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The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced that UK-based bet365 has been awarded one of the three available Arizona sports betting licenses.
Between Aug. 1-15, the state opened an application window for operators to apply for licenses. Bet365, which has slowly grown its US footprint, will partner with the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Arizona.
One down, two to go
In 2021, the Ak-Chin Indian Community was awarded one of 10 sports betting licenses in the state. At the time, the tribe partnered with the Fubo Sportsbook. However, in late 2022, Fubo shut down its sports betting operation, leaving the tribe without a partner.
Although two online sports betting licenses remain unfilled, the ADG said it may open another application period and introduce a third license.
The two remaining licenses have been unfilled since 2021. Both are for professional sports teams looking to partner with legal, regulated operators. Recently, WynnBet announced it would be scaling back its operations in Arizona and multiple other US markets.
In Arizona, WynnBet is partnered with the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
Bet365 is growing its US presence
Prior to 2023, bet365 has remained under the radar in terms of US market presence. However, once Ohio sports betting launched, the UK operator slowly began to map out expansion plans.
Currently, bet365 is available in:
- Colorado
- Iowa
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Virginia
In addition, Bet365 will be one of the first operators to go live when Kentucky sports betting opens up in early September.
According to Legal Sports Report, Bet365 is also looking for sites for a US headquarters.
Bet365 enters an Arizona market dominated by the Tohono O’odham Nation. However, as with other US jurisdictions, national brands like DraftKings and FanDuel control roughly 65% of betting handle through the first four months of 2023.
In addition to Bet365, Fanatics will enter the Arizona market with its online sportsbook by the same name.
