As we patiently wait for September 9 to roll around, there are a few unanswered questions surrounding Arizona sports betting.
From the lawsuit that could delay the launch to the unknown surrounding partnerships and retail sportsbooks, we have some predictions on what is to come.
The Sports Betting Lawsuit
As of right now, Arizona sports betting is scheduled to launch at 12:01am on September 9.
But the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe’s lawsuit could delay the launch of sports betting in Arizona. Today, the court held a hearing to determine the date for the injunction hearing.
On Monday, September 6 at 9:30am, the tribe will present its case and Arizona Superior Court Judge James Smith will need to decide if the tribe’s case has legal standing. If the judge does side with the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, sports betting will most likely not launch on September 9.
From recent reports we have read from industry experts, the case should be quickly dismissed and the show will go and sports betting will launch on schedule. It is hard to predict what exactly will happen on Monday, but we assume that appeals will take place no matter the outcome.
Missing Sports Betting Partnerships
It was a surprise to see that the PointsBet and Cliff Castle Casino partnership didn’t make the cut and receive a sports betting license. But PointsBet didn’t rule out the idea of finding another partnership in Arizona.
The Arizona Coyotes were granted a sports betting license, but have yet to announce a partnership. This is probably due to them looking for a new home after the 2021-2022 season, since the team’s lease was not renewed with the Gila River Arena in Glendale. The team has recently submitted a bid to Tempe to build a new arena. This makes us think that PointsBet might be the best option for the Coyotes. As a top sportsbook in the industry, it would help bring in fans if the Coyotes do build a new arena in Tempe.
Since only eight sports franchises were awarded sports betting licenses, that leaves two remaining license to be granted. Phoenix Rising is becoming more popular and partnering with a sportsbook would be a smart move. Sportbooks such as BlueBet and MaximBet were also not granted a license, leaving them to look for another partnership if they want to launch in Arizona.
It was also surprising to see that FOX Bet wasn’t in the Arizona sports betting news. There was no word if they applied for a license and no mention of the sportsbook forming a partnership in the state.
The Navajo Nation received a license as well and has not announced a sportsbook partnership. If sports betting does launch on schedule, we expect a couple more sportsbooks to come to Arizona.
Retail Sportsbook Locations
While all of the sportsbooks coming to Arizona will launch their apps, not all of them have announced plans for a retail sportsbook.
We do know of some retail sportsbooks already in the works, but we also have some predictions on other retail sportsbooks that could open across the state.
FanDuel
The first retail sportsbook expected to open is FanDuel, inside the Footprint Center. The sportsbook partnered with the Phoenix Suns and is already building the retail sportsbook.
The 7,400 square foot sportsbook will include an outdoor terrace and a 35-foot video wall. There will be 26 sports betting kiosks around the arena as well.
It is expected to be open in late October, just in time for the 2021-2022 NBA season.
Footprint Center Address: 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Caesars Sportsbook
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Caesars wasted no time getting started on the retail location. Right next to Chase Field, the retail sportsbook is currently being built and looks like it won’t disappoint.
The plan is for the retail sportsbook to open in early 2022, but until then, bettors can place bets at Chase Field using box office windows 21-25 or one of the five kiosks located on the northside of Chase Field’s plaza.
Chase Field Address: 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
BetMGM
Thanks to a partnership with the Arizona Cardinals, BetMGM will be opening a retail sportsbook inside State Farm Stadium, home of the Cardinals. It plans to open by the start of the 2022 NFL season. This is perfect timing since the Super Bowl will be coming to the stadium in 2023.
BetMGM also has a partnership with the Gila River Indian Community, so custom-built retail sportsbooks will be inside Lone Butte in Chandler, Vee Quiva in Laveen, and Wild Horse Pass in Chandler. These sportsbooks are expected to open soon.
State Farm Stadium Address: 1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, AZ 85305
Lone Butte Address: 1077 S Kyrene Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226
Vee Quiva Address: 15091 S Komatke Ln, Laveen Village, AZ 85339
Wild Horse Pass Address: 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
DraftKings
DraftKings was one of the first sportsbooks to announce a partnership in Arizona. Striking a deal with the PGA and TPC Scottsdale, the sportsbook will open a retail location at the 19th hole of the lively golf course.
TPC Scottsdale and DraftKings hope to open the retail sportsbook in 2023, in time for the Super Bowl and the 2023 Waste Management Phoenix Open.
TPC Scottsdale Address: 17020 N Hayden Rd Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
Bally Bet
Bally Bet and the Phoenix Mercury made history as the first sportsbook and women’s sports team partnership. The sportsbook has announced that it is looking to open a sportsbook near the Footprint Center, where the Mercury play. This would be just one of many sportsbooks looking to be available in downtown Phoenix.
Address: Near 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Barstool Sportsbook
Barstool Sportsbook and NASCAR’s Phoenix Raceway have a partnership and even though a retail sportsbook isn’t one of the main priorities at the moment, the sportsbook isn’t ruling it out.
“As (NASCAR looks) to turn the Raceway into more of a multifaceted venue, where there are concerts and there’s car shows or different events, as that number creeps up, it becomes more and more attractive for us to think about putting in a fully operational retail sportsbook,” stated Jeff Kaplan, head of finance and strategy for Penn Interactive. “But what we and NASCAR agreed to is we can create an awesome experience for users and fans without that retail sportsbook space.”
We can expect lots of fun Barstool Sports events to come to Phoenix Raceway and perhaps a retail sportsbook sometime in the future.
Phoenix Raceway Address: 7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr, Avondale, AZ 85323
Betfred
Betfred partnered with the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and plans to open a retail location by the end of 2021.
The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell will offer a state-of-the-art, Vegas-quality Betfred sportsbook. Fort McDowell is located just outside of Fountain Hills and is less than 20 minutes from Scottsdale.
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Address: 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
BetRivers
The Arizona Rattlers and BetRivers have a partnership and since the Rattlers also play at the Footprint Center, if the sportsbook wants to open a retail location, it will need to be outside of the arena.
It wouldn’t surprise us if BetRivers ends up opening a sportsbook bar near the Footprint Center. With the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Arizona Diamondbacks all playing in the area, it is a smart location and there are plenty of vacant spots.
Address: Near 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
More news about retail sportsbooks and opening dates should be coming out in the fall as sportsbooks try to figure out all of the details including locations.
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