With how quickly it’s growing and how much coverage it’s drawn — both negative and positive — it’s easy to forget that sports betting is virtually a brand-new industry in the United States. The country’s Supreme Court only repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 in 2018, meaning that sports gambling has only been federally allowed for six years. Many of the states are still considering if they should bring sports betting to their borders, and many of the states that have legalized it took time to weigh the pros and cons.
Arizona was one of the more patient states, waiting until September 2021 to legalize sports betting. As such, sports gambling is still a new market in the state, with regulations and the industry landscape constantly changing. Opening a new Arizona sportsbook while having a different operator close its doors within the same week is evidence of how quickly this market can move while it’s still in its fledgling stages.
Unibet’s quick foray in Arizona
Unibet is a prominent name in the global sports betting and online gambling arena out of Sweden. The company saw an opportunity to expand its reach with the U.S. legalizing sports betting. It made its foray into the Arizona market amidst the state’s burgeoning enthusiasm for legalized sports betting. With a rich history dating back to the 1990s, Unibet has carved a niche for itself as a trusted and innovative operator in the competitive landscape of online wagering.
Arizona’s decision to legalize sports betting in September 2021 presented an opportune moment for Unibet to expand its operations into the southwestern state. Armed with its reputation for reliability, diverse betting options, and user-friendly interface, Unibet Arizona swiftly established a foothold within AZ’s nascent sports betting ecosystem.
The company’s arrival in Arizona marked a significant milestone in its ongoing expansion efforts, strategically positioning itself to capitalize on the state’s growing appetite for sports wagering. By April 2022, Unibet had officially launched its platform, with sponsorship from the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe. Along with their online sportsbook, the company also opened a brick-and-mortar location in the famed Turf Paradise Race Track.
What comes after Unibet?
Despite its initial promise, Unibet’s tenure in Arizona proved to be short-lived, as the company announced its decision to cease operations in the state later this year. The sudden exit left patrons and industry stakeholders grappling with the implications of Unibet’s departure, underscoring the volatile nature of the sports betting landscape and the challenges inherent in navigating regulatory complexities and market dynamics.
Frequent patrons of the Turf Paradise Casino can rest assured, as CEO Charles Montague stated that the casino is fully prepared to replace Unibet:
“We recently got notified. And we’re currently looking for another [online sports betting partner]. We have to negotiate with other vendors that we had previously talked to. And we’re just looking at replacing [Unibet]. I guess they’re looking at leaving in the second quarter. So just moving on, it doesn’t really affect our brick and mortar other than us having to find a new vendor that would do the sports wagering for us.”
