Sports betting is scheduled to become legal in Arizona on Sept. 9, but a lawsuit from the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe could stop the legislation from taking effect.
The tribe believes the law conflicts with the state constitution.
HB 2772, signed by Gov. Doug Ducey in April, grants 20 sports betting licenses for Arizona entities — 10 for professional sports teams and 10 for tribal partners.
Arizona has 22 federally recognized tribes, and 16 applied for licenses.
Attorneys claim the law violates Arizona's Voter Protection Act, because it permits nontribal gaming operators to engage in gambling off Indian lands.
The lawsuit also asserts that allowing sports franchisees to compete with tribes would reduce potential income, hampering tribes’ government operations.
The tribe seeks a temporary restraining order, and eventually a permanent injunction, against the law.
