Fanatics Sportsbook announced Thursday it has secured market access in Arizona and began taking wagers on its sports betting app after entering a long-term partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe.
The Arizona Department of Gaming awarded Fanatics Sportsbook a license last month in partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe. The Grand Canyon State was one of the few marketplaces where PointsBet, whom Fanatics acquired last year in a $225 million deal, had not been conducting digital sports betting. Fanatics’ arrival gives Arizona bettors 18 mobile options for wagering.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Tonto Apache Tribe and Mazatzal Hotel & Casino to bring the Fanatics Sportsbook to Arizona,” Fanatics Betting & Gaming Chief Business Officer Ari Borod said in a joint statement. “Arizona is a state with tons of options for sports fans, from baseball, to hockey, to golf to football to racing, making it the ideal destination for the most rewarding online sportsbook.”
Since launch in September 2021, Arizona has firmly established itself as one of the biggest marketplaces in the United States. Its $15.06 billion in all-time handle through January ranks eighth among all states in the post-PASPA era, and Arizona is one of 11 states to surpass $1 billion in gross operator sports betting revenue.
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— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) April 4, 2024
Tonto Apache Tribe had been in Arizona’s mobile sports betting ecosphere previously through TwinSpires, which was Churchill Downs Incorporated’s sports betting platform. TwinSpires, though, never really gained traction: Its highest monthly handle in 28 months of activity was $2.1 million prior to shutting down operations at the end of last year. It had an all-time handle of $14.7 million and claimed $1.4 million in gross revenue — but TwinSpires also spent $1 million in promotional bonuses and credits.
Fanatics’ arrival gives Arizona the maximum 10 sportsbook licensees tethered to tribal partners, while the other eight are connected with professional sports teams and entities. As part of the agreement with the Tonto Apache Tribe, Fanatics Sportsbook will also eventually have a brick-and-mortar presence at Mazatzal Hotel & Casino.
“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,” said Tonto Apache Chairman Calvin Johnson.
Fanatics Sportsbook is the second mobile operator in the last eight weeks to launch in Arizona, with bet365 taking its first wagers Feb. 5.