Sports Betting News: Arizona Onslaught, Louisiana Postponement, Additional Updates

Weekend Sports Gripes: The US Sports Betting Roundup

Curious to know the latest happenings in the world of US sports betting? Don't fret, we've got your back with our intense rundown of the top stories in the sector and sprinkled some captivating trivia to keep it fresh. Buckle up! lean back, relax and savor the juicy insider scoop!

Arizona's dilemma over an overflow of applications

Due to parity in licensing event wagering, Arizona legislators left the Arizona Department of Gaming in quite a conundrum. The law allows for 10 licenses per professional sports teams and tribes. Well, the application window closed, and lo and behold, the department had 10 applications from pro franchises/teams and a whopping 15 from tribes. Once they sift through the "initially qualified" applicants, the real challenges commence, as more than 10 tribes may make the cut.

With the White Mountain Apache and Fort McDowell Yavapi-Apache Nation already securing deals with Maxim and Betfred, respectively, it's BetMGM taking the cake this week with its partnership with the Gila River Casinos and the NFL Cardinals. Other tiers enjoying the buzz include the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Colorado River Tribes, Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe, Yavapi-Apache Nation, Tonto-Apache Tribe, and San Carlos Apache Tribe – basking in the glow of partnerships with forefront players like Harrah's/Caesars, BlueBet, Kindred/Unibet, PointsBet, TwinSpires, and WynnBET. The ADG is hard at work determining the 10 lucky tribes that will get the coveted licenses.

Meanwhile, operators teamed with pro sports franchises, like Caesars and FanDuel, are already marching forward. Caesars is planning to open a temporary retail sportsbook at Chase Field Sept. 9, aiming to offer retail sports betting via kiosks and launch its mobile app. FanDuel, partnered with the Phoenix Suns, is slaying its retail book, sharing progress photos along the way, gearing up for its Sept. 9 debut.

Louisiana on the brink of proverbial football glory

Former Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones believes sports betting could be live in the state by the College Football Bowl season, following voter approval in 55 out of 64 parishes and the passing of a framework bill in June. While it seems unlikely for operators to launch by the NFL season, if Louisiana's all-American football feast awaits, we're undoubtedly rooting for it.

Jones, now a consultant with Entain, voiced his optimism on a local Shreveport radio station in August. Changes in leadership in Louisiana became evident when Jones was not reconfirmed by the Senate, and Ronnie Johns resigned as a state senator to accept an appointment as chairman. The next LGCB meeting is slated for Aug. 19.

Fun fact: The prestigious Louisiana Superdome, swarming with sports fans, managed to grab a spot in the Guinness World Records for the highest radio antenna in the world when it was built. Boasting a height of 640 feet, the antenna holds the distinction even today!

Caesars works its Texas charm

Sports betting cannot be legalized in Texas until 2023 at the earliest, but that didn't stop Caesars from planting seeds in Texas soil. It announced a partnership with the Houston Texans this week, laying the groundwork for the future - the first of its kind in the Lone Star State.

Perks of the deal include Caesars Rewards becoming the sponsor of the free-to-play "Schedule Pick 'Em" game on the team's mobile app, offering exclusive prizes like game tickets and a trip to a Caesars Entertainment destination property. One season ticket holder at each home game will also get the opportunity to win an all-inclusive trip to Las Vegas.

"Caesars Entertainment is committed to expanding relationships with leagues and professional sports teams," said Chris Holdren, co-president of Caesars Digital. "We're thrilled to team up with the Houston Texans!"

While sports betting bills filed during the last legislative session failed to make it to the floor, we'll keep our fingers crossed for an eventually emerald green Texas sports betting backdrop.

Despite facing an oversupply of applications, Arizona is currently in the process of determining the 10 lucky tribes that will receive sports betting licenses, with several tribes and pro franchises vying for the coveted spots, including the Gila River Casinos and the NFL Cardinals, and Harrah's/Caesars, BlueBet, Kindred/Unibet, PointsBet, TwinSpires, and WynnBET.
With voter approval in 55 out of 64 parishes and the passage of a framework bill in June, Louisiana could potentially have sports betting operational by the College Football Bowl season, and former LGCB Chairman Ronnie Jones remains optimistic about the timeline.
In a move ahead of the 2023 legalization of sports betting in Texas, Caesars Entertainment announced a partnership with the Houston Texans, with exchangeable perks like sponsorship of the "Schedule Pick 'Em" game, exclusive prizes, and opportunities for season ticket holders to win trips to Caesars Entertainment destinations.
Entain consultant and former LGCB Chairman Ronnie Jones recently voiced his optimism about Louisiana's potential for sports betting on a local Shreveport radio station in August, following changes in leadership in the state.
The Louisiana Superdome, with a record-breaking 640-foot antenna, secured a spot in the Guinness World Records for the highest radio antenna in the world when it was built.