SaharaBets leaves Arizona market two years after launch
The Meruelo Gaming subsidiary gives players in the Grand Canyon State 30 days to settle their accounts as handle steadily declined since the turn of the year
SaharaBets is set to exit the Arizona sports betting market, just two years after first launching in the Grand Canyon State.
Players in the market have been given 30 days to settle their accounts with the sportsbook, according to an email sent to customers this week.
Accounts will be accessible for the next month, with withdrawals being processed during normal banking hours and taking one to two business days.
Bets settled as winnings in the following 30 days will be paid out, while all promotions have been discontinued with immediate effect.
The sportsbook first debuted in Arizona in 2022, partnering with NHL franchise, the Arizona Coyotes.
The Coyotes are set to relocate to Salt Lake City, Utah later this year. Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith stumped up $1.2bn to acquire the franchise from Alex Meruelo earlier this year.
In a statement to SaharaBets players, a spokesperson said: “This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the impact it may have on you as a customer. We want to express our gratitude for your support throughout the years.
“It has been a privilege serving you, and we hope that our services have enhanced your sports betting experience.”
SaharaBets had experienced declining revenues throughout 2024 in Arizona.
It reported handle of $1.5m in February 2024 with a nominal GGR after returns to players as winnings came in at $1.47m, according to figures from the Arizona Department of Gaming.
March handle fell to $1.3m with a small GGR of just $96,667. In April, the most recent month of financial performance for licensed operators, SaharaBets reported handle of just $900,737.