Churchill Downs' TwinSpires seeks to enter Arizona's sports betting market with local tribe

Churchill Downs-owned online wagering brand for horse racing and sports, TwinSpires, announced Friday that it intends to enter the newly legalized sports betting market in Arizona, as it teams up with the Tonto Apache Tribe, owner and operator of the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino. 

This joint effort between the companies allows for a TwinSpires retail sportsbook to open within the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, and also for TwinSpires to launch its online sportsbook in the State of Arizona; pending licenses and regulatory approvals. 

Churchill Downs is the host of the Kentucky Derby and has 150 years of activity in the U.S. 

According to an official press release, TwinSpires President, Ian Williams, spoke about this new partnership. “The team behind the most exciting two minutes in sports is thrilled to partner with the Tonto Apache Tribe and pursue offering our leading sportsbook product and promotions to sports fans throughout Arizona”. 

Tonto Apache Chairman, Calvin Johnson, added: “In conjunction with our world class partner, we look forward to supporting the local community and bringing more visitors to the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino and our beautiful county."

TwinSpires sportsbooks are currently available in six states, including Colorado, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and Michigan. Churchill Downs' BetAmerica sports betting and iGaming platform in New Jersey is expected to transition to the TwinSpires brand during the third quarter of 2021.