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By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services
Promoted by an aide to Gov. Doug Ducey and urged on by sports teams and Native American tribes, state lawmakers gave the first nod Tuesday to vastly expanded legal gaming in Arizona.
The far-reaching legislation approved by the House Commerce Committee would legalize the ability of Arizonans to wager on professional and college sports. Betting on fantasy sports also would become legal if HB 2772 becomes law.
And all that could be done online through a smart phone.
On top of that, off-track betting locations and service organizations would get the right to legally offer keno. That’s a form of lottery but with a new game and new numbers up to 15 times every hour.
The 9-1 vote followed testimony by a parade of lobbyists for professional sports organizations.
Several of them told of the financial woes they faced after the pandemic shortened the seasons. They see legal wagering — and the money they would generate — as a financial lifeline.
But there’s something else: The plan, if approved would generate anywhere from $20 million to $42 million a year for the state general fund, money that lawmakers could use for new or expanded programs or even to grant tax cuts.
Only Rep. Pamela Powers Hannley, D-Tucson cast the dissenting vote on the idea of providing people with more ways and more places to wager — and potentially lose — their money.
“Gambling is an addiction,” she said.
