Online sports betting in the state of Arizona officially launched in September 2021, and it didn’t take long for this state to put up some big numbers. Arizona has remained a top-10 market over the past year, but there are still some sports betting licenses available.
Three event wagering slots remain open through the Arizona Department of Gaming, and there is going to be a pretty competitive process to acquire one of those licenses. The Arizona Department of Gaming recently held a webinar to outline the process, and the timeline for those licenses to be handed out.
The application window is going to officially open up on August 1, and it will close on August 15. That isn’t going to give potential operators much time to get an application in, but many parties have already been working behind the scenes in order to get things in place to apply.
Most of the top operators in the industry are already live in the state of Arizona, but there is still room for some more to jump in. A couple of big companies are rumored to be interested in the state, and it won’t be long before the applicants are revealed.
Phoenix Rising FC Might Want In
Phoenix Rising FC is a team in the United Soccer League and they have shown some interest in applying for one of the licenses that are available. The USL is not the top professional soccer league in the U.S. and the Phoenix Rising would be the first in the United States to receive a license from this league.
The Arizona sports betting law allows for professional teams from the top level of competition in the state to apply, and that is how the Phoenix Rising would qualify. There is no MLS soccer team in Arizona, and the Phoenix Rising does have a popular following in the state.
When sports betting was legalized in the state of Arizona, there were 10 licenses set aside for professional teams or event venues. Arizona didn’t have enough of those teams or venues at the top level, leaving room for Phoenix Rising to get into the action.
FC Tucson is another team that would meet the requirements to apply for one of these licenses, and they could be in the mix as well. Arizona has already handed out a sports betting license to an arena football team, and that’s the first of its kind in the United States.
While there are some openings when it comes to event wagering licenses, that isn’t the case for Native American tribes as there has been a battle for those 10 licenses.
Fanatics Could Make a Move
One sportsbook operator that could be looking to break into the Arizona sports betting market is Fanatics. This operator just recently made a huge acquisition in buying the U.S. assets of PointsBet Sportsbook and that could give it entry into the state.
PointsBet Sportsbook didn’t have access into the state of Arizona as it’s casino partner, Castle Creek, was not granted a license. Castle Creek was originally given a license by the Arizona Department of Gaming, but it was taken away after a clerical error was discovered.
The best route for Fanatics would be to partner with one of the sports teams that are interested in getting a license, or by trying to get Castle Creek to apply. All of the new licensees are expected to launch during the first quarter of 2024.
