Arizona Set To Accept Application for Final Three Sportsbook Licenses

Arizona will officially be expanding its sports betting market in 2024. The state announced that it will be opening up the application process for the final three sportsbook licenses. One of those licenses will be reserved for one of the state’s Tribes, while the other two will be reserved for its pro franchises. The application process will begin in August, meaning the new sportsbooks will likely launch in 2024.

Arizona’s sports betting allows for up to 20 licenses in the state, with ten reserved for the Tribes. There are currently nine licensed Tribal sportsbooks and just eight event-arena locations. Competition for these licenses is expected to be fierce, especially considering Arizona has one of the lowest tax rates in the country at 10% for retail locations and 8% for Tribal locations.

Yavapai-Apache Nation Favorite to Land Tribal License

The Tribal license became available after Ak-Chin Indian Nation and Fubo Sportsbook shut down operations in October 2022. Before then, the Ak-Chin had been granted the final Tribal license over the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The Yavapai-Apache had partnered with PointsBet, but they were the odd man out after Arizona handed out the last of their ten licenses. With a new one now open, the Tribe is the heavy favorite to land it.

PointsBet recently sold their US business to Fanatics, meaning a new deal would likely need to be made with the Yavapai-Apache to re-establish the partnership. However, they are still the likely choice should the Tribe apply as expected.

Sportsbooks Expected to Submit Applications

While Fanatics/PointsBet will push hard for one of the remaining licenses, they will be up against some other big names. Bet365 and SI Sportsbook are also expected to submit applications next month. Both have been desperate to expand their business and will likely push hard to land one of the remaining three licenses.

Aside from the big names, smaller online Sportsbooks like Betr and Tipico could also be in the mix. There are several smaller options that offer a different sportsbook experience, which could appeal to Arizona as they decide which to add.

While we don’t know which ones will be chosen, you can expect to see plenty of applications to be submitted in August.