Arizona has taken a step closer to regulated sports betting after the state secured an extended tribal gaming compact, allowing a bill aiming to legalise wagering to clear the Senate and progress to Governor Doug Ducey.
Introduced by Representative Jeff Weninger in February, House Bill 2772 would allow consumers in Arizona to wager on sports at tribal casinos and sites owned by major league sports teams.
Arizona’s Senate approved the bill by a vote of 23-6 yesterday (April 12), and with it having already passed the state’s House of Representatives, the bill will now progress to the Governor for signature into law.
Should HB2772 come into law as expected, the bill would allow online and fantasy sports wagering, as well as add limited Keno games at off-track betting locations and social clubs.
Key provisions in the bill include making 10 licences available for major league sports teams such as the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals and National Hockey League team the Phoenix Coyotes.
These properties and facilities 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 also offers tribes up to 10 licences to run sportsbooks at their more than 20 casinos in the state, as well as allowing them to build new casinos and expand their gambling offerings.
