Arizona

Betfred Sports Accelerates U.S. Growth with new Arizona Retail Betting Kiosks

Published

4 years ago

November 24, 2021

Betfred Sports has officially opened eight new self-service betting kiosks at the We-Ko-Pa Casino in Arizona, powered by OpenBet’s retail technology and solutions that signals the leading sports betting provider’s commanding position in the newly-regulated state.

In April 2021, sports betting was legalized in Arizona and the regulated market officially opened in September, with OpenBet among the first to provide sports betting solutions to operators within the state. Its leading technology is already live with a host of online operators in Arizona, along with pricing solutions powered by Don Best Sports and SportCast’s game-changing products.

Four of OpenBet’s self-serving kiosks are located throughout the casino floor, with the remaining machines found in the casino’s sports-themed casual dining outlet, delivering an exciting new form of sports betting entertainment to the casino’s customers.

OpenBet will deliver more of its technology and solutions when the complete Betfred Sportsbook situated in Fort McDowell opens early next year.

The initial launch marks another important milestone in OpenBet’s partnership with Betfred to deliver its retail solutions to the operator in the US and follows similar launches across Colorado, Louisiana and Pennsylvania.

Cathryn Lai, Chief Commercial Officer at OpenBet, said: “Extending our presence in Arizona so soon after the market opened is an exciting development for us. We’re proud to partner with Betfred Sports in yet another U.S. state and bring even more safe and responsible sports betting experiences to players. This latest launch epitomizes our ability to facilitate products for all kinds of operators thanks to our modular portfolio that caters all demands.”

Bryan Bennett, COO at Betfred Sports, said: “OpenBet remains our partner of choice as we increase our foothold within the U.S. sports betting market. The company’s technology and retail solutions meet our specific requirements to deliver a scalable, reliable and compliant platform. We’re delighted to have opened these betting kiosks and look forward to working alongside OpenBet and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation over the coming months to launch our complete sportsbook at the casino.”

ADG

Arizona Department of Gaming Names Juan Carlos Estrada as Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Executive Director

Published

6 days ago

January 22, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

arizona-department-of-gaming-names-juan-carlos-estrada-as-boxing-and-mixed-martial-arts-executive-director

Two decades of agency experience inform Executive Director’s new post

The Arizona Department of Gaming (Department) announced that it has appointed Juan Carlos Estrada as Executive Director, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (BMMA). A long time employee of the Department with roles spanning regulation and operations, including for high-profile boxing and mixed martial arts events and activities, Estrada will now serve as Executive Director of BMMA and will also continue to hold the position of Assistant Director of BMMA and Racing.

The Department’s Division of Boxing and MMA supports the Arizona State Boxing and MMA Commission in its regulation of unarmed combat sporting events taking place in Arizona, including licensing fighters, referees, judges, inspectors, and physicians. The Commission licensed over 1,027 fighters, promoters, and event officials in Fiscal Year 2025, while overseeing 28 events, including nine events that were also televised worldwide.

“Over the past decade, Juan Carlos Estrada has served in various capacities regulating the unarmed combat sports industry in Arizona supervising hundreds of boxing, mixed martial arts and muay thai events,” said Jackie Johnson, Director, Arizona Department of Gaming. “He has earned a reputation for a balanced and transparent approach as a state regulator, and I’m thrilled to congratulate him on this milestone.”

With past roles since 2004 including Investigator, Racing Steward, and Employee Certification Unit Supervisor, Estrada has continued to work collaboratively and across divisions to promote fair and effective regulation. In the Executive Director position, he will serve as the direct liaison between the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission and the Department, and will lead all responsibilities and initiatives with respect to unarmed combat sports – ensuring the health and safety of participants and enforcing applicable laws and rules.

“I’m humbled to accept my appointment as the Executive Director of Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts,” said Estrada. “I want to sincerely thank the promoters, athletes, officials, and my colleagues for the trust and confidence they have given me over the years. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the public while ensuring that contests are safe, fair, and regulated.”

A Native Arizonan, Estrada has given back to his community by volunteering for the City of Phoenix Police and Fire departments while continuing his leadership at the Department and attaining professional development in the industry. His experience includes working with organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), King of the Cage, Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), and numerous regional and local promotions.

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Arizona

Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

January 8, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

arizona-department-of-gaming-reports-$44.9-million-in-tribal-gaming-contributions-for-the-second-quarter-of-fiscal-year-2026

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced today $44,891,270 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This represents an approximate 5.6 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2025.

“The financial support that tribal gaming provides the state of Arizona continues to power local and statewide needs that are vital to healthy and safe communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “With nearly $45 million in tribal gaming contributions in the most recent period, the Department is proud to ensure the continuation of important revenue streams that positively impact Arizonans.”

The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88 percent of tribal gaming contributions, providing significant dollars to support instructional improvement for schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism, and wildlife conservation throughout the state. If interested in viewing the cumulative tribal gaming contributions by year, please visit our reports webpage: gaming.az.gov/resources/reports.

Tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of the State’s FY 2026 are as follows:

Instructional Improvement Fund/Education………………………………………………..$22,373,810

Trauma and Emergency Services Fund………………………………………………………..$11,186,905

Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs………………………………………….$4,040,214

Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund……………………………………………………………$3,196,258

Tourism Fund…………………………………………………………………………………………..$3,196,258

Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention……………………………..$897,825

Total: Tribal Gaming Contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund……………………..$44,891,270

Per the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, the remaining 12 percent is distributed by the tribes to the cities, towns, and counties of their choosing for community services and public safety programs for local governments. Since FY 2004, cumulative contributions have totaled approximately $2.5 billion, benefitting both the state and its cities, towns, and counties.

Currently, there are 26 Class III casinos in Arizona, which ADG regulates in partnership with Arizona tribes. For more information, view our tribal gaming webpage: gaming.az.gov/tribal-gaming-page.

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Arizona

Arizona Department of Gaming Releases October Sports Betting Figures

Published

3 weeks ago

January 7, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

arizona-department-of-gaming-releases-october-sports-betting-figures

Bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $967 million* on sports and events in October of 2025, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Gaming. This represents an approximate 22.2 percent increase when compared to October of 2024.

The state collected approximately $5.2 million in privilege fees in the month of October. You can view the full report on the ADG website: LINK.

Fiscal year-to-date regulated event wagering and fantasy sports privilege fees in Arizona has totaled $20.7 million, including $20.2 million in event wagering and $462,576 in fantasy sports.

* Disclaimer: These numbers are self-reported by the operators; as such, these numbers are subject to adjustments after audit and review by the Arizona Department of Gaming (“Department”). The Department makes no assurances regarding the accuracy of these numbers.

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