Sports betting became legal in Arizona last month and the Arizona Diamondbacks are wasting no time getting in on the action. The team is partnering with Caesars Entertainment to open a sportsbook connected to Chase Field, it was announced this week. The deal is reportedly worth around $60-$70 million and also includes mobile sports wagering.
The Diamondbacks are now the third Arizona professional sports entity to partner with a sportsbook. FanDuel became the official sports betting and daily fantasy sports partner of the Phoenix Suns last month. And DraftKings is set to open a sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale after inking a deal with the PGA Tour as its official daily-fantasy partner.
The third time’s the charm because the Diamondbacks are also the third Major League Baseball team to partner with a sportsbook operator. The Chicago Cubs and DraftKings announced plans last year to open a sportsbook at Wrigley Field and the Washington Nationals announced a multi-year partnership with BetMGM in January to open a sportsbook connected to Nationals Park. Mobile sports wagering will also be part of these deals.
The new sportsbook in Chase Field’s plaza will be open year-round and is expected to occupy Game 7 Grill, a two-level sports bar. It can be accessed from the street and is located in a perfect spot near a light rail stop and the busiest entrance for Diamondbacks games. MLB rules do not allow sports betting inside the actual stadiums.
“We went through a thorough process to identify the ideal partner that would bring experience and the strongest of reputations in legalized gaming,” Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall said in a press release. “Caesars is considered the cream of the crop and aligns with our philosophy when it comes to professionalism, brand presentation, customer treatment and best in class William Hill’s mobile sportsbook product. Equally important, we went through our strong due diligence to find the industry leader in the education and execution of responsible gaming.”
Caesars Entertainment, which acquired William Hill last month, inked a deal with MLB last week to become an Authorized Gaming Operator of the league. Caesars is also expected to launch a mobile betting app in Arizona ahead of the NFL season.
Lucy is a sports betting content producer with Audacy and BetQL. She has worked with WEEI and Audacy as a writer, radio producer and podcaster. Lucy lives in Boston and loves Tom Brady and prop bets. Follow Lucy on Twitter at @LucilleBurdge.