In Arizona, SB 1158 would give Native American tribes exclusive rights to offer sports betting through electronic kiosks at certain liquor-licensed establishments including horse racetracks and stadiums. However, state Senator Sonny Borrelli, author of the bill, said the Senate Public Commerce Committee has postponed discussion on the measure two times in as many weeks. Also, three tribes oppose the measure, Borrelli said.
“They think it should be negotiated in the state’s gaming compact, which is furthest from the truth. It has to be done legislatively. They’re trying to hijack this issue to strengthen their own position, which weakens the position of the smaller tribes. I have a lot of small tribes in my district and I’m not going to be bullied by anybody.”
Sixteen Arizona tribes operate 24 Class III casinos in the state.
Attorney Stephen Hart, who represents Native American communities and the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, said sports books probably will open at tribal casinos first. “My suspicion is that there will be a relatively orderly and civil discourse about what should happen. I think it’s most likely that tribes will initially offer sports wagering. After that, it certainly is possible that other entities could receive legal authorization to do it.”
In the last fiscal year, Arizona tribal casinos, which have operated casino gambling for 30 years, generated a combined revenue of more than $1.9 billion and contributed $94 million to the state general fund, according to the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Global Market Advisors Managing Partner Steve Gallaway said sports betting would attract sports wagerers to the casino where they might try other forms of gambling. Plus, Gallaway said, sports betting offers another amenity for regular casino guests to enjoy. “It’s not going to be a lot of money for the tribal casinos, but it’s a very important additional gaming offering that would be very beneficial for them to have,” he said.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey expressed support for sports betting at tribal casinos following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the federal ban. “We have been working on a modernized gaming compact. This ruling gives Arizona options that could benefit our citizens and our general fund,” he said.
