When the NFL embraces something that drives revenue, they go all in, regardless of how much disdain they may have had for that same thing in the past.
For decades, the thought of gambling being associated with professional sports and NFL games seemed as likely as ballerinas becoming offensive linemen. It was beyond being far-fetched.
Fast-forward to 2022, and the dollar signs are just too enticing to pass up. To illustrate the synergy between the NFL and sports betting, the Arizona Cardinals and BetMGM made history by opening the first retail sportsbook at an NFL stadium. It’s the sixth sportsbook at a pro sports venue to open in America and the third in Phoenix.
The Arizona connection is symbolic because the Super Bowl will be played there in February.
Here’s what Ted Vogt, the Arizona Department of Gaming Director, told Sports Handle.
“The opening of a BetMGM sportsbook at the State Farm Stadium is a historic development for Arizona sports betting. In addition to new sports betting opportunities for fans throughout the season, next February, Arizona will be the first state to host a Super Bowl with legal sports betting.”
It officially opens to the public on Sunday when the Cardinals host the Chiefs, and fans will be able to place bets as easily as buying a hot dog.
The venue is big, 17,000 square feet, with a vast 265-foot video wall, 38 televisions, and 25-plus betting kiosks. 500 people can be inside at a time, placing bets and watching how they are doing in real time.
FanDuel and Caesars Sportsbook also run retail locations at pro sports venues in Arizona.
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