Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprises and Hard Rock Digital have announced the launch of a mobile gaming platform in Arizona on the Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app.
The 10-year agreement will include plans to add digital offerings in free-to-play gaming.
Navajo Gaming CEO Brian Parrish told Tribal Business News, “We wanted to find a Native American partner. They were looking for partnerships in Indian Country itself to expand this business. They had an excellent product, a wonderful strategy, and we thought our brands fit together nicely.”
Parrish added, “We’re very excited for this partnership. The crossover between our brands should be very high. The mobile sports betting application enables us to use a new and broader audience and complements well with our existing brick-and-mortar operations.”
Parrish continued, “We’re looking to create new jobs and also economic development for the Navajo Nation, so there’s interdependence, especially with neighboring communities we cater to. Part of the rollout is another step in that direction.”
Hard Rock Digital is an online arm of the Seminole Tribe. It operates mobile sportsbooks in Iowa and New Jersey.
Navajo Gaming is one of ten tribal enterprises licensed in Arizona to offer online sports betting.
Executive Managing Director and CEO for Hard Rock Digital Marlon Goldstein said in a statement, “We’re thrilled to partner with the NNGE to provide Arizona sports bettors with a fun and engaging gameday experience through the Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app.”
Arizona’s online sports market is a rapidly growing market that reached $1 billion in the first three months, according to PlayAZ. That is the fastest rate in U.S. History.
Eric Ramsey, an analyst for PlayUSA Network, commented, “Arizona is in a remarkable position for such a young market.” Ramsey added, “Local bettors have responded enthusiastically, obviously, giving the state’s sportsbooks an impressive start. And operators have clearly placed a lot of emphasis on the state, considering the promotional spend so far.”
