Arizona Sports Betting Bill Has House Support, But Can’t Get Out Of Senate Committee

Arizona’s invoice that will legalize on-line and retail sports activities betting hit a snag as a Senate committee didn’t go the proposed laws Wednesday.

The Senate Committee on Commerce didn’t advance the invoice only a day after its similar companion invoice handed a House committee by a 9-1 margin, in line with a report from The Action Network.

The invoice would enable for betting on skilled and collegiate athletic occasions on the state’s tribal casinos and one other 10 venues resembling horse tracks and residential arenas to skilled sports activities franchises. Sportsbooks can be eligible to be constructed at Talking Stick Resort Arena, Gila River Arena, Chase Field and State Farm Stadium, that are house to the 4 main sports activities franchises primarily based in Arizona. It would additionally legalize each day fantasy sports activities.

Republican Gov. Doug Ducey has been an outspoken supporter of authorized sports activities betting and signal the invoice if it acquired to his desk. Ducey’s lawyer, Anni Foster was on the House listening to of the invoice. Foster stated that passing it’s essential to legalize playing going down off the tribal reservations, which is probably going going to be allowed as a part of a brand new gaming compact that’s nonetheless being negotiated, however agreed on in precept, in line with stories.

A lobbyist representing main on-line sportsbooks stated on the similar listening to that she estimates the state would reap $42 million in annual tax income if the invoice is handed.

With overwhelming help of the invoice within the decrease chamber, it appears probably that Arizona is a major candidate to grow to be one of many first states to legalize sports activities betting in 2021 if the Senate can come to an settlement on the laws.