Fanatics Betting and Gaming is now licensed in Arizona, following a news release from the Arizona Department of Gaming on Friday.
Fanatics is now approved for one of 20 event wagering operator licenses in the Grand Canyon State. This event wagering license is a designee for Tonto Apache Sports Betting, an organization of the Tonto Apache Tribe.
Arizona’s event wagering license
Arizona sports betting was legalized in April 2021, following Gov. Doug Ducey’s negotiations with several of the state’s Native American tribes. This led to online sports betting and retail sportsbooks launching in September 2021.
During 2021, state officials legalized event wagering and advised the Arizona Department of Gaming to adopt rules to become a regulatory and enforcement agency monitoring both event wagering and fantasy sports betting contests.
Part of the legislation permitted up to 20 event wagering operator licenses in Arizona, designating 10 licenses for Arizona Tribes and 10 more for Arizona sports franchises. Fanatics Betting and Gaming’s license falls under the first category, serving as the designee for the Tonto Apache Tribe.
Arizona Department of Gaming oversight and background
The Arizona Department of Gaming announced on Jan. 16 that it would start accepting applications for available event wagering licenses. This includes one event wagering license reserved for Arizona tribes, along with at least one event wagering license for an Arizona sports franchise.
The application period for event wagering licenses began on Feb. 16, closing on March 4. Applicants, like Fanatics, were required to submit a completed application during this 17-day window.
The Arizona Department of Gaming was established through the state legislature nearly 30 years ago in 1995. It’s the current regulatory agency for tribal gaming, racing, pari-mutuel wagering, event wagering, fantasy sports wagering, and unarmed combat sports wagering.
It’s a regulatory agency that offers a number of educational and prevention treatment programs tailored towards treating individuals and families impacted by problem gambling. The Division of Problem Gambling contains these resources, along with 1-800-NEXT-STEP, which is a 24-hour helpline that ensures confidentiality.
