BetMGM opens Arizona's first in-casino sportsbook today

BetMGM Sportsbook, Arizona’s first in-casino sportsbook, is opening at Gila River Hotels & Casinos’ Vee Quiva in the West Valley on Friday. It features 25 large screen displays and a massive media wall for major games and sporting events.

Moreover, the amenity has seating for more than 100 people and features 20 wagering kiosks. Tickets writers will be present to assist guests when placing bets. Grand opening will see Vee Quiva hosting a weekend-long entertainment ceremony, including a Q&A with NASCAR drivers Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddic. Ribbon cutting will be at 9:30 a.m., on Friday.

BetMGM isn’t the only sports betting operator arriving in Arizona since Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill to legalize it last spring. Mazatzal Hotel & Casino near Payson opened a sportsbook with TwinSpires shortly after betting went live in the state. FanDuel Sportsbook is operating out of the Footprint Center in Phoenix, while Caesars plans to open a sportsbook at Chase Field early next year. 

However, the novelty being introduced by BetMGM’s venue at Vee Quiva is being the first in Phoenix inside an operating casino. Guests will also have access to other gambling options at the venue, which has been already offering sports betting kiosks while the sportsbook was developed.

Gila River Casinos also operates Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte casinos near Chandler. Both venues are scheduled to open full-fledged sportsbooks on November 11, coinciding with Thursday night football. A fourth casino is under construction.

Today we celebrated the groundbreaking of the fourth Gila River Hotels & Casinos property, Santan Mountain! pic.twitter.com/ZcXv3d2rYT

— Gila River Hotels & Casinos (@PlayAtGila) October 18, 2021

"We really look to include the entire experience," said Dominic Orozco, Gila River Hotels and Casinos' chief strategic marketing officer, according to AZ Central. "You can sit in there on game day and place your bets, then go play slots after."

The Vee Quiva sportsbook is retaining a panoramic door opening to the outside that the space used to have. And during specific sporting events, the venue will have a DJ, who will make announcements of special promotions during commercial breaks. The space is further equipped with LED lighting which can, for instance, be set to Cardinal Red during the team’s games.

The Wild Horse Pass opening on November 11 will host former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer. Meanwhile, the Lone Butte sportsbook, which will include two blackjack tables, will host UFC fighters as part of its grand opening celebration.

One more thrilling reason to be excited for kickoff.@BetMGM announced today partnerships with @PlayAtGila and our organization for retail and online sports betting, establishing its first relationships in the state of Arizona.

Welcome to the family! pic.twitter.com/1V0xgsNkQr

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 9, 2021

BetMGM also plans to open a sportsbook inside State Farm Stadium, in partnership with the Arizona Cardinals. It is scheduled to open early next year, by the start of the 2022 NFL season.