PointsBet inks Arizona sports betting deal with Cliff Castle

PointsBet, one of the leading sportsbook operators in the US, has inked a new sports betting partnership deal with the Yavapai-Apache Nation-owned Cliff Castle Casino Hotel in Arizona.

The 10-year agreement, which was announced on Tuesday, will see the company team up with the facility to apply for a first-skin sports betting license in the Grand Canyon State.

Under the contract, the operator will contribute an agreed amount towards the creation of a PointsBet-branded sportsbook lounge at the casino, which will be run by the tribe. PointsBet will also pay the Yavapai-Apache Nation a market access fee to operate an online sportsbook.

The company has also agreed to share a portion of the net revenue generated by its online sportsbook operations with the tribe, as well as make a yearly donation to a public interest fund that benefits the youth of the federally recognized Yavapai-Apache Nation. The fund will be chosen by the tribe.

PointsBet will cater for the cost of applying for permits and other regulatory expenses.

PointsBet ‘thrilled’ about new market opportunity

Announcing the new market access deal, PointsBet chief executive Johnny Aitken said that the company is looking forward to introducing its offering to residents of Arizona, noting that it would do so quickly and responsibly.

“Alongside first-class partners in the Cliff Castle team, PointsBet is thrilled to begin the process toward offering the passionate, sports-loving communities of Arizona with a fast and differentiated sports betting product across every customer touchpoint,” said Aitken.

“We look forward to quickly and responsibly introducing sports bettors and fans to the competitive advantages PointsBet possesses in owning our technology end-to-end, such as market-leading ease of use and the deepest slate of betting options available in the world.”

The deal marks the 16th state for the operator, and it comes just a month after the company signed a similar 10-year agreement with the Riverboat on-the-Potomac to offer sports betting in Maryland.

PointsBet now joins the likes of Bally’s, FanDuel, and WynnBet, who have already secured with qualified gaming entities in Arizona.

Bally’s Corporation recently struck an access deal with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury team, while FanDuel has an agreement with the Phoenix Suns. WynnBet announced a contract with the San Carlos Apache Tribe earlier this month, and the Ak-Chin Indian Community has also expressed interest in teaming up with its long-time partner, Harrah’s, to apply for a retail and mobile license.

Arizona sports betting law provides for up to 20 full licenses, which will be split between professional sports teams and tribal-owned casinos.

Cliff Castle excited to partner up with ‘first-class brand’

Celebrating the newly inked agreement that will see the venue expand its offering beyond casino gaming, Cliff Castle Casino general manager Aaron Moss said: “Cliff Castle Casino Hotel and PointsBet are excited to partner and initiate our process of offering event wagering in the state of Arizona.”

Moss went to praise PointsBet, saying that the company’s experience and excellent reputation makes it a perfect partner as the venue seeks to pursue a sports betting license. He further said that the casino will work alongside the company to bring the operator’s “truly first-class brand and product” to the Arizona market when the regulated industry takes off.

The Arizona Department of Gaming said last month that it was working on having regulated sports betting up and running by September 9, just in time for the regular football season.