BetMGM Debuts Retail Sportsbook Operations in Arizona

BetMGM has opened its very first retail sportsbook in Arizona. The outfit is located within Vee Quiva, one of the casino properties owned by Gila River Hotels & Casinos. As such, this also marks the first in-casino sportsbook location in the Phoenix area.

The sportsbook features 20 betting kiosks, 25 large screen displays where visitors can view top local and international events. It also boasts a massive media wall and seating for more than 100 guests. There will be ticket writers available on site to assist patrons with placing bets.

BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said during the announcement, “It’s great to see our partnership with Gila River come to life in Arizona. The BetMGM Sportsbook at Vee Quiva will be a true destination for sports fans, and we look forward to opening additional venues at Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte. These retail sportsbooks complement our existing mobile platform in Arizona and further cement our goal of providing BetMGM customers with a world-class experience.”

Establishing a Relationship with the State

BetMGM entered into a partnership with Gila River Hotels & Casinos and the Arizona Cardinals back in August, one month before the state launched its regulated market. Based on the agreement, BetMGM would get to build retail and online sports betting locations within Gila River’s casinos - Vee Quiva, Wild Horse Pass, and Lone Butte.

On behalf of Gila River Hotels & Casinos, CEO Kenneth Manuel said that the new sportsbooks align perfectly with the company’s “sports-centric brand.” He expressed excitement at the partnership as the iGaming operator is poised to enable them to deliver a diverse and engaging selection of betting options for avid betting fans and recreational gamers alike.

Gila River Hotels & Casino is owned by the Gila River Indian community. They have a fourth gaming location, Santan Mountain, under construction and due to open in 18 – 24 months. However, this location was not mentioned in the deal.

Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte launches are projected for the near future. In the meantime, BetMGM is also working with the Arizona Cardinals to create a BetMGM Sportsbook at State Farm Stadium, which is scheduled to open in time for the 2022 NFL season.

Securing a Legal Market Share across the US

BetMGM is a product of a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Entain. It was one of the first to kick-start online operations in Arizona following the launch of the state sports betting market in September this year. The BetMGM sportsbook app, which has quickly become a player favorite, offers new customers up to a $1,000 risk-free bet and a plethora of betting markets on a wide range of sports.

Besides Arizona, BetMGM currently has live operations in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Washington DC, and Nevada. More states are on schedule, with Louisiana and Illinois most likely to launch next.