The Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL) have entered into a three-way partnership with BetMGM and Gila River Hotels.
As a result of the agreement, the American football team, sports betting firm and Native American casino operator will collaborate on the establishment of four sportsbooks in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to build upon our long-standing relationship with Gila River and launch a new one with BetMGM,” said Michael Bidwill, Owner of the Arizona Cardinals.
“They are best-in-class partners whose excellence and expertise in this emerging space will provide a new and innovative way to engage and interact with our fans.”
The facilities will constitute three betting venues at tribal territories and one at the State Farm Stadium, the Cardinals’ home stadium, although this will most likely not take place until the commencement of the 2022 NFL season.
Meanwhile, the three casino-based sportsbooks will open prior to the start of football season, in line with the Arizona state government’s timeline for the launch of statewide sports betting.
Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM, remarked: “Arizona sports fans are extremely passionate and we’re confident they’ll enjoy the BetMGM experience.
“Gila River Hotels & Casinos and the Arizona Cardinals represent the state’s premier casino destinations and sports franchise, making them the ideal partners for us.”
Arizona state legislation will allow professional sports teams to acquire 10 sports betting licences, with another 10 reserved for tribes and a final 10 classified as ‘limited’ licences, intended for use by horse tracks and off-track betting sites that partner with one of the other licensees.
Gila River – which operates the Lone butte, Wild Horse Pass and Vee Quiva casinos, and has plans to open a fourth site – currently collaborates on mobile wagering offerings with BetMGM, the sports betting division of MGM Resorts International in cooperation with Entain.
As the sports betting sector continues to grow in the state of Arizona, operators have become increasingly interested in striking deals with local teams. The Cardinals have been working alongside Gila River Casinos since 2019, whilst a recent development saw Bally’s Corporation partner with Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
