Sports betting now live in Arizona through launches by major operators

Major global gaming operators have launched in Arizona after the US state went live with sports betting following the vertical becoming legalized.

In May, the US Department of Interior approved a bill which allows players to wager on sport at tribal casinos and sites owned by major league sports teams in the state. The legislation allows for 20 sports betting licenses, with the Arizona Department of Gaming awarding 18 of those in late August, which permit online sports betting in the state.

And on 9 September operator’s DraftKings, BetMGM, Kindred, Caesars Entertainment and FanDuel all announced their sports betting launches in Arizona.

For DraftKings, Arizona is the 14th US state where its mobile sportsbook is available to play, with betting markets accessible on professional and collegiate sports leagues in the country. The sports betting and fantasy sports operator also pledged its commitment to promoting and providing safe gambling in the state.

Arizona is the 15th market where BetMgm’s mobile and online sports betting products are available, the with operator also mentioning that "responsible gaming education remains a key focus."

Kindred enters Arizona through a multi-state partnership with the Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation, continuing its US expansion through its Unibet brand. This is the sixth state Kindred has launched its sportsbook in.

Through a partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) team the Arizona Diamondbacks, Caesars Entertainment launched in the state through a kick-off event which included a $20,000 charitable donation to the Diamondbacks Foundation.

While FanDuel launched its mobile sportsbook and online horse racing platform in the state and launched a new retail FanDuel Sportsbook lounge situated in National Basketball Association (NBA) team Phoenix Suns’ Footprint Center.

Speaking about the Arizona market launching, PlayUp US CEO Dr. Laila Mintas said: "After months of buildup, we are excited that the launch of Arizona's sports betting is now here and congratulate all those involved. There is significant opportunity in the Arizona market and PlayUp remain optimistic of receiving a license within due course.

"Equally as industry leaders, we are excited that those in Arizona can now experience the excitement of Daily Fantasy Sports first hand and welcome the opportunity the launch our product in the near future."

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