The new state gaming compacts approved by the federal government this week allow the Arizona Lottery to begin offering a Keno game to certain businesses.

However, lottery spokesperson John Gilland says the game won’t be able to get off the ground right away.

“We’re developing Keno, and an objective licensing process for prospective retailers, but it will take some months in order to do that. And, beyond that, it’s gonna take quite a while just to develop a player infrastructure, the machines, the software to run them,” said Gilland.

Gilland says those interested in playing may have to wait beyond 2021 for the systems to be put in place. 

Only certain businesses and charitable organizations will be able to sell Keno, unlike the Arizona Lottery.