Arizona Sportsbook Bill Heads to Senate Floor

In 2021, many states are trying to legalize sports betting before April. One of them is Arizona. The Arizona sportsbook bill went through multiple votes from the committee and the House. Finally, it is heading to the Senate.

However, there are now two sports betting bills that entered the voting process in recent months. One of them is SB 1794, which includes sports betting and horse betting. The bill could derail the progress made between the state tribes and lawmakers.

SB 1794 and 1797 are not that different when it comes to sports betting. However, some key areas could result in disaster for its legalization. SB 1797 allows retail and online betting with ten sports venues and ten tribal casinos.

Arizona Sportsbook Bill

SB 1794 includes horse racing, which is banned under the current Arizona Tribal State Gaming compact. The compact also prohibited sports betting. However, the tribes approved its inclusion in the bill because they can partner with a sports betting firm.

According to a pay per head solution, any bill passed before the April deadline can be put up for a vote on the Senate Floor. If the bills missed the deadline, Arizona would have to wait until 2022 to legalize sports betting.

Based on a political forum, HB 2772 was easier to pass through the House. However, SB 1794 needs to remove the section on horse racing for it to pass. The tribes would not support horse racing, even if it means not having access to sports betting.

March will be the time when voting on the bills would take place. When that time comes, we will have a clearer picture of Arizona’s sports betting future. After March, you can either promote your bookie business or go to another state to start a sportsbook.