PointsBet, the Australian online sports betting platform, has today announced their intention to enter the Arizona sports betting market through an exclusive agreement with Cliff Castle Casino Hotel.
The casino is a subordinate economic organization of the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
The news comes as Arizona begins to launch its regulated sports betting market. Online sports wagering was legalized in April 2021 by Governor Doug Ducey through the Sports Wagering Act.
The legislation will allow for 20 sportsbooks to operate in Arizona, with both tribal casinos and professional sports franchises being eligible to gain a license.
This newly signed agreement will last for 10 years and will see PointsBet pay the Yavapai-Apache Nation a market access fee as well as a portion of its net gaming revenue from the company’s online sports wagering platform.
PointsBet will also allocate an agreed amount of funds to the Yavapai-Apache Nation for the operation of a PointsBet branded retail sportsbook at the Cliff Castle Casino Hotel. Furthermore, the Australian bookmaker has agreed to make an annual donation to the Nation’s public interest fund that benefits Yavapai-Apache youth.
“Alongside first-class partners in the Cliff Castle team, PointsBet is thrilled to begin the process toward offering the passionate, sports-loving communities of Arizona with a fast and differentiated sports betting product across every customer touchpoint,” said Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA CEO. “We look forward to quickly and responsibly introducing sports bettors and fans to the competitive advantages PointsBet possesses in owning our technology end-to-end, such as market-leading ease of use and the deepest slate of betting options available in the world.”
PointsBet also recently announced the appointment of Aaron O’Sullivan as the company’s vice president of online casino revenue. O’Sullivan is set to oversee the sportsbooks North American operations.
Earlier this year the company secured market access in the state of Maryland after sports betting was legalized in May 2021 by Governor Larry Hogan.
