International Game Technology PLC (IGT) has signed a strategic sports betting agreement with Meruelo Gaming LLC, an affiliate of the Sahara Las Vegas and Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, and the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL.
Under the terms of the deal, Meruelo Gaming will leverage IGT’s trading advisory services and PlaySports technology to power its SaharaBets mobile sports betting app in Arizona, which launched earlier this week.
Alex Meruelo, Meruelo Group President & CEO, commented: “The scalable PlaySports technology, turnkey services, capabilities, and vast sports betting experience make IGT SaharaBets’ ideal sports betting growth partner in Arizona. Giving Arizona Coyotes fans the option to place pre and in-game wagers online will increase fan engagement and boost the already contagious excitement of every play on the ice.”
Joe Asher, IGT President of Sports Betting, added: “Given Alex Meruelo’s success in turning the Grand Sierra Resort into the vibrant, successful casino that it is today, and all the positive changes that he initiated with the Sahara on the Las Vegas Strip, I am excited to see what he will do in Arizona as the owner of a professional sports team with its own sportsbook.
“I’m thrilled that Alex decided to partner with IGT for the hardware, software, and trading services to make it happen.”
SaharaBets is also celebrating its sportsbook launch – which is now available with Apple and Android Apps and at az.saharabets.com – by hosting an NHL All-Star Drawing promotion.
Bettors who have downloaded the SaharaBets app and placed at least a $20 wager by January 19 are in with a chance to win one of three prize packages. The three winners will be randomly selected on January 20.
SaharaBets President Andrew Patterson stated: “It’s an exciting day for Arizona sports fans as we unveil the SaharaBets app, and what better way to celebrate our launch than by rewarding bettors with some amazing experiences and prizes.
“We are focused on creating fun and unique experiences for fans both on and off the app, and this is something we will continue to deliver on as part of our fan-driven purpose at SaharaBets.”
