Press Releases
PlayAZ.com: Arizona sportsbooks to eventually attract more than $3 billion in bets annually

Arizona will grow into a particularly lucrative market for its fledgling sports betting industry, capable of generating more than $3 billion in annual wagers and $200 million in annual gross gaming revenue, according to estimates by PlayAZ.com, which analyzes and researches the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.
“Arizona is particularly exciting development for legal sports betting in the U.S., with a collection of attributes that will likely help the market mature quickly,” said Eric Ramsey, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayAZ.com. “In fact, few other of the recently launched U.S. markets have quite as many positive characteristics. Because of this, the future is quite bright in Arizona.”
When Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation to legalize sports betting in Arizona last week, the Grand Canyon State joined 26 other U.S. states and Washington D.C., that have regulated online sports betting in some form. Twenty-two of those jurisdictions have launched.
According to PlayAZ projections on an Arizona population of 7.3 million, Arizona sportsbooks could take in as much $3.3 billion in wagers annually at maturity, which could come as soon as the market’s third year. That would produce as much as $225 million in gross gaming revenue annually, assuming a 7% “hold,” which is the percentage sportsbooks keep after paying out winning bets.
With a hypothetical 8% tax rate, the state projects $12.3 million in annual tax revenue. But the final tax rate is yet to be determined, and with promotional credits that will reduce the tax liability for operators, an accurate projection is impossible.
Indiana, which launched sports betting in 2019, may be Arizona’s closest comparison among current markets. With some 500,000 fewer residents than Arizona, the Hoosier State produced $1.8 billion in bets and $138.4 million in gross operator revenue in 2020, despite major U.S. sports being shut down for more than three months in 2020. Through the first three months of 2021, Indiana sportsbooks have taken in $938.9 million in bets, including $316.7 million in March alone. The first quarter has produced $72.8 million in gross gaming revenues for Indiana sportsbooks, generating $6.9 million in state taxes.
“There is no question that Arizona will be a fruitful market, but there are still a lot of moving parts that will need to be sorted before launch,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst at PlayUSA.com. “Based on what is known now, though, the basic framework will be appealing for sportsbook operators.”
Arizona has a unique collection of positive attributes that should help make it flourish. For one, Arizona has a vibrant sporting landscape that includes a professional team in all four major North American sports leagues, four NCAA Division I college athletic programs, NASCAR races, and multiple PGA Tour events. To capitalize on that landscape, Arizona’s bill has authorized stadiums and arenas over 10,000 seats, plus the Phoenix Raceway and TPC Scottsdale as licensees.
Also, Arizona is an appealing sports tourism market with fans regularly traveling from all over for special events such as college bowl games, the Super Bowl, and the NCAA Tournament, in addition to regular season games and baseball’s spring training. Plus, Arizona has the potential to appeal to some residents of Southern California, who currently count Nevada as their nearest legal sports betting option.
“One of the smartest things that Arizona did was to create a relatively open market, like Indiana, which will spur competition and raise the market’s ceiling,” Ramsey said. “We don’t know the entire framework yet in Arizona. But ultimately a truly competitive market benefits consumers while making the industry a reliable revenue producer for the state for years to come.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Arizona, visit PlayAZ.com/news.
Latest News
BETesporte Reinforces Commitment to Sports with Major Investments Across Brazil

Investment in championships, clubs, and national teams expands media assets and positions BETesporte as a key player in Brazil’s sports market.
BETesporte, a betting platform that proudly carries “sports” in its name, is reaffirming its leadership in the industry by reporting consistent investment results over the past four months. While most betting platforms generate the majority of their revenue from online games (virtual casinos), BETesporte stands out as one of the few where sports betting leads the way — accounting for 65% of its total revenue, compared to 35% from online games. This figure directly reflects its brand strategy and commitment to strengthening Brazilian sports.
“Over the last four months, we’ve consolidated our presence on multiple fronts, focusing on strategic returns and high-quality visibility. We’ve sponsored several state championships in all regions of the country, including the Paulista, Paranaense, Carioca, Alagoano, Gaúcho, Pernambucano, Cearense, Catarinense, Baiano, and Mineiro tournaments, as well as the highly engaging Copa do Nordeste. We’ve also invested in Series A and B of the Brasileirão, placing our brand on Brazil’s biggest football stages and ensuring mass exposure with a high value per impression. It’s a strategic allocation of resources designed to generate brand impact and strengthen the Brazilian sports ecosystem,” said Thiago Carvalho, CFO at BETesporte.
Among the platform’s most notable recent acquisitions is brand exposure during Brazil’s national team matches in the World Cup Qualifiers — a move that reinforces BETesporte’s presence on the global football stage and strengthens its connection with fans during highly visible moments.
“We truly believe in the power of sports as a driver of connection and engagement. At BETesporte, we’re constantly investing in improving our platform with new features and more real-time betting options. Our marketing plan is performance-oriented: we aim to energize Brazil’s sports scene through active sponsorships in Series A and B of the national league — with master sponsorships, LED field displays, and direct club support. We bet on sports both as a passion and a business,” added Danylo Campos, CTO of BETesporte.
Beyond football, BETesporte is expanding its social impact by supporting up-and-coming athletes, providing financial assistance to help them compete and grow in sports like kickboxing, table tennis, and jiu-jitsu — an initiative that helps uncover new talent and democratize access to high-performance sports.
The company also maintains partnerships with traditional clubs like CRB, CSA, and Volta Redonda, reinforcing its regional presence and boosting local fanbases with strong community ties.
BETesporte’s credibility is further strengthened by the presence of legendary Brazilian football figures as brand ambassadors, including Zico, Vampeta, Diego Souza, and Macaé — personalities who bring even more legitimacy to the company’s presence in the sports world.
Gambling in the USA
California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.
Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage
The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.
Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved
The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.
Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions
Among key licensing matters:
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500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
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Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
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Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.
Key Employee Licensing Actions
The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:
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Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
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Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny
The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.
Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.
Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals
Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:
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HCAL, LLC
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JCM Global
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Konami Gaming, Inc.
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PDS Gaming, LLC
Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.
Notable Withdrawals and Denials
In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.
A Broader Look Ahead
With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.
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CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES REVOLUTIONIZE PALACE BINGO & SPORTS BETS IN CANCÚN

Palace Bingo & Sports Bets Casino in Cancún has taken a major step forward by introducing Zitro’s revolutionary CONCEPT cabinet line and new games that promise to elevate the gaming experience in this iconic Mexican tourist destination.
The newly installed titles—Legendary Sword, Triple Charm Journey, Fairyland Quest, and Merging Fu Pots —are designed to appeal to all types of players. They feature stunning graphics, innovative mechanics, and rewarding prizes that enhance the excitement of play.
Representatives from El Palacio de los Números commented: “The addition of Zitro’s games and CONCEPT cabinets at our Cancún casino has been an overwhelming success. Player feedback has been exceptional, with many praising the visual quality, engaging gameplay, and the wide range of prizes. This new offering is undoubtedly transforming the gaming experience on our floor.”
Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, added: “We’re very pleased that Palace Bingo & Sports Bets Casino in Cancún has again chosen Zitro to innovate its entertainment lineup. The combination of our CONCEPT cabinets and new games provides a unique player experience and drives profitability for the operator.”
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