Arizona sports betting quickly went from a proposed bill with little movement to a new law with expansive tribal support. As a result, Arizona launched its first online sportsbooks Sept. 9, 2021. Retail sportsbooks have opened as well at the state’s tribal casinos and sporting venues. There are a grand total of 20 licenses available, split evenly between commercial and tribal entities, with each license holder able to operate two online skins and one retail site.
Arizona Online Gambling
Latest news on AZ online gaming, sports betting, lottery and casino
2023 was a big one for online gambling in Arizona, and 2024 is shaping up to be an interesting one as well.
Today there are 16 online sportsbooks in the state, joining the many other legal gambling options in Arizona. We don’t know if and when Arizona online casino gaming will be legalized, but as developments occur, you can count on finding the latest here. PlayAZ covers all the state’s gaming news from, well, A to Z.
Top Arizona gambling apps in 2024
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Arizona gambling options
Tribal Casinos
There are 25 tribal casinos scattered throughout Arizona. While there are 22 federally recognized tribes in the state, not all of them operate a casino. Currently, there are 16 tribes operating casinos and the properties run the gamut from small slots parlors to complete casino resorts. The Arizona Department of Gaming along with the tribal gaming authorities provide oversight of gambling activities at the tribal casinos.
Arizona Lottery
Founded in 1980, the Arizona Lottery has been a major part of state gambling for decades. The lotto offers the multi-state draw gams Mega Millions and Powerball. Additionally, the state has five statewide draw games, including Fantasy 5 and The Pick. If scratch-offs are more your thing, there are plenty of those to choose from as well at lottery retailers like grocery stores and gas stations.
Social & Sweepstakes Sites
There is currently no momentum to legalize Arizona online casinos or online poker sites along with sports betting. However, that does not mean there are no options for Arizona residents looking to play online. Social and sweepstakes sites like Pulsz, Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots and Funzpoints offer a variety of casino games, and Global Poker features poker. All are legal options that allow Arizonans to play their favorite games online.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Prior to 2021, daily fantasy sports (DFS) were expressly illegal in the state of Arizona. But when the sports betting bill passed, it opened the door for DFS sites to come to the state. Not only did the state get FanDuel and DraftKings sports betting apps, sports fans also have DFS access as well. Arizona officially launched DFS on Aug. 28, 2021.
Horse Racing
There are three permanent horse racing tracks in Arizona: Turf Paradise, Rialto Park and Arizona Downs. Additionally, county fairs will often run sanctioned races. There are also around 50 off-track betting parlors throughout the state. What the state does not have is horse betting apps, as they are not legal in Arizona.
AZ gambling FAQ
Each licensed operator features the Arizona Department of Gaming logo on the site or app. The ADG reviewed the operator’s licensing application and did background checks and testing of internal controls. Legal sportsbooks are required to do an identity check when you sign up. You must submit personal information, including your date of birth and Social Security Number. Another tip is to look at reviews. Here at PlayAZ, we only feature legal sportsbooks.
Yes, just in time for the 2022 NFL season, retail sports betting is available at the brand new BetMGM Sportsbook at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals. State Farm Stadium will host Super Bowl LVII in Feb. 2023, which means it will be the first stadium with a retail sportsbook ever to host a Super Bowl. Other professional sports venues in Arizona are eligible to host retail sportsbooks as well, including TPC Scottsdale Golf Course.
No. The commercial interest in sports betting was underestimated. There are 24 Arizona casinos in the state that are operated by 16 separate tribes. However, only 10 mobile licenses were available to the tribes, so some tribal casinos are going without and others have chosen not to add sports betting. Since 16 tribes applied, the Arizona Department of Gaming had to choose when 10 tribes would get the sports betting licenses.
Yes. Prior to 2021, daily fantasy sports sites were expressly illegal in the state of Arizona. Now, as part of the sports betting legislation, DFS sites are legal and available for play in the state. On Aug. 28, 2021, the top DFS contests opened their virtual doors. The following sites are approved for play in Arizona: DraftKings, FanDuel, FFPC, Yahoo, Fantasy Sports Shark and Underdog Sports.
Resources
You are welcome to gamble in Arizona by visiting a retail casino, betting on horses at the track or playing the lottery. You can also bet on sports either at retail locations or by using betting apps regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Once you download and install a sports betting app in Arizona, you’ll need to register. Look for a button that says “Join Now” or “Sign Up.” The app will ask you to provide some personal information that is required by state regulations:
- Name
- Address
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
Nearly all gambling winnings are subject to both federal and state income tax. In some cases, money may be withheld from your winnings for taxes. Currently the IRS has a withholding rate of 24% for gambling winnings of $5,000 or more. There is no Arizona law requiring casinos and/or the lottery to withhold additional taxes from your winnings for the state. Whether or not money is withheld from your gambling winnings, you are still obligated to pay tax on them.
One of the primary places to start looking for resources for people affected by problem gambling is the Arizona Department of Gaming’s Division of Problem Gambling. Arizona residents pay for these services with their tax dollars, so it’s free to access. In addition to the information on the website, Arizonans can call (800) 639-8783 or text “NEXT-STEP” to 53342. The department also provides presentations for other groups on the subject.