BetMGM granted sports betting license approval from Arizona

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rizona has granted BetMGM an official state license to launch sports betting, the company announced Thursday.

The license, issued by the Arizona Department of Gaming, enables everyone in Arizona access to BetMGM’s mobile sports betting app the moment legalized sports betting goes live on September 9. The news turn BetMGM into one of the first companies to bring mobile sports betting to the state.

“It is an exciting day here at BetMGM to get the official sign off to launch on day one of sports betting in Arizona,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt.

Pre-registration for the BetMGM app will open in the state on August 28th and, in addition to the upcoming debut of its mobile sports betting platform, the company plans to open retail sportsbooks at the three Arizona Gila River properties and at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.

“Through our partnerships with Gila River and the Arizona Cardinals, as well as the benefits of being connected to MGM Resorts properties nationwide, we have many exciting things in store for sports fans in Arizona,” further added Greenblatt.

Legalized betting is set to go live in the state starting next month and the Arizona Department of Gaming is expected to further issue licenses for betting operators before the date. So far, BetMGM joins FanDuel (NBA Suns) and Penn National/Barstool Sportsbook (Phoenix Raceway) in announcing a wagering license in the state.

News!

We’re excited to announce our partnership with @AZCardinals and @PlayAtGila.

Sports betting is coming to Arizona 🌵 pic.twitter.com/x3J5vMhvdr

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) August 9, 2021

Only 20 sports betting licenses are being given by Arizona: 10 to professional sports teams and 10 to Native American tribes with casinos, but licensees are allowed to partner with retail and digital sportsbook operators, with the BetMGM case being one such example.

BetMGM’s sportsbooks at the three Arizona Gila River properties are expected to debut near football season; while the one at the State Farm Stadium has a targeted opening date in time for the 2022 NFL season, totaling four sportsbooks in the Phoenix area.