Originally the Arizona legislature legalized sports betting with 10 licenses set aside for gaming tribes and 10 for professional sports organizations.
That has proven not to be enough, say the tribes. Sixteen tribes operate casinos in Arizona.
Senator Sally Ann Gonzales is the author of SB 1674, which would raise the limit to 22 licenses, or one for each gaming tribe. Then senator, who is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council, told Legal Sports Report, “I’m trying again because the tribes had to compete for the 10 licenses and not the major leaguers.” Gonzales added, “I had it as an amendment last year and it failed.”
The senator continued, “It’s just so one-sided. My tribe didn’t get a license, so they’re out of a license and, evidently, according to what I hear, not ever going to get a license.” Licenses have been awarded by the Arizona Department of Gaming.
The senator said she will begin consulting with other tribes and fellow legislators on the bill. It has been assigned to the Commerce and Rules committees. Sports betting has turned out to be lucrative in the state. More than $1.2 billion was wagered in the first three months.
