Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has signed legislation that amends the state’s tribal gaming compact to allow for the expansion of existing gaming and the introduction of sports betting.
Gov. Ducey signed the amended compact following the passage of HB2772 and SB 1797 that will allow the state to establish a regulated sports betting industry.
The newly amended compact was a necessary step to ensure that the state’s 18 tribal nations would benefit from the legalization of sports betting.
Speaking at the signing of the compact, Gov. Ducey said:
“I can’t overstate the impact the tribal-state gaming compact amendment and its associated legislation will have on our state. Gaming employs thousands of Arizonans, and it generates millions in tax revenue that benefits areas like K-12 education, conservation, and treatment centers.
Today’s signing is a culmination of years of partnership and engagement among many diverse stakeholders — and we did it by bringing everyone to the table, pushing individual agendas aside, and putting Arizona first.”
The newly amended compact still requires that all tribal nations pay a share of their net win from Class III gaming to the state. However tribes will now be allowed to increase the number of gaming devices in their properties.
The compact also makes provisions for event wagering, fantasy contests, and Keno through lottery including mobile lottery off-reservation.
Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis who was attending the compact signing ceremony stated:
“The Gila River Indian Community is proud to partner with other tribes and the state to come to a gaming agreement that benefits all communities.
Gaming enhances economic development and job growth within our tribe, and it provides funding sources for education, housing and much more for tribes throughout Arizona. My sincere thanks goes to everyone who partnered to amend the compact and get House Bill 2772 signed.”
The new amendments will see the existing compact, which was set to expire in the new few years, extended by a further 20 years.
Image credit: Gage Skidmore / CC BY-SA 2.0
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.