Turf Paradise could get betting-app license under new bill

A bill in the Arizona legislature could allow Turf Paradise to obtain a sports-wagering license, an opportunity that was denied by the state’s Department of Gaming two-plus years ago.

BetArizona.com reported that the bill would change a statute regarding what constitutes a sports facility in the eyes of the Arizona Department of Gaming. It would include in the statute, “one location that hosted racing meetings in 2023 in a county with a population of more than four million persons.”

That description applies only to Turf Paradise.

The ADG was authorized to approve 10 sports licenses in 2021. In August of that year, the department ruled that Turf Paradise did not meet its standard for a professional sports team, according to the report. The track appealed the decision through state courts, but its challenge was unsuccessful.

The ADG announced last month that it would take applications for two pro sports licenses and one tribal license, according to the report. Applications must be submitted by March 3.

The bill was introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives by Republican David Cook.

“Horse racing is the oldest sport in AZ,” Cook told BetArizona in an email. “There is already parimutuel betting on site and from other tracks and races by racing signal. This bill is to statutorily allow horse racing to be eligible to receive (a license) in the future — there is no need for them to apply under current law.”