Last month, a ten-year market access deal was announced between Australia’s PointsBet Holdings, a gambling and betting operator, and Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, a tribal property in Arizona’s Camp Verde region to get in on Arizona’s newly-legalized online sports betting market.
This exclusive agreement will allow PointsBet’s USA subsidiary access to a ‘first skin license’ as well as the opportunity to work directly with the Yavapai-Apache Nation to acquire permanent licensing to operate online sports wagering in Arizona.
About the Players
PointsBet Holdings Limited
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, PointsBet is now a multinational online bookmaker, offering traditional fixed odds markets (Sports & Racing) and Spread Betting speculative wagering.
PointsBet is a premier global online gaming operator and official partner of NBC Sports. With subsidiaries in several countries and US states, PointsBet develops online platforms and that prides itself on having the quickest and most user-friendly app.
While PointsBet USA Sportsbook is currently only available in New Jersey, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, and West Virginia, this new agreement with Arizona tribes will provide access to PointsBet’s proprietary technology to all Arizona residents.
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel is an Arizona-based casino, a subordinate economic organization owned by the federally recognized Yavapai-Apache Nation and located in Camp Verde, Arizona.
The family-friendly entertainment venue boasts a variety of restaurants, a 20-lane bowling alley, an arcade, childcare services, a pool, as well as 122 luxury suites. The highlight of the property is Cliff Castle’s casino, a Las Vegas-style casino offering cutting-edge slot machines, blackjack, digital craps, and a high limit room for high rollers.
New Gambling Legislation in Arizona
In April of this year, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed a sports betting bill and amended gaming compact (since 2003) into law after it was approved by the state legislature. This move allows for a major expansion to gambling in the state as well as significant projected revenues for both the state of Arizona and its tribes.
The Sports Wagering Act allows for up to 20 sportsbooks to operate in the state under licenses issued to tribes and pro sports teams. It also allows gambling on fantasy sports and new Keno games at horse race tracks and fraternal organizations.
With the sports betting market open for business in Arizona, PointsBet is hardly the only operator looking at getting in on the action. Another licensed mobile sportsbook, WynnBet is also working with the San Carlos Apache Tribe on a similar market-entry deal.
The Partnership
Arizona marks the 16th state in which the swiftly growing PointsBet company has secured a licensed path to market access.
The agreement is set to last ten years and subject to renewal, pending agreement by both parties. This partnership will give the burgeoning Arizona sports betting market access to PointsBet’s industry expertise, as well as their proprietary technology, allowing the operation of sports betting in Arizona through PointsBet’s mobile app and website platforms.
Conditions of the partnership oblige PointsBet to pay the Yavapai-Apache Nation a market access fee as well as a portion of the net gaming revenues derived from its online sportsbook operations. PointsBet will be responsible for licensing and regulatory costs in connection with launching and operating their services.
“PointsBet has already shown great knowledge and expertise in pushing their own operations on American soil, making Cliff Castle Casino an excellent local partner to successfully dominate Arizona’s sports betting market,” adds Sharon Kingsby from CasinoShortList.
Branded Retail Sportsbook
PointsBet has agreed to allocate funds to create a branded retail sportsbook at the Cliff Castle Casino Hotel. This PointsBet-branded sportsbook will be operated by the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
Public Interest Donations
In addition to the terms and conditions of the agreement, PointsBet has also agreed to make an annual donation to benefit the tribal community in the state of Arizona. The company plans to donate to a public interest fund, designated by the Yavapai-Apache Nation that will benefit the youth of the tribal communities of Tunlii, Middle Verde, Rimrock, Camp Verde, and Clarkdale.
The native tribes of Arizona have faced ongoing struggles relating to the protection of their culture and the welfare of their members. In terms of goodwill and good public relations, this was an excellent move for PointsBet to make, supporting the tribal youth community as well as expanding its corporate footprint.
A Partnership for Growth
PointsBet US CEO Johnny Aitken was elated to enter into this partnership with the Yavapai-Apache Nation, saying “We look forward to quickly and responsibly introducing sports bettors and fans to the competitive advantages PointsBet possesses in owning our technology end-to-end, such as market-leading ease of use and the deepest slate of betting options available in the world.”
This agreement seems to be a win for both organizations, as well as far-reaching market growth opportunities. With 7.3 million residents in Arizona and neighboring California tourism potential, the possibilities are endless for the growth of legal sports betting in this region.
