. Prospective Arizona Sports Betting Licensees Seek Online Rules Clarity

Prospective Arizona Sports Betting Licensees Seek Online Rules Clarity

Written By Derek Helling on June 25, 2021Last Updated on January 30, 2023
The period for Arizona sports betting comments from the public is underway and some interested parties want more clarification.

The potential regulations for event wagering in Arizona are under review before they are finalized. The public comment period for Arizona sports betting regulations has predominantly yielded a list of requests for clarification.

Numerous potential sector stakeholders have put forth requests for clarification. The comments also display divergent reactions to the impending inauguration of casinos in Arizona.

Laws and regulations regarding gambling activities in Arizona

Following the publication of its preliminary draft of regulations, the AZ Dept. of Gaming (ADG) invited public comments. Stakeholders were given the opportunity to share their opinions online. Moreover, the Department conducted two digital meetings on the topic. The issues discussed during these meetings included:

  • How many net skins can a distributor contract for?
  • The operation of the Department will determine which tribal casino users receive certificates.
  • Does offering betting activities require racing to collaborate with owners?

Online comments have also mirrored these concerns. Indeed, some participants exploited both platforms. Dave Auther, for instance, a co-owner of Arizona Downs, represented the property in an online meeting. Tom Auther, another owner, posted similar remarks online.

Both authors and writers have expressed similar complaints. As per T. Auther’s online comment, they prefer that the language demanding an Arizona racetrack to partner with a sports team or tribal casino for sports betting be eliminated.

D. Author expressed objections to the same terminology during Monday’s meetings, arguing that it would require him to share profits with a partner. ADG’s chairman, Ted Vogt, was firm in his belief that the office should interpret the law in this way. Feedback from another website suggested that Arizona sports fans should be informed about several topics.

Asking for help with basic information, language, and skins.

Rob Dalager, an agent for the Arizona Cardinals, raised a point of clarification. He queried if, as per the rules, a “designee” could be associated with multiple owners. Moreover, he pointed out that his client’s request for clarification on this issue was turned down.

Dalager also voiced a query about defining the term “designee”. He shared his view that the recent speech creates ambiguity about the responsibilities and limitations of a designee according to the rules of wagering.

Laura McAllister Cox, the vice president of regulatory compliance and legal for Rush Street Gaming, stated that players are more likely to recognize the company for its Rivers Casino and its BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse online platforms. She also requested the ADG to incorporate a provision in their regulations that explicitly allows license holders to use unofficial data sources for settling bets.

David Miller, the associate to the general counsel, engaged in discussions with the PGA Tour and TPC Scottsdale about the designee speech and official statistics. However, he opposed Cox & rsquo’s stance on data usage. Miller further stated his belief that the law aims for each technician to have only one website skin.

Two individuals from tribal casino operations presented differing perspectives on the single-skin design. In conclusion, Chad Riney, the senior counsel for Churchill Downs, appealed to the ADG to establish performance benchmarks for issuing restricted betting licenses. He also proposed that bettors be permitted to link credit cards to their bank accounts.

Responses from lesser-known sources expressed viewpoints that showed indifference towards the regulations’ semantics. Clearly, the expansion of gambling in Arizona does not please everyone, while some are becoming increasingly restless.

Consumer is genuinely referred to as public.

The comment period was open to all, including those with a less clear interest in the business. Therefore, the range of opinions has been diverse. One comment, for example, levels several insults at regulators. On the other hand, another comment urges regulators to permit DraftKings Sportsbook to start operations before Sept. 9.

Jordan Rose, founder of Phoenix Rising Football Club based in Chandler and part of the USL, interestingly suggests that betting on Phoenix Rising matches should be allowed as Arizona lacks an MLS club.

Once the ADG unveils the final regulations, all those who commented will instantaneously get the answers they’ve been seeking. Regardless of their emotions, they cannot allege that the office did not allocate sufficient time for their input.

Helling, Derek Avatar
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Helling, Derek

Derek Helling, a lead writer for PlayUSA and the manager of BetHer, is a 2013 University of Iowa graduate. He specializes in covering the crossroads of sports, business, and law.

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