Circa Sports granted event wagering operator license in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has allocated an event wagering operator license to Circa Sports – in partnership with the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe – allowing the operator to offer sports betting across the state. 

Circa Sports and the ADG will also collaborate to determine the next steps for operational launch, as the license is still pursuant to the state’s Revised Statutes and Administrative Code. 

On June 26 and running through July 10, the ADG opened an application window for event wagering licenses, which included no less than one event wagering license reserved for Arizona Tribes and no less than one event wagering license reserved for sports franchises.

“Applicants for limited event wagering operator licenses will undergo a thorough licensing evaluation process structured to ensure consumer protection,” Arizona Department of Certification and Licensing Assistant Director Cliff Holden said at the time of announcement.  

“We look forward to receiving new applications for limited event wagering within the state of Arizona.”

The ADG confirmed 10 licenses will be issued at 10 specific locations, although it remains to be seen if prediction market operators such as Kalshi and Polymarket look to apply for a limited event wagering license.

Since sports betting and event wagering was legalized in 2021, Arizona residents have generated approximately $35.3bn in total handle, as well as $190.6m in event wagering privilege fees. 

In July, however, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes introduced a new internal policy which prohibits event wagering or prediction market engagement on elections, described as a “proactive measure” to protect voters and State Department personnel.

The new policy bans event wagering or prediction market engagement on elections and any related events, part of an effort to “promote election integrity, fairness and public confidence.”