Time is now crucial when it comes to Arizona sports gambling. The Tonto Apache Tribe isn’t dawdling either.
The Tonto Apache has consented to set up a TwinSpires Arizona casino, as the license application period has now opened.
This is applicable only to those who are among the 10 tribal gaming compact holders who have been granted approval for their application. While the agreement with Churchill Downs could be advantageous, it does not guarantee certification.
TwinSpires may be launching in Arizona and ellipsis.
The famed sports betting corporation, Churchill Downs, already operates in six different countries, including the neighboring state of Colorado. It also manages the BetAmerica Sportsbook in New Jersey. However, it plans to rebrand itself as TwinSpires soon.
The Tonto Apache Tribe declared on Friday their partnership with TwinSpires to manage the retail sports betting operation at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino near Payson. Subject to regulatory approval, TwinSpires might also launch a betting app in Arizona.
Tonto Apache Chairman Calvin Johnson stated, “Together with our world-class partner, we are eager to support the local community and attract more visitors to the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino and our beautiful county.”
Ian Williams, the President of TwinSpires, added:
The Tonto Apache Tribe, known as the group that delivers the most thrilling two minutes in sports, is thrilled to team up to provide our premier casino products and incentives to sports enthusiasts throughout Arizona.
The Tonto Apache unquestionably applied for one of the 10 sports betting licenses allocated for cultural casino operators. However, their ability to do so confidently is a separate matter.
Did this relationship turn out to be nothing more than a dream project?
It seems that the contest for the 10 licenses will be intense. Indeed, it is anticipated that a minimum of 16 compact holders will compete for a license. The Tonto Apache has become the fourth entity to declare their intention by revealing an operational partner, following three others who have done so.
- The Kindred Group and the Quechan Tribe
- WynnBet Sportsbook and San Carlos Apache Nation
- PointsBet Sportsbook and Yavapai-Apache Nation
The prioritization of experience among other things in the allocation procedures makes having a partner like TwinSpires beneficial for the Tonto Apache’s license candidacy, as compared to the tribe going solo. The financial backing of Churchill Downs also adds to the advantage.
However, TwinSpires competitors such as BetMGM Sportsbook and BetRivers Sportsbook have not yet secured potential market access into Arizona.
Casino operators from tribal communities offer an option for these brands, as do the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Coyotes. Due to their direct marketing capabilities to sports fans, these teams could be more favorable partners for sports betting operators.
The Tonto Apache may encounter an issue if those businesses pursue that direction, due to TwinSpires. This is all still under consideration, pending approval of tribal applications by the Arizona Department of Gaming, assuming all goes as planned.
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