Friday, September 18, 2026

BetMGM, Cardinals Plan NFL’s First In-Stadium Sportsbook

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

A week after the Chicago Cubs received approval to build a sportsbook with DraftKings next to Wrigley Field, another groundbreaking betting property was announced — this time at an NFL stadium.

BetMGM, the Arizona Cardinals, and Gila River Hotels and Casinos revealed plans on Monday that include opening a retail sportsbook at State Farm Stadium in time for the 2022-23 season.

This venture would mark the first in-stadium sportsbook in the NFL, adding to a number of other similar efforts recently announced.

  • The Phoenix Suns shared plans to open an arena sportsbook with FanDuel in April.
  • Capital One Arena — home to Washington’s Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics — opened a William Hill sportsbook in May.
  • BetMGM partnered with the Washington Nationals in June and plan to open a sportsbook at their ballpark.

The Cardinals’ deal is the first to include both a tribal operator and a team. Gila River also has naming rights to the Arizona Coyotes’ NHL arena and sponsors the Diamondbacks, Suns, Mercury, and Arizona State University.

Ark Invest estimates the U.S. betting market will grow from $9.5 billion to $37 billion by 2025.

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