DraftKings and PGA Tour Team Up for Sports Betting in Arizona: Ducey Makes it Official

Written by:
Gilbert Horowitz
Published on:
Apr/16/2021

  • Lawmakers passed a bill allowing sports betting in the state this week

  • Governor Doug Ducey has officially signed off on the bill

  • Sportsbooks the likes of Draftkings will join forces with professional sports teams

Arizona lawmakers passed a bill earlier this week that will allow expansive wagering on sports, both retail and mobile.  The only limitations outside of the 21-year-old age requirement will be the prohibition of prop bets on college players.

Governor Doug Ducey ultimately signed off on the bill by week's end.  Ducey himself has sports betting in his blood.  He is the grandson of the great William Scott, founder of one of the first offshore sportsbook giants, World Wide Tele Sports (WWTS).  Scott's was also one of the first offshore sports betting firms to go public on the Australian Stock Exchange.  Interesting fact from the Gambling911.com vault: William Scott's partner in WWTS during its heyday while operating from the tiny Caribbean island of Antigua was the daughter of a former North Dakota Governor.

Not surprisingly, Arizona is set up to become one of the most innovative of the sports betting states.  Books are teaming up with sports teams.

Enter Draftkings and the PGA. DraftKings is set to launch both online and retail outlets in the state as well as a new sportsbook at the TPC Scottsdale.  The behemoth sports betting company, with a headquarters in Boston, is currently the Waste Management Phoenix Open’s exclusive sports betting partner.

From VegasSlotsOnline:

As part of the expansion into Arizona, the PGA Tour and DraftKings will use TPC Scottsdale as the home of a brand new “19th hole” experience. Fans will be able to gather in the sportsbook year-round and place bets, plus watch games. Dining and beverage options will also be included.

Both companies are working with Scottsdale officials and the Thunderbirds to create the project. The Thunderbirds are the Waste Management Phoenix Open host, an event held at the golf course each year.

While the powerful Arizona tribes support the sports betting initiative, federal regulatory approval will be necessary.  To become official, the compacts must be posted to the U.S. Office of the Federal Register.

Sports betting is expected to be up and running ahead of the upcoming NFL and college football season.

Fantasy sports contests will also be permitted as part of the new law.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com

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