Gaming and sports betting operator DraftKings has expanded its partnership with the PGA Tour to include Arizona market access, with plans also in plans to a ‘19th hole’ sportsbook experience at TPC Scottsdale.
The expanded commercial relationship, which offers the group market access for retail and mobile sports betting in Arizona, follows the state legislature passing HB 2772, which would authorise fantasy sports and sports betting in the state pending action from Governor Doug Ducey.
“When DraftKings became the first official betting operator of the PGA Tour last summer, a number of possibilities opened up to innovate together,” said Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings.
“This momentous effort to pursue a first-of-its-kind sportsbook with the PGA Tour is a testament to the vision of both organisations that we believe will ultimately benefit Arizona sports fans who want to legally bet on sports.”
DraftKings, the official daily fantasy game and an official betting operator of the PGA Tour, says that several locations are being considered at TPC Scottsdale for the retail sportsbook.
The pair add that they are working closely with the city of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds, the host organisation of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, to develop the project and maximise economic, tourism and charitable benefits to the local community.
“The PGA Tour commends the state of Arizona and Governor Ducey for their forward-thinking approach to legal sports betting.” said Norb Gambuzza, Senior Vice President of Media and Gaming at the PGA Tour.
“We are thrilled to work with DraftKings – along with the city of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds – to explore a one-of-a-kind sportsbook experience at TPC Scottsdale and the world-class Waste Management Phoenix Open. ‘The People’s Open’ is one of the most attended events in golf and with this announcement we look forward to taking the fan experience to another level.”
Pursuant to the expanded agreement, DraftKings will also become the exclusive sports betting partner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open hosted annually at TPC Scottsdale.
