DraftKings, Inc., and the PGA Tour on Wednesday said they will expand their existing relationship to provide DraftKings market access for retail and mobile sports betting in Arizona, pending regulatory approvals.
The announcement follows the Arizona Legislature’s passage of HB 2772, which would authorize fantasy sports and sports betting in the Grand Canyon State, pending action from Governor Doug Ducey.
DraftKings already was the official daily fantasy game and an official betting operator of the PGA Tour.
As part of the agreement, DraftKings will become the exclusive sports betting partner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open (pictured), hosted annually at TPC Scottsdale.
The two parties said they will collaborate on co-marketing initiatives and exclusive hospitality experiences at TPC Scottsdale.
On Wednesday they revealed their plans to operate a premium retail sportsbook at the course.
The companies said in a statement they will “create a visually stunning 19th hole experience” at TPC Scottsdale, at which fans will be able to gather year-round to “place wagers, watch sports, and enjoy quality food and beverage options.”
The Tour and DraftKings added they are working closely with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds, the host organization of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, to develop the project and maximize benefits to the local community.
Several locations at TPC Scottsdale are being considered for the retail sportsbook, with details to be announced at a later date, said Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings.
“When DraftKings became the first official betting operator of the PGA Tour last summer, a number of possibilities opened up to innovate together,” Kucharz said. “This momentous effort to pursue a first-of-its-kind sportsbook with the PGA Tour is a testament to the vision of both organizations that we believe will ultimately benefit Arizona sports fans who want to legally bet on sports.”
Norb Gambuzza, SVP of media and gaming at the PGA Tour, added, “The PGA Tour commends the State of Arizona and Governor Ducey for their forward-thinking approach to legal sports betting.We are thrilled to work with DraftKings – along with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds – to explore a one-of-a-kind sportsbook experience at TPC Scottsdale and the Waste Management Phoenix Open. ‘The People’s Open’ is one of the most attended events in golf and with this announcement we look forward to taking the fan experience to another level.”
