Arizona bill would allow betting from pro sports venues
Under HB 2772, introduced by Rep Jeff Weninger, Arizonans would be allowed to bet on professional and college sports at tribal casinos and at sites owned by major league sports teams.
The legislation, which comes soon after Governor Doug Ducey urged state legislators to pursue a new “modernised” tribal gaming compact, would allow online and fantasy sports wagering, and add limited Keno games at off-track betting locations and social clubs. At present, gambling is restricted to 24 tribal casinos within the state under the terms of the Tribal-State Gaming Compact passed in 2002.
The most eye-catching part of the bill is the inclusion of provision for 10 licences to be obtained by major league sports teams like the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, as well as PGA Tour golf events and the Phoenix Raceway motorsport track. They would be able to run sports betting operations, and bring in gaming partners, at their respective venues, at retail locations within a quarter mile and online.
The legislation establishes that it can only progress if a new 20-year extension to the state’s tribal compacts is agreed with the tribes. The legislation therefore offers the tribes up to 10 licences to run sports books at their more than 20 casinos in the state.