SaharaBets to roll out online sportsbook with Arizona Coyotes
Nevada-based operator and NHL team to debut sports betting app on January 12
The new and burgeoning Arizona sports betting market is about to have another operator entering the fray, as SaharaBets is set to roll out its online sports betting platform in concert with its partner, the Arizona Coyotes.
SaharaBets, an affiliate of the SAHARA Las Vegas and part of Meruelo Gaming LLC, will be available for download beginning January 12.
It will mark the operator’s first foray outside of Nevada as it joins the likes of FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM as part of an Arizona market that’s grown rapidly since sports betting launched on September 9.
“SaharaBets brings the excitement and reputation of the iconic SAHARA Las Vegas to sports fans here in Arizona,” said SaharaBets president Andrew Patterson. “As the sports betting landscape continues to evolve in the Valley, SaharaBets looks forward to collaborating with the Coyotes organization to engage and interact with sports fans in fun and unique ways.”
The Coyotes were awarded one of 20 available sports betting licenses by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG), which split the licenses between the state’s tribes and professional sports organizations.
The Coyotes, via SaharaBets, will join the Suns (FanDuel), D-backs (Caesars), Cardinals (BetMGM), TPC Scottsdale (DraftKings), Phoenix Raceway (Barstool Sportsbook), and Arizona Rattlers (BetRivers) as pro sports organizations operating sportsbooks in concert with online gaming partners.
“The Coyotes are dedicated to providing innovative and entertaining experiences for our great fans,” said Coyotes president and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez. “Our partnership with SaharaBets will offer next-level gaming experiences for fans who want to unleash their competitive spirit.”
Arizona has proven to be fertile ground for operators and their partners, with the state totaling $291.2m in handle in September – the best debut month of any US state by a significant margin. It followed that up with $486.1m in bets in October.