Hard Rock Digital has teamed up with the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) and will soon be launching a mobile sportsbook app in Arizona.
The largest and most populous federally-recognized Native American Nation territory in the US, the Navajo Nation’s trust lands cover 27,000 square miles and boast membership of more than 400,000.
Although no official launch date has been given, the operator’s Twitter account reveals it is “coming soon to Arizona”.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the NNGE to provide Arizona sports bettors with a fun and engaging gameday experience through the Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app,” said Hard Rock Digital CEO and Executive Managing Director Marlon Goldstein.
“The Hard Rock brand is known worldwide for legendary hospitality and entertainment, and we’re excited to deliver those experiences to Arizonans digitally with unrivaled mobile sports betting.”
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Additional Terms Apply.
- Quality welcome offer
- Some of the best promos
- Variety of betting markets
Partnership Promises Unique Offerings
The NNGE is naturally equally enthusiastic about the prospect. “Mobile sports and event wagering is an important new offering that we’re excited to introduce,” said interim CEO Brian Parrish.
“The Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile sports wagering platform and our brick-and-mortar operations will offer a broad range of wagers, marketing promotions, and cross-marketing offers that will be unique to the Navajo and Hard Rock brands.”
Quincy Natay, Board Chairman for the NNGE, highlighted its economic credentials. “The NNGE has proven its ability to create new jobs, develop innovative, high-quality facilities and products, as well as build utility infrastructure that also supports other businesses and residential areas on the Navajo Nation,” Natay said.
“Joining forces with Hard Rock Digital fits well with our strategic plan and additions to our existing offerings.”
Natay also acknowledged the 24th Navajo Nation Council and the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President — stressing that the NNGE could not continue to thrive without their support.
AZ Sports Betting Market Off to Strong Start
The Arizona betting landscape is still very much in its infancy. However, if its early days are anything to go by, it looks like the state has a very bright future.
The state’s retail and online sportsbooks had a $777 million handle in the first two months of business, generating $68 million in total revenue during September and October 2021.
That figure doesn’t account for more than $57 million given away in free bets as operators battled for customers, but it still left $10.7 million in profits and more than $1 million in tax revenue.
Hard Rock and the NNGE will have their work cut out for them — entering a market that already comprises nine sportsbook operators, the most recent being SaharaBets. The Meruelo Gaming-owned operator launched on January 12, in partnership with the state’s NHL franchise, the Arizona Coyotes.
The Hard Rock sportsbook in Arizona will likely face stiff competition from more established names, such as DraftKings Sports, FanDuel, BetMGM Sports, and Caesars Sportsbook. The four big guns currently control the vast majority of the marketplace.
Nevertheless, news of the imminent launch in AZ is a great fillip for Hard Rock and will go some way to making up for November’s court ruling in Florida, which led to the suspension of its sportsbook there.
