The DOI signed off the compact a little more than one month after Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a historic gaming expansion bill that will bring sports betting to the state as early as this August.
“Gaming creates thousands of jobs for Arizonans, it generates tax revenue that benefits key areas of our communities, and it draws visitors to our state,” Ducey said in a statement Monday. “The tribal-state gaming compact amendment, along with its associated legislation, was the culmination of a multi-year process and I was proud to work with all the stakeholders on this historic accomplishment. The tribal-state gaming compact and its associated legislation now is officially in effect — thank you to everyone who worked to make this happen!”
Arizona state Rep. Jeff Weninger, a sponsor of the state’s sports betting bill, said on Twitter Monday that the Arizona Department of Gaming said a launch before the start of NFL season is “even more realistic now.”
Under the compact, tribes will be allowed to offer Las Vegas-style gambling by adding games such Baccarat and craps. Tribes will also be able to operate approximately 6,300 slot machines as well.
Approximately 20 tribes will compete for 10 mobile sports betting licenses, while another 10 licenses will go to professional sports venues.
DraftKings and the PGA Tour/TPC Scottsdale join FanDuel/Phoenix Suns and Caesars Entertainment/Arizona Diamondbacks as the first partnerships between operators and venues.
