Published: September 9, 2021

In-person sports betting available in Arizona, but not at casinos yet

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Sports betting went live in Arizona on Thursday morning, but you can’t place that bet in person just yet at area casinos. Right now, there are six mobile apps available to download and place a bet in the state. Click here to learn more about betting options in Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG), confirmed with Arizona's Family they are still working with Tribal partners to finalize the appendix for on-reservation event wagering. 

According to ADG, it is currently legal for sportsbooks to be under construction at casinos, but tribes will not be able to ship in the equipment for a sportsbook operation until the event wagering appendix is finalized and in place.

So, when will sportsbooks open at casinos in Arizona? Arizona’s Family contacted Valley casinos looking for those answers and will continue to update this story when dates are announced.

Casino Arizona/Talking Stick Resort

When will in-person wagering begin? No date has been announced.

A spokesperson for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort released the following statement, "The State’s new compact with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community will allow both Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort to conduct sports betting. While we have not announced an official opening date for our new sports betting facilities, our goal is to provide this new service in a deliberate, thoughtful manner that will continue our long-held status as the Arizona market leader in the collective gaming, hospitality and entertainment industry."

Chase Field

When will in-person wagering begin? Thursday

Well, Chase Field is not a casino, but Caesars Entertainment has an option for fans to make an in-person wager. Anyone can make a sports bet at ticket windows 21-25 outside of Chase Field. This will be the first MLB stadium were fans can make an in-person bet. The window hours are Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends. There will also be kiosks set up on the north side of the Chase Field plaza.

When sports betting becomes available in the state on September 9, fans can make a bet at Chase Field at ticket windows 21-25, marking the first MLB stadium where sports fans can place an in-person wager. Bets can also be placed at five betting kiosks on the Chase Field plaza.

There were also be a 20,000 square-foot Caesars Entertainment sportsbook which will be located right outside the Chase Field Plaza, previously where Game 7 Grill was located. This venue is scheduled to open in early 2022.

Desert Diamond Casino

When will in-person wagering begin? Fall 2021

The Tohono O’odham Nation announced Desert Diamond Casino in Glendale will open an onsite sportsbook sometime this fall. An exact date has not been released. 

Treena Parvello, Director of Government and Public Relations for the Tohono O'odham Gaming Enterprise released the following statement on the upcoming sportsbook: Desert Diamond Casinos is excited to move forward with sports and event wagering this fall. This new gaming option complements other major changes underway at our properties, including the rollout of new table games and additional gaming machines.

Sportsbooks are planned for our Tucson, Sahuarita and Glendale locations. Mobile event wagering will be conducted in partnership with a leading sports betting platform, and our strategy leverages our long-standing, well-regarded brand offering our valued Desert Diamond guests another gaming option for earning and redeeming rewards.

 

Footprint Center

When will in-person wagering begin? Thursday

Another non-traditional place to make a bet is open for the public. FanDuel sportsbook will open at Footprint Center (formerly Phoenix Suns Arena) on Thursday morning. The 7,400 square foot facility features five betting windows, one VIP window, 40 televisions and 26 self-service betting kiosks. 

Fans are able to place wagers any day of the week and do not need a ticket to enter the facility. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Lone Butte/Vee Quiva/Wild Horse Pass

When will in-person wagering begin? Mid-November

Gila River is actively working to open a physical sportsbook at all three casinos in mid-November. An exact opening date has not yet been announced.

Gila River and BetMGM also have a partnership with the Arizona Cardinals. The BetMGM sportsbook has a targeted opening for the 2022 NFL season at State Farm Stadium.

Harrah's Ak-Chin

When will in-person wagering begin? The casino did not respond to our inquiries.

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort

When will in-person wagering begin? No plans have been released. 

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