Arizona’s House Bill 2772 Signed by Gov. Ducey

Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey, has signed an amended gaming legislation, House Bill 2772. This bill authorizes sports betting and a wide range of betting in the state of Arizona.

House Bill 2772 was sponsored by Senator, T.J. Shope and Representative, Jeff Weninger. The bill was ed with in both Republican-controlled chambers, 48-12 in the House of Representatives and 23-6 in the Senate.

The bill states that 10 licenses will be granted to sports organizations, including 10 licenses to 10 tribes that will run sportsbooks at two dozen tribal casinos.

“We argued before we agreed. And we fought before we found our middle ground. But here we are today, celebrating the most unique unicorn in political life: a genuine win for us all,” said Gov Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community.

Phoenix Sportsbook

The Phoenix Suns announced a partnership with FanDuel that will see the fantasy sports provider open a luxury sportsbook at Phoenix Suns Arena by the start of 2021-22 NBA season.

The PGA Tour and DraftKings will operate retail and mobile betting services in Arizona. Also, DraftKings and PGA Tour announced the possibility of opening a year-round sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale.

A Historic Moment

Gov. Ducey characterizes the g of this bill as historic and representative of the most significant change in almost two decades.

“The g of the gaming compact amendment and its associated legislation is a culmination of years of partnership and engagement among many diverse stakeholders — and we did it by bringing everyone to the table, pushing individual agendas aside, and putting Arizona first,” said Gov. Ducey.

Bill 2772 will allow Tribal casinos to expand their gambling operations. Tribal casino will be able to add games such as Baccarat and craps to their existing offering which includes slots, blackjacks and poker. Up to four casinos will be built in the Phoenix area. Only two casinos will initially be built on Tohono O’Odham Nation land in the wester metro area and on Gila River Indian Community holding in the southeastern Valley. At least one new casino will be built in the Tucson area. Arizona currently has seven tribal casinos in metro Phoenix and 24 access the state.

Tribes are now able to operate almost 6,300 additional slot machines, with 20,500 already allowed. New deals will be issued every two years and tribes will be able to increase the number of slot machines they operate.

Source:

“Arizona legalises sports betting as Governor Ducey signs bill”, igamingbusiness.com, April 16, 2021.