Amended Arizona Gaming Compact Gets Go-Ahead

Arizona gaming compact has gained final approval.

A new gaming deal in Arizona finally looks like it has got over the line. The U.S. Department of Interior has announced it has given its approval to the Arizona tribal-state gaming compact. The compact had been delayed as some amendments were proposed to the initial draft, and those amendments have now been approved. This news means the agreement to modernize gaming that was signed on April 15 by Gov. Doug Ducey and the state’s tribal leaders has now been finalized.

In April, the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced that it had begun a process to create rules and regulations for the expanded gaming. This will include daily fantasy sports contests and online & mobile sports betting in Arizona.

The green light from the federal government came earlier than expected. This could result in a September launch date in time for the beginning of the NFL season. In addition, the U.S. Interior’s Office of Indian Gaming (OIG) was given a time frame of 45 days to review and approve the compacts and did so with time to spare.

There are currently similar reviews taking place regarding compacts between the state and tribes in Connecticut and Florida. The aim of the governor and legislature in Arizona has always been to launch before the NFL season. Hometown favorites, the Arizona Cardinals, open their 2021 campaign at Tennessee on September 12.

Gov Ducey said that gaming “creates thousands of jobs for Arizonans,” adding that it also brings in tax revenue that “benefits key areas of our communities.” He said the tribal-state gaming compact amendment and associated legislation “was the culmination of a multi-year process.” Ducey stated he was proud to work with all of the stakeholders and described the accomplishment as “historic,” and confirmed that the gaming compact was now “officially in effect.”

Legislation is now law

In April, Ducey, alongside state lawmakers and tribal leaders, signed House Bill 2772 into law. Rep. Jeff Weninger sponsored the bill. Additionally, the amended tribal-state gaming compact was also signed into law. The legislation formed part of a compromise negotiated in the amended gaming compact.

It took over five years for the compact amendment and the associated legislation to be negotiated. It means that gaming in Arizona remains limited compared to other states.

Rules Being Created

The state Department of Gaming has been busy developing the first draft of rules. Once the draft has been completed, the ADG will receive feedback from industry stakeholders within 60 days. Once industry stakeholders have had their say, the ADG will finalize the drafted rules and post them for public comment.

Once the compacts and regulations have been authorized, the newly legalized games will become operational. Arizona law allows for 20 sports betting licenses. Ten could be offered to Arizona professional sports teams, while ten will go to state gaming tribes.

Want to stay up to date on the latest legal sports betting news across the US? Then come and follow us over on Twitter @Gamble_usa.

Relevant news