Arizona regulator expects legal sportsbooks for NFL 2021
Arizona expects to have issued licences for sports betting in time time for the National Football League season, which begins in September.
US.- After the legalisation of sports betting in the state, Arizona aims to have sportsbooks up and running in time for the start of the 2021 National Football League season in September.
Two weeks ago, the US Department of Interior approved changes to Arizona’s tribal gaming compacts in order to confirm the law signed by Governor Doug Doucey, which legalised sports betting and regulated the activity.
The Department of Gaming will draft rules for sports betting and fantasy sports ready for a one-week public comment period set to start on June 14.
The first bets are expected to be allowed on September 9, the NFL’s opening day, in advance of the Cardinals away opener against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 12.
Arizona’s sports betting legislation
According to the regulation, the state Department of Gaming can issue 10 sportsbook licences to major sport franchises, such as the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Coyotes and Phoenix Suns. Others who can get sports gambling licenses include pro golfing and NASCAR events.
Tribes will be allowed to run sports betting operations at their casinos. The tribes and professional teams will also be allowed to run sportsbooks close to their respective venues. An unlimited number of fantasy sports licences will be allowed.
Backers of the legislation have said that sports betting could bring in as much as $100m a year in new revenue for Arizona.
In addition to sports and online betting, tribes can expand their exclusive gambling offerings, adding games such as baccarat and craps and increasing the number of slot machines. They will maintain existing offerings of blackjack and poker.
