betting.
Wafer enthusiastically welcomed the upcoming launch, expressing, “I am thrilled to kick things off and I know everyone else here feels the same way. Event wagering is set to launch on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time, and I can’t wait. It’s important to review important details, check off all the boxes, and make sure everything is in place to receive the approval letter. We are fully prepared and eager to get started.”
Don’t Forget Self-Exclusion
Wafer gave a brief summary of the department’s self-exclusion list policies.
The ADG’s goal is to provide operators with updated lists by September 9th. Individuals who are worried about gambling addiction can choose to add themselves to the list, which will prevent them from receiving winnings and entering gaming establishments.
What comes next in Arizona?
Neither Wafer nor any participants in the call on Wednesday mentioned the two lawsuits filed individually in Maricopa County Superior Court by Turf Paradise Racing and the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe.
The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe is challenging the constitutionality of the 2021 gaming compact, citing emergency language used in its approval. The case is scheduled to be heard at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The TP Racing hearing scheduled for Friday was canceled on Wednesday.
The final call with operators before September 9th will occur on Wednesday.
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Author
Peterson Christopher, with over seven years of experience covering sports and sports betting in Arizona, now heads the writing team at yengols.com. He has previously worked at ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly, and the Green Valley News.
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