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If you’re on social media or consume any type of television (cord-based or streaming), you’re likely hyper-aware that sports gambling is now legal in the state of Arizona. Companies like Draft Kings, MGM and Barstool have spent tens of millions of dollars in our market touting their apps, their promo codes and their enthusiasm to take your bets on everything from American football and horse racing to European soccer, Australian rugby and International table tennis.
It’s big business. Arizona is the 11th state to legalize sports gambling and is projected to produce over $200 million in sports betting revenue annually, which is good for the sportsbooks and also good for state coffers. Arizona’s General Fund receives 8 percent of retail betting revenue and 10 percent of online betting revenue.
Two companies are upping their bets on sports gambling being a win in Arizona, partnering with downtown based teams to build brick and mortar sportsbooks that will bring “Pros” (professional bettors) and “Joes” (recreational bettors) to DTPHX to put their money on favorites, underdogs, parlays, teasers and everything in-between.
The Phoenix Suns and Footprint Center partnered with FanDuel to open the FanDuel Sportsbook, which debuted Sept. 9, just in time for the start or the National Football League season. Housed in the former Blue Moon club on the north side of the arena, the FanDuel Sportsbook commands over 7,400 square feet, including an outdoor terrace.
Open year-round, the FanDuel Sportsbook will serve as a one-stop shop for fans to enjoy Suns games and other sporting events while placing wagers on all the action. It features five betting windows, one VIP window, 40 HD televisions, a 35-foot video wall, an MVP Room, and 26 self-service betting kiosks. The FanDuel Sportsbook requires patrons be age 21 or older.
While the Suns and FanDuel are first to market, another sportsbook is coming soon, located three blocks east on Jefferson.
Caesars Entertainment has partnered with the Arizona Diamondbacks to turn the former Game 7 Grill, a freestanding bar and restaurant on the northwest corner of the Chase Field Plaza, into a state-of-the-art sportsbook and broadcast center.
Scheduled to open in early 2022 and operating nearly 20,000 square feet across two stories, the Caesars Sportsbook will feature indoor and outdoor seating options, a full-service bar and VIP lounge, extensive menu, and wall-to-wall televisions. The space will be open year-round—not just during baseball games—and will have flexible hours of operation to cater to specific sporting events.
“The Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field will be the premier sports betting and entertainment destination in Downtown Phoenix,” said Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks President and CEO, in a press release. “D-backs fans, Arizona residents, and out-of-state visitors, whether they are sports bettors or not, should look forward to this state-of-the-art, year-round location that will feature a first-class dining, betting and hospitality experience – all while taking in their favorite sporting event or watching their favorite team. This sportsbook will transform the sports viewing experience in Arizona.”
For a downtown still yearning for pre-pandemic foot traffic, the sportsbooks should provide a welcome pop of patrons looking to test their handicapping skills and watch the games unfold in a high energy environment.