Arizona Cardinals seal betting deal with BetMGM & Gila River

New Jersey-based BetMGM is the latest sportsbook operator to toss its hat into the ring as gaming tribes and pro sports teams in Arizona continue to line-up partners in readiness for the anticipated September 9 launch of sports betting in the state.

In an official statement released on Monday, the company revealed that it had inked a three-way deal that would see it team up with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and Gila River Hotels & Casinos to bring its market-leading sports betting platform to bettors in the Grand Canyon State.

“Arizona Sports fans are extremely passionate and we’re confident they’ll enjoy the BetMGM experience,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblat in the release.

“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.”

The terms of the contract allow BetMGM to offer mobile wagering in the state, as well as run several physical sportsbooks which will be located within facilities owned by its two new partners.

The first of these retail wagering venues will be built inside the Cardinals’ State Farm Stadium in Glendale, subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG).

According to the partners, the book will open before the start of the 2022/2023 NFL season. The opening will set the scene for the venue to benefit from the Super Bowl LVII game, which will take place at the State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023.

Cardinals make NFL history with stadium sportbook deal

The agreement with BetMGM and Gila River Hotels & Casinos means State Farm Stadium will be the first NFL venue to house a sportsbook.

Since the legalization of regulated wagering in May 2018, a number of NFL teams and stadium operators have struck deals with gambling companies; however, the Cardinals are the first in the league to sign a sports betting agreement that includes wagering facilities.

The Cardinals’ owner, Michael Bildwill, has celebrated this feat in a release, stating that it is a huge opportunity for the team to build upon its long-term partnership with the Gila River Community as well as establish a new relationship with BetMGM.

“They are the 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,” said the CEO.

The NFL side and Gila River Hotels & Casinos are longtime partners, having inked a 15-year sponsorship deal in 2019.

More retail sportsbooks at Gila River Casinos

In addition to the planned physical sportsbook at the State Farm Stadium, the new agreement further paves the way for BetMGM to offer retail betting at all properties owned by the Gila River Indian Community.

The tribe owns three casinos in the metro Phoenix area – Vee Quiva, Lone Butte, and Wild Horse Pass – with plans to put up a fourth establishment south of Chandler underway. The budget for the design and construction of the new casino was approved by the Community Council in June this year.

“Gila River Hotels & Casinos and the Arizona Cardinals have an everlasting partnership, offering guests exclusive experiences and remarkable rewards,” said Kenneth Manuel, the CEO of Gila River Hotels & Casinos.

“There is no doubt in my mind these three industry-leading brands unifying will deliver the ultimate experience in Arizona sports betting, solidifying Gila River Hotels & Casinos as Arizona’s Sports HQ.”

It is expected that the three Gila River casinos will be ready to start offering sports betting when the market launches in early September.