Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is congratulated by Larry Fitzgerald #11 and Justin Pugh #67 after scoring a 21-yard rushing touchdown against the Washington Football Team. /Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services
Gov. Doug Ducey wants to open the door to allowing Arizonans to bet on — or against — the Diamondbacks and the Cardinals.
And maybe even the Wildcats and Sun Devils.
He also wants wagering on fantasy leagues and even instant keno games. And the governor wants to allow mobile devices to be used to place bets.
And all of that would be available off reservation.
Now he needs the Arizona Legislature to go along and repeal the laws that now prohibit such gambling.
In a document given to lawmakers Wednesday, the governor said he has negotiated a new compact with Arizona tribes which now gives them the exclusive right to operate casino-style wagering in Arizona, albeit with certain limits. The deal, he said, will result in both more revenue for the tribes and more money for the state, which currently gets a share of tribal revenues.
“Our goal is to bring Arizona gaming into the 21st century,”
Ducey press aide C.J. Karamargin
“A lot has changed since the first compacts were signed, back when cell phones weren’t the thing they are now,” he said. “The world looks a lot different today and our proposal is intended to reflect the way people live their lives today.
