Horse racetrack operators that want one of 10 Arizona sports betting limited event wagering operator’s licenses have a few more weeks to get their submissions in order.
That’s because the Arizona Department of Gaming announced submissions for the licenses, which were originally due Monday, will now be accepted until Dec. 30.
The limited licenses allow racetrack enclosures or off-track betting locations that hold Arizona Department of Racing permits to offer in-person sports betting so long as they’re at least five miles from tribal gaming, an event wagering facility, or a fellow limited event wagering operator.
Turf Paradise Wants in on Arizona Sports Betting
One party that already has gone public with its plans to apply for one of the licenses is Phoenix-based Turf Paradise Racing.
Turf Paradise General Manager Vincent Francia told BetArizona.com on Nov. 10 the company — which was not among the eight non-tribal sports teams to receive a new Arizona sports betting apps license in August — had grand visions for the Phoenix facility going forward.
The horse racing track filed a complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court in late August after it was denied a license by the Arizona Department of Gaming. Though still hoping to be fully licensed, Turf Paradise planned to put in an application for a limited event license.
“It gives us the opportunity to get our feet wet with sports betting,” Francia said. “But I wish to preface before that, that we are still pursuing via court to be in the first group that has been allowed sports betting. We haven’t given up on that yet.”
Aside from Turf Paradise, other horse racing facilities in Arizona likely to apply for a license include Tucson’s Rillito Park Race Track and Prescott Valley’s Arizona Downs — both of which meet the qualifying standards set forth by the department.
The only other horse racing facilities in the state of Arizona are connected to county fairs, in the Cochise County Horse Racing Commission and the Santa Cruz County Fair in Sonoita.
Whether either of those entities would apply for a limited event wagering operator’s license is unknown.
What’s Needed to Apply for a License?
For now, horse racing and OTB facilities in the state of Arizona have an extra month to get their application material submitted.
That material includes a $1,000 application fee, in addition to a $10,000 initial license fee, and a $5,000 annual renewal fee.
Interested applicants have until 11:59 p.m. Arizona time on Dec. 30 to apply.
