Sportsbook operator PointsBet has agreed a deal with the Cliff Castle Casino Hotel venue in Arizona to secure market access in the US state.
The 10-year deal will see PointsBet and Cliff Castle, a subordinate economic organisation of the federally recognised Yavapai-Apache Nation tribe, pursue online sports wagering in Arizona.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey in April this year signed into law a bill legalising online sports betting, paving the way for up to 20 sportsbooks to operate in the state. Professional sports franchises and tribal casinos are able to apply for a licence.
Last month, the Arizona Department of Gaming has set a provisional launch date of September 9 for legal sports betting in the US state.
PointsBet and Cliff Castle will seek a ‘first skin’ licence to operate online sports betting via PointsBet’s mobile application and website platforms.
PointsBet will pay the Yavapai-Apache Nation a set market access fee and a portion of net gaming revenue from sportsbook activities in Arizona. PointsBet would also allocate funds to create a branded retail sportsbook at Cliff Castle, which would be operated by the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
In addition, PointsBet would cover the licensing and regulatory costs associated with both the launch and operation of sports betting in the state, as well as make an annual donation to a public interest fund that benefits the youth of the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
“Alongside first-class partners in the Cliff Castile team, PointsBet is thrilled to begin the process toward offering the passionate, sports-loving communities of Arizona with a fast and differentiated sports betting product across every customer touchpoint,” PointsBet chief executive Johnny Aitken said.
“We look forward to quickly and responsibly introducing sports bettors and fans to the competitive advantages PointsBet possesses in owning our technology end-to-end, such as market-leading ease of use and the deepest slate of betting options available in the world.”
The deal comes after PointsBet last month also entered an agreement with the Riverboat Group’s Riverboat on-the-Potomac venue to secure market access in Maryland.
