Arizona: Two bills may legalise sports gambling in the state

Arizona recently moved a few steps closer to making sports gambling a reality in the state as legislations move through the House and the Senate with two separate bills. 

As sports enthusiasts slowly return back to stadiums and sports events after a year-long haul of COVID-19, they could be welcomed back with live competitions and high energy matches. 

Fans could soon be able to place bets while they are in the sports venues as they watch a game progress. Daily fantasy sports platforms like FanDuel and Draft Kings may start operating legally in the state, reports local media. 

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The two legislations, SB 1797 and HB 2772 introduced would bypass the limitations set by the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts in 2002. As per the agreement, tribes could operate casinos but no room was given for sports betting, on or off of tribal land.

It would allow online sports betting and event wagering with 10 professional teams and 10 tribes and 10 professional teams licensed to provide online betting platforms.

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There are eight professional teams, including NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA franchises in the state, reports Phoenix Business Journal. 

Rep. Jeff Weninger who introduced HB 2772 in the house said, “This bill is modernizing the current gaming compacts. It will allow event wagering inside and outside of tribal casinos. It will also allow online fantasy sports to operate in parts of the state as well.”

SB 1797 on the other hand was removed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on February 24. It was then added as an amendment in another bill linked to horse race gambling. This was passed by a 5-4 vote and waits for another voting in a different committee on March 10. 

This bill struggled to pass because the 2002 gaming compact will have to renegotiated if the bill has to be passed. The 2002 gaming compact regulates the revenue amount between the states and tribe. 

Weninger believes there is a market for sports betting in Arizona. This could potentially contribute a lot to the revenue generated. He says Arizona local teams remain at a disadvantage compared to other states which have legalized gambling. 

Currently, tribes pay 8% casino revenue to the state. 

Small businesses may remain at a disadvantage as the legislation will not allow restaurants and bars to license online sportsbooks.