Arizona Senate Bill SB1719

Arizona 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23

Caption

Indian tribes; gaming; event wagering

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws related to gaming and event wagering by establishing a formal framework for licensing event wagering operators, including both professional sports teams and Indian tribes. This legal structure is intended to facilitate the growth of the sports betting industry in Arizona, allowing licensed entities to operate both physical betting facilities and mobile wagering platforms throughout the state. Additionally, the bill requires that these entities comply with specific financial and regulatory standards to maintain their licenses.

Summary

SB1719 is a legislative bill introduced in Arizona aimed at amending sections 5-1304 and 5-1305 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to establish provisions related to event wagering, which includes both retail and mobile sports betting. The bill proposes to allow the Arizona Department to issue licenses for event wagering operators, with specific allocations for Indian tribes and other entities. Notably, the bill permits a maximum of twenty-two event wagering operator licenses to be granted to Indian tribes that are in compliance with the tribal-state gaming compact.

Contention

Controversies surrounding SB1719 may arise from the licensing framework itself, particularly concerning the respective rights and licenses of Indigenous tribes versus non-tribal operators. While the bill seeks to balance opportunities for both groups, it may ignite discussions about the extent of regulatory power wielded by the state in relation to tribal sovereignty. Moreover, there could be discrepancies in perceptions about the economic benefits versus potential societal risks, such as gambling addiction, which may be points of contention among lawmakers and community stakeholders.