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Arizona

PGA TOUR and DraftKings Expand Relationship with Arizona Market Access and Plans for One-of-a-Kind Retail Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale

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Following the Arizona Legislature’s passage of HB 2772, which would authorize fantasy sports and sports betting in the state pending action from Governor Doug Ducey, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) today announced that they will expand their existing commercial relationship to provide DraftKings market access for retail and mobile sports betting in Arizona, pending regulatory approvals. As part of this agreement, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings have also announced plans to operate a premium retail sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale.

“When DraftKings became the first Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR last summer, a number of possibilities opened up to innovate together,” said Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings. “This momentous effort to pursue a first-of-its-kind sportsbook with the PGA TOUR is a testament to the vision of both organizations that we believe will ultimately benefit Arizona sports fans who want to legally bet on sports.”

The PGA TOUR and DraftKings plan to create a visually stunning “19th hole” experience at TPC Scottsdale where fans can gather year-round to place wagers, watch sports and enjoy quality food and beverage options. The PGA TOUR and DraftKings are working closely with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds, the host organization of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, to develop the project and maximize economic, tourism and charitable benefits to the local community. Several locations are being considered at TPC Scottsdale for the retail sportsbook, with details to be announced at a later date.

“The PGA TOUR commends the State of Arizona and Governor Ducey for their forward-thinking approach to legal sports betting,” said Norb Gambuzza, Senior Vice President of Media and Gaming at the PGA TOUR. “We are thrilled to work with DraftKings – along with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds – to explore a one-of-a-kind sportsbook experience at TPC Scottsdale and the world-class Waste Management Phoenix Open. ‘The People’s Open’ is one of the most attended events in golf and with this announcement we look forward to taking the fan experience to another level.”

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Pursuant to the expanded agreement, DraftKings will also become the exclusive sports betting partner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open hosted annually at TPC Scottsdale. Additionally, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings will collaborate on co-marketing initiatives and exclusive hospitality experiences to position TPC Scottsdale as a premier global destination for sports bettors and avid golf fans.

DraftKings is the Official Daily Fantasy Game and an Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR. Fans can find the latest available daily fantasy golf contests as well as golf betting markets by downloading the DraftKings apps via iOS and Android.

This partnership is the latest in a string of progressive and industry-leading sports betting initiatives by the PGA TOUR. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the TOUR instituted a robust integrity program in collaboration with Genius Sports and later that year announced a global partnership with IMG ARENA to license its official, live scoring data to betting operators all over the world. The TOUR’s Official Betting Operator category was launched in 2020 and the organization continues to evolve its innovative GolfBet partnership with The Action Network. The TOUR is a platinum member of the National Council on Problem Gambling and is aligned with the American Gaming Association as a Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly public service campaign partner to educate golf fans on responsible sports betting.

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ADG

Arizona Department of Gaming Cease-and-Desist: Bovada Online Gambling

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The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) has taken action against an overseas gaming company in Curaçao that is allegedly operating illegal online gaming sites, Bovada.com and Bovada.lv (Bovada), accessible to Arizona residents. Following an investigation into the matter, the ADG sent a cease-and-desist letter to Harp Media B.V., which operates Bovada, on November 8, 2024.

The operation of Bovada in Arizona is alleged to be a felony criminal enterprise and Bovada has been directed to desist from any future illegal gambling operations or activities of any type in Arizona. Due to the unregulated and illegal online gaming offerings on Bovada, Harp Media B.V. is claimed to be in violation of Arizona gaming laws, including:

  1. Promotion of Gambling (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3303.
  2. Illegal Control of an Enterprise (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2312.
  3. Money Laundering (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2317.

Harp Media B.V. has been directed to immediately cease all online (or other) gambling operations and activities in Arizona, and take the necessary steps to immediately prevent and exclude Arizona residents from gambling on their websites.

“We are actively monitoring the evolving landscape of online gaming and taking proactive steps like this helps us protect Arizona’s communities and economy from illegal activities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “Our enforcement team is committed to preventing unauthorized operations from establishing a foothold here. Arizona will not be a safe haven for unlicensed or unlawful gaming, nor will we allow unlawful entities to compromise the integrity of gaming within our state.”

In light of these developments, the Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to exercise caution with online gaming activities. Only legal, regulated operations provide important consumer protections not found in the illegal market, helping ensure a safer experience for participants. Certain online event wagering is legal in Arizona. A list of all licensed and regulated event wagering operators legally taking bets in Arizona can be found on the Department’s website at gaming.az.gov.

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Arizona

Gila River Resorts & Casinos Unveils Arizona Launch of Phoenix Link™ Slot Machine

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Gila River Resorts & Casinos (GRRC) is proud to announce the exclusive Arizona debut of Phoenix Link™, the highly anticipated new slot machine from Aristocrat Gaming. As the follow-up to the immensely popular Dragon Link™Phoenix Link™ brings a fresh and electrifying gaming experience that can only be found at Gila River Resorts & Casinos’ properties – Wild Horse Pass, Santan Mountain, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva – making it a must-play for slot enthusiasts across the state.
Drawing inspiration from The Phoenix, the mythical bird that symbolizes power, renewal, and transformation, Phoenix Link™ elevates the gaming experience with vibrant graphics, thrilling gameplay, and the iconic linked progressive jackpots that fans of Dragon Link™ know and love. Gila River Resorts & Casinos is the first and only operator in Arizona to offer this exciting new series, solidifying its reputation as the premier destination for cutting-edge gaming.
“Aristocrat Gaming’s Dragon Link™ has been a favorite among our players, and we’re thrilled to be the exclusive Arizona launch partner for the next evolution in linked slot games with Phoenix Link™,” said Blake Katsnelson, chief operating officer at Gila River Resorts & Casinos. “This game takes everything players love about Dragon Link™ and infuses it with a bold new theme and innovative features, creating a one-of-a-kind experience on our casino floors.”
To celebrate the Arizona-exclusive launch of Phoenix Link™, Gila River Resorts & Casinos hosted a grand unveiling event on Friday, Nov. 22 featuring a first-look experience, live showgirls and ribbon cutting ceremonies at all four Gila River casinos.
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ADG

Arizona Department of Gaming Releases September Sports Betting Figures

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Bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $732 million on sports in September of 2024, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Gaming. This represents an approximate 20% increase when compared to September of 2023.

The state collected approximately $3.96 million in privilege fees in the month. You can view the full September report on the ADG website: LINK.

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