Fanatics’ partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe began on Thursday in Arizona, with the online sports betting platform now live.
Arizona is now the 18th state in which Fanatics Sportsbook now operates. The company has entered into a long-term partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe, which owns and operates the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, securing Fanatics’ market access.
Included in the partnership is a plan for Fanatics to open a retail sportsbook location inside the Mazatzal this summer.
Tonto Apache Chairman Calvin Johnson said: “The tribe’s partnering with Fanatics Betting & Gaming, a national leader in the sports betting space, will allow the tribe to provide for the general welfare of our tribal members but will also benefit all Arizona citizens.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Tonto Apache Tribe and Mazatzal Hotel & Casino to bring the Fanatics Sportsbook to Arizona,” added Ari Borod, chief business officer for Fanatics Betting & Gaming.
Fanatics Partnership Still Sees Some Tribes Shut Out
However, despite many seeing this as a positive move, there are still some tribes without a sports wagering license.
All ten tribal licenses in Arizona have now been claimed, meaning at least six tribes do not have access to an Arizona wagering license, or the sports betting market.
Bet365 was awarded a license in August 2023, partnering with the Ak-Chin Indian community. The community’s previous partner, Fubo Sportsbook, shuttered down in 2022, with Bet365 launching in February.
A year ago, Fanatics’ digital operations were only available in a few states. But after acquiring all US operations from PointsBet, Fanatics has expanded to 16 states.
These include Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania, five of the top seven US states for legal sports betting.
Arizona set a record for sports betting handle in January. With $706.4 million in wagers, its 16 operators generated $46.2m in adjusted gross revenue. The state also earned $4.6m in taxes.
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