2021 was a big year for the gambling industry in Arizona, with the legalization of both retail and online sports betting being signed off by Governor Doug Ducey. With wager amounts increasing month-on-month, and tax revenues collected by the state and local jurisdictions also growing, it’s safe to say it has been quite a success.
However, the gambling industry is forever evolving, and so, there have been many changes taking place since sportsbooks were able to start operations last September. Therefore, here at Betting-AZ.com, we have collated some of the latest developments to keep you updated on what has been going on within the gambling industry in Arizona.
Bluewater Casino Upgrades Slot Platform
When it comes to Arizona casinos, Bluewater Resort and Casino is one of the most popular in the state and has been ever since it first opened its doors in 1999. However, with times changing, the Director of Slots, Phil Hall, at Bluewater made the decision it was time to upgrade their slot platform for their 500 slot machines located on-site.
In the end, the decision was made to go with Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) whose slot platform allows Bluewater to monitor the performance of their machines and optimize the player interaction. On the new slot platform, Hall had the following to say:
“After a careful selection process, we evaluated QCI as having the most comprehensive slot analytic solution in the gaming analytics space. The solution enables us to address critical questions in what is now a very dynamic and ever-changing gaming market. Furthermore, the QCI gaming community approach to a business relationship allows us to collaborate to meet our current and future needs.”
DraftKings to Open Retail Sportsbook
This may not be fresh news for some people, after all, it’s a deal that has been in the works for over a year. However, DraftKings has now officially announced that it will be opening a sports wagering lounge in conjunction with the PGA Tour organization. The location for this retail outlet will be based at the 36-hole TPC Scottsdale Complex.
Despite its partnership with the PGA Tour though, it will not just be open for sports events at the site. In fact, a PGA Tour statement was released stating that the sportsbook will be open daily in order “…that customers may enjoy all major sporting events.”
Turf Paradise Partners with Unibet
Despite failing to be awarded a mobile sports betting license at the September launch of legalized sports betting in Arizona, Turf Paradise now has a limited sports betting operator’s license. Allowing it to open its temporary retail location at the northeast Phoenix racetrack while work continues on its permanent home at the same location.
Turf Paradise was still upset following its failure to be awarded a mobile sports betting license, though, and its appeal to have the original decision overturned was unsuccessful. This is why they have announced they are partnered with Unibet which already has the relevant license needed to operate a mobile sports betting app.
Vincent Francia, general manager of Turf Paradise stated: “We met with a number of providers. Unibet was the best fit for us.” Whether in the long-term this will help Turf Paradise launch their own app though, or whether they’ll just keep a branded Unibet app as their official choice is still unknown. But time will tell how it all unfolds.
