Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has called on legislators in the US state to pursue a new “modernized” tribal gaming compact, outlining how this could open the door to legalized sports betting and fantasy sports.
Speaking in his State of the State address, Ducey said he would be holding talks with legislators about the possibility of established a new gaming compact.
This, Ducey said, would help to generate additional revenue for Arizona’s tribal nations, as well as its state budget – both of which were impacted by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic over the past year.
The current compacts are set to expire over the next couple of years.
“The re-negotiated compact is intended to maintain the current culture of gaming in the state, allow for limited, well-regulated gaming while allowing for modernization, and increase revenue to the tribes and to the state,” Ducey said.
Ducey said that the new agreements will include authorization launch legal sports betting, fantasy sports and keno, adding that such activities would be “limited and well-regulated”.
He also hinted that sports wagering would be available online, saying mobile devices in particular would form part of the state’s future gambling market.
“The modernized compact will allow for growth to the overall gaming profile consistent with the growth the state has seen over the last 20 years, while allowing things like mobile devices to be used as part of the gaming experience moving forward,” Ducey.
Lawmakers in Arizona considered a bill to legalize limited sports betting during last year’s legislative session.
Senate Bill 1525 set out plans to regulate land-based sports wagering at tribal casinos and bars in Arizona, but the bill did not progress past the state’s Senate.