The House passed HB 2772, which would allow up to 10 online and retail licenses for tribal casinos and another 10 for professional sprots teams. The bill passed by a 48-12 vote.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Jeff Weninger, would also legalize daily fantasy sports and allow in-stadium sports betting at the homes of Arizona’s professional franchises.
The House legislation differs from the Senate bill sponsored by Republican Sen. David Gowan. Gowan’s bill would allow historical horse racing. HHR is controversial in that it could trigger a poison pill for state gaming compacts, which prohibit HHR.
Last week the Senate Appropriations Committee passed sports betting legislation attached to Gowan’s HHR bill. The Senate has not yet taken a full vote on the bill.
Republican Sen. Kelly Townsend, casted the deciding yes vote during last week’s committee hearing but said, “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t mind even killing this bill, based on my own convictions. But because I respect the chair and told him I wouldn’t, I’m going to vote ‘yes.'”
It’s unlikely the Senate will pass Gowan’s bill with anywhere near the majority which the House approved Weninger’s legislation.
