The Tonto Apache’s have announced that it has become the first Indian tribe in Arizona to launch a live onsite retail sportsbook, which has been undertaken at its Mazatzal Hotel and Casino in Payson.
On an immediate basis, and in partnership with the Churchill Downs owned TwinSpires sportsbook, the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino offers onsite retail sports wagering on the results of professional, college and international sport and athletic events.
Furthermore, from Thursday 16 September at 9am local time, the Tonto Apache tribe will launch mobile sports betting statewide through the TwinSpires online app.
Tonto Apache is one of ten tribes that applied for and were recently awarded sports betting licenses under new legislation HB 2772.
They were joined by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe alongside its SuperBook Sports partner, Navajo Nation, Quechan Tribe and Unibet Arizona, Tohono O’odham Nation, Hualapai Tribe and Golden Nugget, Ak-Chin Indian Community, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and Digital Gaming, San Carlos Apache Tribe with Wynn, and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Moreover, eight sports organisations were also awarded permits.
“Over the last several years, we have worked diligently to secure our sports wagering license and today marks a significant milestone for Tonto Apache,” noted Calvin Johnson Tonto Apache chair.
“In conjunction with our world class partner, we look forward to offering a dynamic sportsbook, supporting the local community and bringing more visitors and sports fans to the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino. This opportunity will also present great opportunities and economic benefits for our people.”
Earlier this month, Arizona’s Maricopa County Superior Court refused a Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe sports betting challenge, which sought to block a planned launch later in the same week.
The tribe had asked the court to halt implementation of HB 2772, claiming that the legislation is unconstitutional, and adding that they will be unfairly disadvantaged by the expansion and new wagering opportunities authorised by the law and amended compacts.
