Arizona Coyotes announce sports betting partnership with SaharaBets

The Arizona Coyotes and owner Alex Meruelo’s group, Meruelo Gaming LLC, have agreed to partner for the launch of Arizona’s newest digital sports gaming platform called SaharaBets, first reported Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

The betting app is set to launch on Jan. 12.

“The Coyotes are dedicated to providing innovative and entertaining experiences for our great fans,” Coyotes president and CEO Xavier Gutierrez said in a release of the official announcement. “Our partnership with SaharaBets will offer next-level gaming experiences for fans who want to unleash their competitive spirit.”

Meruelo Gaming LLC is an affiliate of the SAHARA Las Vegas and Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev. Those resorts are owned by Meruelo, who purchased a majority share of the Coyotes in 2019.

The Coyotes follow the Valley’s other major professional sports teams in finding a sports betting partner after sportsbooks were legalized in September.

In April, DraftKings announced that it will partner with the PGA Tour to open a sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale, the home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Soon after, FanDuel announced just after Gov. Doug Ducey’s signing to legalize sports betting that it would open a year-round retail sportsbook at then-Phoenix Suns Arena, which has since rebranded as Footprint Center.

The Arizona Diamondbacks partnered with Caesar’s to open a sportsbook just outside of Chase Field in May.

In June, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and Bally’s Corporation announced a 15-year partnership. It was the first gaming access contract with a professional women’s sports team, according to a press release.

The Arizona Cardinals agreed to a contract with BetMGM in August to develop a sportsbook at State Farm Stadium by the start of the 2022 NFL season.

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