By Paul Maryniak | San Tan Sun
As Arizona prepares to launch sports betting Sept. 9, the Gila River Indian Community is poised to become one of the big players after teaming up with one of the gambling world’s biggest operators.
Chandler will be right on the doorstep of some brick-and-mortar venues.
Now that the application time for licenses has expired, the Arizona Department of Gaming by the end of the month must winnow down a list of 15 tribal applicants competing for 10 available licenses allowing them to offer gambling on professional and college games both online and at retail, or brick-and-mortar, sites. State law forbids the department from releasing the identities of applicants but observers expect the GRIC to be among the winners.
BetMGM announced last week partnerships with Gila River Hotels & Casinos and the Arizona Cardinals, stating that besides digital betting, it will set up sportsbooks at the Arizona Cardinals’ State Farm Stadium and at Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva casinos.
