Casino Player July 2022

PLAYING THE BOOKS

LEGALIZATION WATCH

KANSAS HOPES TO SPEED UP SPORTS BETTING DATE A s noted last month, sports betting legislation was recently signed into law in Kansas.The law officially goes into effect July 1 and Gov. Laura Kelly (D) is optimistic wagering can get underway by the time football season kicks off. Several online operators, tribal properties and other casinos have expressed intentions to get on the sports betting bandwagon. Under the legislation, regulators must set up rules and regulations so operators can launch by Jan. 1.Kelly is hoping the state can trim that timeline, however. She believes some of the tax money coming in from the industry could help financially. “We’re not going to be balancing the budget on the revenues coming in from sports betting, but every little bit helps,”Kelly told the Kansas Reflector .“It allows us to do things like fully fund our schools, fully fund our roads and expand broadband.” Legalized U.S. jurisdictions now total 35 (including states,Washington,D.C, and the territory of Puerto Rico). Arizona,Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,Maryland, Michigan,Mississippi,Montana, Louisiana,New Hampshire,New Jersey,New Mexico,NewYork, Nevada,North Carolina,Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee,Virginia,Washington,Washington,D.C., West Virginia,Wisconsin,Wyoming. States that have legalized, but have yet to launch (4) Kansas,Nebraska,Ohio,Maine. States awaiting legal resolution (1) Florida (Seminole lawsuit has put a stop to sports betting as of Nov. 22) States with live, legal betting (31 with D.C. and Puerto Rico)

C aesars Entertainment, Inc., in partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks, announced that Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field officially opened on June 21. The two-story, 22,300-square-foot entertainment destination is located adjacent to Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix and is now the largest freestanding sportsbook inArizona and the largest retail sportsbook to open in partnership with a major sports stadium nationwide. This new, first-class sportsbook and full-service restaurant combo is unlike any opened to date.The venue features a total of nine betting windows and 13 self-service betting kiosks as well as wall-to-wall flatscreen televisions, breathtaking patio space, along with table and plush lounge-style seating on both floors with a total capacity of more than 425. It also features Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar. An opening event was held on June 21 featuring remarks from Caesars and D backs representatives, a first-bite sampling of menu items and ceremonial first bets, as well as a donation of $20,000 by Caesars to theArizona Diamondbacks Foundation. “We’re extremely proud to bring Caesars Sportsbook and Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar to Chase Field and Downtown Phoenix,”said Eric Hession,co-president of Caesars Digital.“This destination provides sports bettors and non-sports bettors, locals and visitors alike,with an experience they can’t find anywhere else.” “What an incredible day for our fans, sports enthusiasts, guests and especially for our organization,” said D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall.“We are proud to part ner with Caesars Entertainment and Guy Fieri, to bring a year-round first-class sports book, restaurant and event space to downtown Phoenix. Everything about this dynamic venue, from the food to the design to the service, has been meticulously planned for an unmatched guest experience.” The opening of Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar at Caesars Sportsbook marks the celebrity chef’s first-ever full-service restaurant inArizona.Designed in partnership with Fieri and led locally by Executive Chef Kayla Laasko,who brings experience from The Barking Bodega, Desert Diamond Casino and the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar offers scratch-made food, signature and classic cocktails, and an extensive beer and wine menu. From left: CEO and President of the Arizona Diamondbacks Derrick Hall, Caesars Sportsbook Senior VP of Retail Operations David Grolman, Caesars Sportsbook Brand Ambassador Kenny Mayne, Co-President Eric Hession and Head of Sports Ken Fuchs, celebrate the grand opening of Caesars Sportsbook and Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar at Chase Field, Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field Now Open with Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and senior writer for Casino Player and Strictly Slots magazines. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions or email him at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net for story assignments.

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