Once again, the sports betting landscape in Arizona has expanded.
Desert Diamond Casinos opened retail sports betting operations at its Sahuarita and West Valley locations. It is the first phase of Desert Diamond Sportsbook operations for the casino operator. It comes as part of a partnership between the Tohono O’odham Nation and Malta-based operator Kambi Group.
Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise leaders said that the Desert Diamond Sportsbook is one of Arizona’s only locally owned sports betting operations. The goal is to reinvest profits here in Arizona.
Phase one of Desert Diamond Sportsbook launch
In August, the Tohono O’odham Nation was one of the 10 Arizona tribes to receive a sports betting license from the Arizona Department of Gaming. The tribe operates Desert Diamond Casino locations in Tucson, Sahuarita, and the West Valley.
The first phase of the sportsbook launch includes six betting kiosks at Desert Diamond Sahuarita and another eight at the Desert Diamond West Valley sportsbook. Both sites will feature food, drinks and wall-to-wall TV screens for fans to check out while betting on their favorite teams. A third sportsbook at the Tucson casino is currently under development.
Operations will continue to grow, with more kiosks and live ticket windows added at a later date. Furthermore, locals can view this as a win-win for the tribe and local community. Tohono O’odham Nation leaders, including Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise CEO Mike Bean, believe the revenue will lead to new jobs and other improvements on tribal lands.
“We are thrilled to offer a whole new level of gaming entertainment to our guests. The new Desert Diamond Sportsbook will also add more excitement to our gaming floors, where there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Tohono O’odham developing AZ sports betting app
The tribe also created Desert Diamond Mobile LLC to develop a mobile Desert Diamond sports betting app, which is currently in the works.
Customers can sign up now to ensure they don’t miss out on an initial deposit bonus. You just have to go to the Desert Diamond Casino website, enter your email, and the casino will let you know when the mobile app launches.
As it stands, nine Arizona online sportsbooks operate in the Grand Canyon State.
More changes for Desert Diamond Casinos
The launch of the new sportsbooks is the latest in a series of significant changes for Desert Diamond Casinos.
Visitors can now play at live craps, roulette, and mini-baccarat tables. Gamblers can find these additions at the West Valley, Sahuarita and Tucson properties. The Desert Diamond Tucson and West Valley casinos also feature expanded gaming areas.
The Sahuarita and Tucson locations have resumed 24/7 gaming for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the Tucson preopery is re-opening its Bingo Room.