By Renata Cló | Arizona Republic
(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents the PGA Tour)
The PGA Tour and DraftKings plan to open a new sportsbook across from the TPC Scottsdale golf course to sports fans and gamblers by fall 2023.
The PGA Tour operates the 36 holes of golf, including the 18-hole course that is home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, on land owned by the city.
DraftKings released details of the plan Tuesday, which call for a sports lounge at the southeast corner of Greenway-Hayden Loop and Bell Road with about 390 seats, a high-end restaurant, more than 3,400 square feet of video walls and screens, and an outdoor patio area with VIP cabanas and fire pits.
The proposal also calls for about 40 kiosks and seven ticket windows where bettors can wager on any sporting event on top of being able to use mobile apps to bet.
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DraftKings did not release hours of operation but officials there said the establishment is expected to be open daily and remain open into the evening so that customers may enjoy all major sporting events.
Michael Kibort, DraftKings senior director of retail sportsbook, called the plan a “one-of-a-kind” that will bring a unique social experience for customers.
“What we have put together is a very unique viewing and entertainment experience with over 3,000 square feet of video screens throughout the venue and it also has a unique indoor and outdoor feel with a little bit of something for everyone,” he said.
The Arizona Legislature passed a bill one year ago that regulated sports betting in the state and allowed 20 sports-betting license holders, including the PGA, to contract with online wagering companies such as DraftKings.
DraftKings was the most popular app in Arizona for sports betting with gamblers placing $173 million in wagers with the app in January, according to the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Next to DraftKings, the state gaming department reported that FanDuel was the second most popular app with about $150 million in total wagers that month.
FanDuel and Caesars Entertainment, which reported $72.4 million in mobile wagers in January, already have in-person sportsbooks in downtown Phoenix.
DraftKings partnered up with PGA Tour, which owns TPC Scottsdale, last year with hopes of opening a sports gambling venue in Scottsdale. The organization released details of the plan on Tuesday, which call for about 390 seats, a high-end restaurant, more than 3,400 square feet of video walls and screens and an outdoor patio area with VIP cabanas and fire pits.
Scottsdale City Council approves plans 6-1
DraftKings’ and PGA Tour’s plans were initially approved by the Scottsdale City Council earlier this month in a 6-1 vote.
Councilmember Linda Milhaven said PGA Tour has been a wonderful partner to the city and thanked the organization.
“This just makes our great partnership even better. I’m excited to see what you are going to build here, I think it will be a world-class facility we can all be proud of,” she said.
Councilmember Kathy Littlefield cast the lone vote against it.
