During the inaugural week of sports betting in Arizona , there was a significant surge in demand from local bettors, surpassing the expectations of industry veterans like Johnny Avello, DraftKings Director of Race & Sportsbook Operations.
Avello informed BetArizona.com during a phone interview on Friday that the participation from Arizona bettors surpassed initial expectations for Arizona sports betting apps in the state, providing an early boost of positive news.
“I can say confidently that the amount wagered exceeded our expectations,” Avello stated. “We were pleasantly surprised by the success. Given our extensive experience in launching in new states, the seamless betting process was expected.
“The user experience was excellent, and Arizona bettors turned out in large numbers over the weekend to place bets on football.”
Robust Reaction from Arizona Gamblers
Avello noted that DraftKings’ initial promotions in Arizona, such as the +73 offer for the Buccaneers-Chiefs NFL opener and the “score a point” deal for the Cardinals’ game against the Titans, were highly popular among bettors in the state.
“Coming from Vegas, I’ve seen firsthand that Arizonans love to bet on sports. They used to frequent my establishment regularly,” Avello stated. “I got to know many of them personally, so I knew it’s a vibrant market. They just needed the state to legalize it, and now that it’s open, they get to enjoy sports betting like everyone else.”
Avello expressed confidence that DraftKings’ strong debut week in Arizona is indicative of sustained success, especially with the NFL season underway and promising college football matchups ahead.
“Each week brings a full slate of college football games, including those involving Arizona teams,” Avello continued. “The Cardinals had a strong showing last week, which keeps local enthusiasm high for the team.”
Retaining Local Bettors’ Bets
Avello noted the significant support Arizona bettors showed for their local teams, particularly the Cardinals, which stood out to him compared to other states where DraftKings has launched.
“It’s interesting to see how much faith Arizona bettors have in their hometown teams,” Avello remarked, contrasting this with the betting patterns seen in other states.
He expressed optimism that this local loyalty will keep bettors engaged, especially with strong prospects for teams like the Cardinals and Phoenix Suns in their respective leagues.
The Suns currently are currently tied for the third-best NBA Title odds, at +1600, according to DraftKings, which should ramp up interest in Arizona NBA betting, Avello said.
“With the variety of betting options DraftKings offers, from playoff baseball to the NBA and NHL, there will be plenty to keep everyone engaged,” Avello said. “We’ll have a diverse range of events happening simultaneously, ensuring there’s always something exciting to bet on.”
Opinions on Arizona’s Opening Week
Others in the industry, like WynnBET Director of Public Relations Seth Medvin, echo Avello’s sentiments on sports betting in Arizona.
According to Medvin, WynnBET Arizona has been impressed by the enthusiastic response from Arizona bettors, particularly during NFL games.
“We are thrilled with the initial support from Arizona bettors and look forward to continuing this momentum into Week 2,” Medvin shared in an email to BetArizona.com. “Our +100 odds offer on Kyler Murray scoring a touchdown (run or pass) has been especially popular among Arizona patrons.”
TwinSpires Achieves 8
A Kentucky-based operator, TwinSpires Arizona, became the eighth to launch operations in the state on Thursday.
The operator, in collaboration with the Tonto Apache Tribe and its Mazatzal Hotel and Casino, will debut Arizona’s first retail sportsbook on tribal land later this year.
Chairman Calvin Johnson of the Tonto Apache Tribe expressed the significance of this achievement in a recent news release: “Over the past several years, we have diligently pursued our sports wagering license, marking today as a major milestone for Tonto Apache. Teaming up with our esteemed partner, we are eager to introduce a dynamic sportsbook, support our local community, and attract more visitors and sports enthusiasts to the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino. This opportunity also promises significant economic benefits for our people.”
Other operators planning to enter the Arizona market within the next year include Fubo Sportsbook, set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2021, and Bally’s, scheduled for an early 2022 opening.