Phoenix Suns Arena is to open a FanDuel retail sportsbook location in the coming months after sports betting was legalised in Arizona.
A multi-year partnership between National Basketball Association (NBA) team Phoenix Suns and the betting and daily fantasy sports operators was announced after Governor Doug Ducey passed legislation that allows land-based and mobile wagering across the state.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the comprehensive partnership will include the opening of a luxury retail sportsbook inside the 18,500-capacity Phoenix Suns Arena. The FanDuel lounge is expected to be completed in time for the 2021-22 NBA season.
Stretching over 6,300 square feet and outfitted with spacious lounge seating, the FanDuel Sportsbook will be open daily for patrons to place wagers on a wide variety of events throughout the year.
The Suns said the legalisation of mobile sports betting “will forever change the sports and entertainment landscape in the state and opens the door for a fan engagement revolution”.
“This is a watershed moment for the Suns organisation and our fans,” said Phoenix Suns president and chief executive Jason Rowley.
“FanDuel is the perfect partner as our missions are fully aligned. Simply put, FanDuel is committed to making sports more exciting while the Suns are focused on delivering exciting sports and entertainment and engaging fans at the highest level possible.”
In addition to a full-service ticket window and self-service kiosks within the sportsbook, fans will be able to place bets throughout Phoenix Suns Arena on their mobile devices during game days and other hosted sporting events. The Suns’ partnership with Verizon has allowed Phoenix Suns Arena to be equipped with the 5G Ultra Wideband network for mobile transactions through the official FanDuel Sportsbook App.
The Suns and FanDuel will work together on a series of responsible gambling education activities to ensure Arizona fans enhance their sports experience responsibly. This includes media designed to encourage customers to gamble safely and within limits.
“As we gear up to bring our best-in-class online and retail offerings to the state of Arizona, this is a momentous time for FanDuel, the Suns, and Suns fans alike,” said Mike Raffensperger, FanDuel Group chief marketing officer.
“We’re excited to open a luxury sportsbook within Phoenix Suns Arena, as the beginning of a long-term and innovative collaboration that will have a lasting impact on the state.”
A number of retail sportsbook locations have been opened at US sports venues since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, when a federal ban on betting was lifted.
FanDuel announced plans for its first betting lounge at a major US sports stadium when it partnered with DC United in 2020.
Image: Christy Radecic
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