Arizona sports bettors can add one more sportsbook to the ever-growing list of operators that will enter the market when legal sports betting kicks off this fall. BetMGM, one of the sports betting industry’s most iconic names, has signed partnerships with the Arizona Cardinals and Gila River Hotels and Casinos. These two agreements mark BetMGM’s first relationships within the state of Arizona.
Sports betting was legalized by the state of Arizona a few months ago back in April but isn’t expected to go live until the kickoff of the NFL regular season in early September. Arizona will become the 10th state to offer the BetMGM mobile sports betting app, which is already available in Virginia, Iowa, Colorado, Tennessee, West Virginia, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt is thrilled with both partnerships. Greenblatt said, “Gila River Hotels & Casinos and the Arizona Cardinals represent the state’s premier casino destinations and sports franchise, making them the ideal partners for us.”
Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Hotels and Casinos, is also very pleased with the partnership with BetMGM. Manuel stated, “There is no doubt in my mind these three industry-leading brands unifying will deliver the ultimate experience in Arizona sports betting, solidifying Gila River Hotels and Casinos as Arizona’s Sports HQ.”
Where and when can Arizona residents bet on sports?
Retail sports betting will be available at three different casinos by the start of the NFL regular season in early September. All three casinos (Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte, Vee Quiva) are owned by the Gila River Indian Community. Stephen Lewis, Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, called the deal “an innovative partnership with our great friends.”
BetMGM will also open a sportsbook at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals. However, that opening will take some time as the target date is the 2022 NFL regular season. Michael Bidwell, the owner of the Arizona Cardinals, called the partnership “a tremendous opportunity to build upon our long-standing relationship with Gila River and launch a new one with BetMGM.”
The timing of Arizona's launch could not be better as it will come just ahead of the start of the 2021 NFL season. Additionally, the recent revenue data coming from AGA shows US operators shattered the previous all-time high quarter registering $13.6 billion in total revenue.
About BetMGM
BetMGM is one of the best sports betting and digital entertainment companies in the world. BetMGM is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Entain (LSE: ENT).
Entain provides state-of-the-art technology to all of MGM’s land-based casinos as well as the BetMGM mobile sports betting app. BetMGM offers sports betting and other casino games through BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino, and PartyPoker. More information can be found at betmgm.com.
About Gila River Hotels and Casinos
Gila River Hotels and Casinos has operated three land-based casinos in the state of Arizona for more than two decades. All three casinos are owned by the Gila River Indian Community. The Gila River Tribe is also planning to open a fourth casino in Arizona sometime within the next two years. For more information call 1-800-946-4452 or visit PlayatGila.com.
About the Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals were founded in 1898 and became the first member of the National Football League in 1920. The Cardinals have won three division titles, made the conference championship game on two occasions, and made their first Super Bowl appearance in 2008. The Cardinals are also adamant about giving back to the Arizona community through their Cardinals Charities program, which aims to help women, children, and minorities.
