GAMING NEWS

Arizona Department Of Gaming Preparing Rules To Quickly & Responsibly Implement New Gaming Opportunities

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has begun drafting rules for new forms of gaming in Arizona following Governor Doug Ducey’s signing of historic legislation and an amended Tribal-State Gaming Compacts (Compacts). This paves the way for modernized gaming in Arizona and will soon generate millions of dollars in new revenue for essential public services.

Back in April, Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2772 and the amended Compacts, legalizing fantasy sports contests and event wagering in the State of Arizona. ADG will initiate a robust public process to develop rules for these new forms of gaming. The Department is hard at work to make these new gaming opportunities available to Arizonans responsibly and as soon as possible.

This comprehensive legislation directs the ADG to adopt rules and act as the primary regulator and enforcement body for fantasy sports contests and event wagering. Additionally, this legislation requires fantasy sports contests and event wagering providers to furnish help for those who may have a problem with gambling, as well as allows individuals to exclude themselves from these new forms of legal wagering statewide. “I am excited to see House Bill 2772 pass through the legislature and signed by Governor Ducey,” said Ted Vogt, Director, ADG. “The Department is already hard at work drafting rules and procedures to ensure the safety and security of the Arizona betting public as we look towards implementing event and fantasy sports wagering in the months ahead.”

While ADG has already begun drafting rules for these new forms of legalized games, there are several steps these rules and associated amended Compacts will have to go through in order to become operational. You can learn more by viewing their website to see a tentative rule drafting and operational timeline.

About ADG : Established by the Arizona State Legislature in 1995, ADG is the state regulatory agency for tribal gaming, racing and parimutuel/simulcast wagering, and unarmed combat sports. ADG also provides and supports education, prevention and treatment programs for people and families affected by problem gambling through its Division of Problem Gambling and 24-hour confidential helpline, 1.800.NEXT.STEP. $

Casino Del Sol’s June Promotions

June Promotion—Sizzling Summer Getaway

Club Sol Members can swipe daily for an entry into the Tuesday and Saturday weekly drawings June 1-26. Winners have a chance to win local gift cards and Freeplay prizes. Every slot/ table point earned is an additional entry into the drawings.

BLACKJACK: Summer Fun at the Sun Every Monday and Tuesday, Club Sol table games players with an open and active rating will be eligible to win $100 Freebet chips every two hours between 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Drawing Dates: June 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29. Drawing Times: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

POKER: High Hand Promotion—Mondays from 12:15 p.m.-12:15 a.m. Thursdays from 7:15 p.m.-3:15 a.m.

Suited Splash Pots—Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3 p.m.-2 a.m. When 3 spades, clubs, diamonds or hearts appear on the flop, $50 will be splashed on the next hand.

Friday Night Frenzy—June 4, 11, 18 and 25. Hourly drawings for $100 cash starting at 11 a.m.-3 a.m.

Progressive Cash Drawings—June 5, 12, 19 and 26. Hourly drawings for $100 cash starting at 11 a.m.-3 a.m. No winner means the cash runs over until the next drawing ($500 max).

For more info, visit CasinoDelSol.com. $

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Hosts AZFamily GMAZ’s Field Trip Friday

Left: Tess Rafols—AZFamily’s GMAZ Anchor

Center: Mike Kintner—Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino General Manager Right: Javier Soto—AZFamily’s GMAZ Anchor

Recently, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino hosted AZFamily’s Good Morning Arizona (GMAZ) film crew, including anchors Javier Soto and Tess Rafols, for GMAZ’s Field Trip Friday.

The number one morning news program in Phoenix featured interviews with Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino General Manager Michael Kintner, Robert Miguel, chairman of the Ak-Chin Tribal Council and Maricopa Mayor Christian Price.

The three-hour broadcast highlighted the various casino offerings which included dining, spa and fitness center and pool, additional Ak-Chin enterprises such as Southern Dunes Golf Course and the Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center as well as City of Maricopa destinations such as Copper Sky and the new Maricopa Public Library.

GMAZ’s Field Trip Fridays educate viewers about desirable destinations across the Valley.

About Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino: Celebrating more than 25 years in Maricopa, Arizona, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to have an international management partner. Harrah’s AkChin is the only casino in Arizona that allows guests, through its Caesars Rewards program, to unlock benefits and other prizes that can be used worldwide at the entire Caesars’ family of casinos. Harrah’s Ak-Chin also boasts one of the two Bingo halls within the Caesars portfolio, continuing the proud heritage of William F. Harrah, who opened his first Bingo hall in Reno in 1937.

For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, visit HarrahsAkChin.com. $

Arizona Sportsbooks Will Grow To Take In More Than $3 Billion In Bets Annually

Arizona will grow into a particularly lucrative market for its fledgling sports betting industry, capable of generating more than $3 billion in annual wagers and $200 million in annual gross gaming revenue, according to estimates by PlayAZ.com, which analyzes and researches the state's regulated online gaming and sports betting market.

"Arizona is a particularly exciting development for legal sports betting in the U.S., with a collection of attributes that will likely help the market mature quickly," said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayAZ.com. "In fact, few other of the recently launched U.S. markets have quite as many positive characteristics. Because of this, the future is quite bright in Arizona."

When Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation to legalize sports betting in Arizona recently, the Grand Canyon State joined 26 other U.S. states and Washington D.C., that have regulated online sports betting in some form. Twenty-two of those jurisdictions have launched.

According to PlayAZ projections, Arizona sportsbooks could take in as much as $3.3 billion in wagers annually at maturity, which could come as soon as the market's third year. That would produce as much as $225 million in gross gaming revenue annually, assuming a 7% "hold," which is the percentage sportsbooks keep after paying out winning bets.

With a hypothetical 8% tax rate, the state projects $12.3 million in annual tax revenue. But the final tax rate is yet to be determined, and with promotional credits that will reduce the tax liability for operators, an accurate projection is impossible.

Indiana may be Arizona's closest comparison among current markets. With some 500,000 fewer residents than Arizona, the Hoosier State produced $1.8 billion in bets and $138.4 million in gross operator revenue in 2020, despite major U.S. sports being shut down for more than three months in 2020. Through the first three months of 2021, Indiana sportsbooks have taken in $938.9 million in bets, including $316.7 million in March alone. The first quarter has produced $72.8 million in gross gaming revenues for Indiana sportsbooks, generating $6.9 million in state taxes.

"There is no question that Arizona will be a fruitful market, but there are still a lot of moving parts that will need to be sorted before launch," said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst at PlayUSA.com. "Based on what is known now, though, the basic framework will be appealing for sportsbook operators." Arizona has a unique collection of positive attributes that should help make it flourish. For one, Arizona has a vibrant sporting landscape that includes a professional team in all four major North American sports leagues, four NCAA Division I college athletic programs, NASCAR races, and multiple PGA Tour events.

Also, Arizona is an appealing sports tourism market with fans regularly traveling from all over for special events such as college bowl games, the Super Bowl, and the NCAA Tournament, in addition to regular season games and baseball's spring training. Plus, Arizona has the potential to appeal to some residents of Southern California.

"One of the smartest things that Arizona did was to create a relatively open market, like Indiana, which will spur competition and raise the market's ceiling," Ramsey said. "We don't know the entire framework yet in Arizona but, ultimately, a truly competitive market benefits consumers while making the industry a reliable revenue producer for the state for years to come." $

BlueWater Resort & Casino Your Stay & Play Getaway On The Colorado River

For an unmatched gaming getaway, BlueWater Resort & Casino in Parker, AZ is a “shore” bet. In fact, this wildly popular destination is Arizona’s only gaming resort on the Colorado River. With 200 newly remodeled rooms and suites - all with stunning views of the river – BlueWater Resort & Casino offers you non-stop thrills and delights.

Try your luck with the newest slots, video games and blackjack in a bright and spacious casino. Indulge in a wide variety of delectable dining options, from the River Willow Steakhouse, the area’s premier upscale restaurant serving steaks, chops and seafood, to the famed BlueWater Grille where you can choose from a full menu of mouthwatering dishes with irresistible prices. Craving a quick bite? Visit the River Walk Deli for burgers, pizza, ice cream, Starbucks Coffee and more.

