TwinSpires secures market access deal to offer sports betting in Arizona

TwinSpires has agreed on a deal with the Mazatal Hotel & Casino in Arizona.

The burgeoning Arizona sports betting market will be welcoming in a new member. The TwinSpires sportsbook, owned by Churchill Downs, revealed it has agreed to a partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe. The deal means TwinSpires has secured market access in the Grand Canyon State. The Tonto Apache Tribe operates and owns the Mazatal Hotel and Casino.

Tonto Apache Chairman Calvin Johnson described TwinSpires as a “world-class partner.” Johnson added that they are excited about “bringing more visitors to the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino.”

TwinSpires now have the authority to open a retail sportsbook within the Mazatal Hotel and Casino as part of the deal. The sports betting company will also launch its online sportsbook within the state. Both the mobile and retail sportsbooks are subject to receiving regulatory approvals and obtaining the relevant proper gaming licenses.

TwinSpires President Ian Williams said that the company is “thrilled to partner with the Tonto Apache Tribe.” Williams said this partnership would be of great benefit as they “pursue offering our leading sportsbook product” to sports fans throughout Arizona.

Churchill Downs Inc. is renowned for being the host of the Kentucky Derby and has an excellent reputation in the US gaming market. TwinSpires is currently available in six states, including Mississippi, Michigan, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Indiana. The BetAmerica sports wagering and iGaming platform in New Jersey, part of the Churchill Downs brand, will switch to the TwinSpires brand during the third quarter of 2021.

Arizona Sports Betting Aiming for Launch Before NFL Season

TwinSpires and other operators in the state could be up and running in time for wagering on NFL games for the new season. Arizona recently announced it remains on target for its “go-live” date of September 9. This date marks the beginning of the NFL season, as the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Dallas Cowboys. Home team, the Arizona Cardinals, kick off their campaign against the Tennessee Titans on September 12.

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has started to receive applications. Additionally, it has posted the final proposed regulations and the application on its website. It has also sent the proposed regulations to the Secretary of State’s office.

The law in Arizona permits a maximum of 20 event wagering licenses in the state, with ten reserved for the Arizona tribes. The other ten are reserved for the operator of a sports facility that hosts a tournament on the PGA Tour, the owner of an Arizona professional sports team, a NASCAR race promoter in the state, and or a franchise.

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