Online betting has dominated Arizona sports betting activity, with $404.8 million of the July handle coming from digital platforms, compared to $5.4 million from retail sportsbooks. This skew towards online betting shows that Arizona’s bettors prefer the convenience of mobile wagering, aligning with a national trend. DraftKings continues to lead in Arizona, boasting a 9.06% hold on a $147.9 million handle for July, followed closely by FanDuel, which posted a $127.6 million handle and a 7.45% hold. BetMGM, Caesars, and Bet365 round out the top operators, each reporting seven-figure revenue in July, despite varying hold percentages.
Arizona’s sports betting performance has created a favorable environment for new entrants, including Sporttrade, which launched in the state in late September. Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) statistics indicate an 8.2% increase in adjusted gross revenue in July compared to the same month last year, amounting to $41.5 million. With a 10% tax on digital revenue, Arizona’s sports betting framework has also generated tax revenue that is reinvested in the state.
Sporttrade’s Impact on Arizona’s Betting Market
Sporttrade’s recent entry into Arizona, replacing Unibet as the Quechan Tribe’s sports betting partner, represents a new direction in the state’s sports betting market. This platform, which distinguishes itself by offering in-game betting and seamless cash-out options, could attract bettors looking for an experience beyond traditional sportsbook formats. Sporttrade CEO Alex Kane highlighted the state’s appeal, stating,
“There is impressive demand for our offering in Arizona because players want a premium option.”
Sporttrade’s Arizona debut, following successful launches in New Jersey, Iowa, Colorado, and Virginia, reflects its strategic expansion into states with active and competitive betting landscapes.
Sporttrade’s model is particularly interesting in the Arizona market because it emphasizes real-time, in-game wagering — a growing trend as technology enables quicker data processing and faster betting options. With Sporttrade’s offering, users can adjust or cash out bets in response to shifting odds during games, creating an experience similar to a stock trading platform. This innovative approach has the potential to pull in a new segment of bettors, particularly those who enjoy high-frequency betting on live games.
The platform’s collaboration with SIG Sports Investment Corp, which provides liquidity and enhanced pricing, strengthens its market position by offering better odds to high-volume bettors. Kane commented on this partnership, saying,
“SIGSports Analytics shares the same vision for the regulated sports betting opportunity in the U.S.; to create a highly differentiated player experience powered by stellar liquidity.”
The introduction of Sporttrade could thus drive more competitive pricing in Arizona, potentially influencing established operators to expand their in-game offerings.
The Future of Arizona Sports Betting
With Arizona’s sports betting market still in a high-growth phase, Sporttrade’s launch comes at a strategic time. ADG’s expectation of heightened activity with the NFL season’s arrival aligns with this expansion, as NFL and college football are traditionally popular sports for betting. Notably, Arizona’s growth is also part of a broader regional trend; since its launch in September 2021, the state’s sportsbooks have handled over $18.5 billion in bets, collecting $95.1 million in taxes.
As Sporttrade continues to operate alongside established leaders like DraftKings and FanDuel, its innovative in-game betting options and focus on market liquidity could help it capture a unique share of the market. The platform’s success in Arizona could also signal to other new entrants that unique, technology-driven offerings have a place in this competitive market. For Arizona’s bettors, the addition of Sporttrade not only brings more choice but also offers the chance to explore an evolved, faster-paced form of betting that may become increasingly popular nationwide.
