Recent legislation aims to establish sports betting, other gambling in Arizona

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Jo Naylor (Flickr)

Recent legislation and an updated gambling agreement could lead to sports betting and more gambling options at casinos

Ole Olafson, Reporter

Legislation was introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives on Monday that would establish sports gambling at casinos and other locations.

If a 20-year extension of Arizona’s gaming agreement with Native American communities as well as the legislation introduced Monday by Chandler Representative Jeff Weninger (R) are approved, various types of sports gambling could become available at a variety of locations.

According to an Associated Press article published by KTAR News, if the measures pass, 10 licenses would be awarded allowing pro sports teams like Arizona Coyotes, Diamondbacks and Cardinals to run sports betting operations at their sites, as well as a retail location within a quarter mile and online.

The licenses could include other sports like golf and NASCAR or perhaps even the widely popular Phoenix Rising Football Club who will begin playing their home games at Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Reservation.

The legislation and updated agreement would also allow for fantasy sports gambling, sports books at casinos, along with expanded gambling offerings like craps.

Proponents claim the measures would benefit Indian Communities as well the state and pro sports teams who have been adversely affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.