For water sports, plunge into fun with their 100-slip marina and expansive beach on the banks of the shimmering Colorado. Looking for a spot for your RV? They have a large dry camping area just for you.

BlueWater Resort & Casino is also western Arizona’s home for live entertainment, starting with popular local performers in The Dig Lounge. Plans call for concerts to return soon to the resort’s outdoor Amphitheatre which has showcased numerous top-name entertainers such as Eric Burdon and the Animals, Willie Nelson, Credence Clearwater Revisited and many more.

Also, your safety is always a safe bet at BlueWater Resort & Casino. Check out their comprehensive precautions, and all their new rewarding events and promotions, at BlueWaterFun.com, or call 1.888.243.3360. $

City Of Chicago To Decide Who Operates One Casino—Resort Within City

Recently, the City of Chicago officially issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the opportunity to apply for the sole casino license in the country’s third-largest metropolitan market. The selected partner will be able to propose its optimal site for the project, pending the approval by the City. Chicago aims to welcome the new casino-resort by 2025.

“After years of planning, we are beyond excited to begin the RFP process for Chicago’s first casino,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “We look forward to collaborating with world-class operators to develop a premier entertainment destination that will catalyze growth in our dynamic economy, create sustainable, good-paying jobs for our workforce and bring new financial opportunities to our businesses.”

The Chicago casino project currently is one of the country’s most attractive casino-resort development opportunities. A global gateway city with 9.5 million residents, Chicago welcomed 60 million domestic and 1.5 million international visitors in 2019. The potential gaming operator will be able to incorporate its property into the City’s vibrant cultural scene, robust public transit infrastructure and highly diversified economy. Additionally, a significantly lower tax rate was made available to a potential operator due to the passing of Public Act 101-648.

The holder of the Chicago owner’s license can operate a temporary casino for up to 24 months (subject to a 12-month extension) and, thereafter, a permanent casino located in the City. In addition to a casino, the gaming enterprise will also have the opportunity to operate slot machines at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). $

Casino Arizona, Talking Stick Resort Reopens Select Restaurants & Spa Safety Measures Remain In Place Through Second Phase Of Reopening Amenities

Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, enterprises owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, recently entered into the second phase of their reopening. The new phase will mark the return of some of each property’s most beloved restaurants and comes nearly a year after they were temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is with great excitement that we take the next step in fully opening Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort,” said Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. “We have taken deliberate action in the coordination of a phased reopening to ensure that food and beverage operations at each property are conducted with the utmost care and safety for our guests. We have no doubt they have been missing the chance to dine at some of these eateries, and we are delighted to welcome them back.”

As Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort enters the next phase of opening, some restaurants, previously open only for grab and go offerings, will now be open for table service. At Casino Arizona, this will include Willows and Cholla Prime Restaurant and Lounge. Additionally, the property’s popular Roast Beef Station will reopen as will walk-up service in the Bingo Hall. Happy hour has now also returned casino-wide on April 26 and will continue regularly Monday through Friday. Similarly, Talking Stick Resort has reopened some of its restaurants, but in a more sequenced manner. Ocean Trail began to offer dine-in service on Monday, April 26, while Blue Coyote Cantina and The ARENA Poker Room resumed serving food on May 3. The Resort’s signature restaurant, Orange Sky, and its O Lounge, reopened on May 12. In addition to Orange Sky, The Spa at Talking Stick reopened for limited salon services on May 3. It resumed full operations with massage and esthetician services on May 17.

While many services are scheduled to resume in the coming weeks, others like the buffets will remain closed until Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort reach the third phase of reopening. “By far the biggest, most consistent question we get from our guests is, when will the buffets open,” said Martinez. “We are continuing to evaluate operations and will reopen them as soon as we safely can.”

Further, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort will keep their current safety practices and procedures in place through their second phase of reopening and beyond. Among them temperature checks, the use of masks, plexiglass dividers at slot machines and table games, and social distancing. The properties will also remain smoke-free at this time. For more information on the second phase of reopening for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, visit CasinoArizona.com and TalkingStickResort.com, respectively. $