The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has begun drafting rules for the introduction of fantasy competitions and sports wagering in the state, following Governor Doug Ducey’s signing of House Bill 2772 last week.
The ADG said it will now initiate a robust public process to develop rules for the new forms of gaming, and that it is hard at work to make products available to Arizonans responsibly and as soon as possible.
HB2772 – which allows for tribal casinos and sports venues to operate betting – requires the ADG to adopt rules and act as the primary regulator and enforcement body for fantasy sports contests and event wagering. It also requires gaming operators to contribute towards services for those with gambling problems and allow for the self-exclusion of such customers statewide.
“I am excited to see House Bill 2772 pass through the legislature and signed by Governor Ducey,” said Ted Vogt, director of the ADG.
“The Department is already hard at work drafting rules and procedures to ensure the safety and security of the Arizona betting public as we look towards implementing event and fantasy sports wagering in the months ahead.”
According to a timeline published by the ADG, after the amended State-Tribal Compacts are signed by the State and Arizona tribes, they will be submitted to the Federal Department of the Interior – Office of Indian Gaming (OIG).
The OIG will then have 45 days to review and approve the compacts, and if no action is taken within that period, the compacts will be automatically approved and send to the federal register where they will be officially published within 90 days.
After this, the amended compacts will go into effect in the state.
For fantasy sports and event wagering, ADG will request feedback from industry stakeholders after compiling its first draft of rules. After receiving industry input, ADG will finalize the drafted rules and post them for public inspecting and comment.
Once both of these processes have been completed, the newly legalized forms of gaming will become operational.
Operators have already agreed deals for market access under the bill. DraftKings agreed a deal with the TPC Scottsdale PGA Tour venue, while FanDuel partnered with the Phoenix Suns Arena.