Arizona House Bill 2772 to legalize sports betting has passed its third reading in the state’s House of Representatives, by 48 votes in favor to 12 against.
The Bill, which was introduced by Rep Jeff Weninger in early February, was approved by the House Committee of the Whole yesterday (March 4), allowing it to pass onto its third reading. It passed its second reading on February 4.
It made further progress in late February, as it was approved by the chamber’s Republican and Democratic caucuses, after being passed by the House Commerce Committee by a 9-1 margin.
HB 2772 would allow consumers in the state to bet sports, at tribal casinos, at venues owned by major league sports teams and online.
In addition, the bill would add limited Keno games at off-track betting locations and social clubs and allow for paid fantasy sports.
Gambling in Arizona is currently restricted to 24 tribal casinos within the state, under the terms of the Tribal-State Gaming Compact of 2002.
The legislation may only be approved if a new 20-year extension to the state’s tribal compacts is agreed, and would offer tribes up to 10 licenses to run sportsbooks at their casinos in the state.
In January, Governor Doug Ducey called on legislators in the state to pursue a new, modernized tribal gaming compact, in order to generate additional revenue for Arizona’s tribal nations, as well as its state budget.
Another bill in the state’s Senate, SB 1797, also progressed in February after passing the Senate Commerce Committee by 6 votes to 3.
SB 1797 is currently pending approval from the Arizona Senate Rules Committee.