Arizona Sports Betting

Arizona Legal Sports Betting Overview

Arizona Sports Betting Summary

Arizona legalized sports betting when Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2772 on April 15, 2021. The state's first online sportsbooks launched on September 9, 2021, just in time for the NFL season. In-person betting soon followed, with AZ's first retail sportsbook, BetMGM at the Gila River Hotels and Casino, launching on November 19, 2021.

The online-first launch was not the only intriguing aspect of Arizona's sports betting. AZ regulations differ from other state gambling laws, as ten of its potential sportsbooks can sign partnerships with local sports franchises rather than casinos.

Currently, 18 sportsbooks operate in the Grand Canyon State, licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). Arizona bettors can bet with big US operators like DraftKings and Caesars or smaller, more local bookmakers, like SaharaBets, Desert Diamond, and SuperBook Sports.

Our comprehensive guide brings you up to date with sports betting in Arizona. Read on to learn about AZ's best online sportsbooks, retail betting, bonuses, and the state's legal landscape.

Arizona Online Sportsbooks Compared

Arizonans have plenty of options when searching for the best Arizona sportsbook, and it’s all down to personal preference. We've highlighted some of the best bookmakers' key selling points to get you started:

• Best Mobile App – BetMGM

While some sportsbook apps are cluttered with options, menus, and buttons, the BetMGM app is all about clean design and a user-friendly experience. The 'Edit My Bet' feature lets you change your bets, edit your stake, and cash out early on many BetMGM wagers.

Claim your BetMGM Sportsbook promo code for Apr 2024.

• Best Welcome Bonus – DraftKings

DraftKings offers a fantastic welcome bonus for new players. It provides up to $1,000 in bonus funds. The package includes a 20% deposit match bonus, so you must deposit $5,000 to claim the full amount. It’s essential to gamble responsibly and only bet with money you can afford to lose. The offer has some pretty reasonable terms, with wagering requirements for these bonus funds at 25x. You also need to wager the funds on sports betting odds of -300 or above.

Get your DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for Apr 2024.

• Best for Competitive Odds – Caesars

All sportsbooks in Arizona offer competitive odds, but Caesars is a step above the rest. Its betting lines on major US sports are often the best you can find, especially for prop betting. Caesars also offers daily odds boosts and regular betting promotions.

Claim your Caesars Sportsbook promo code for Apr 2024.

• Best for Market Coverage – FanDuel

FanDuel is known for extensive sports market coverage with major US sports, international competitions, and minor leagues. While most sportsbooks offer similar coverage of these sports, no other operator can match FanDuel's wide variety of markets and in depth analysis.

Get your FanDuel Sportsbook promo code for Apr 2024.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – BetRivers

BetRivers is the perfect betting app for beginners looking for the quickest and most entertaining way to place bets. Powered by the renowned Kambi gambling technology platform, everything on the BetRivers sportsbook app is easy to find and use.

Claim your BetRivers Sportsbook promo code for Apr 2024.

• Best for Payout Speed – FanDuel

One of the essential factors in a good betting experience is withdrawing winnings quickly and without hassle. Payout speeds are similar throughout US sportsbooks, but FanDuel tends to speed things up. For example, Play+ withdrawals are estimated to take two to five days with most sportsbooks. With FanDuel, they take 48 hours to process.

How Does Arizona Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Even though it was a little slower than some states to join the sports wagering market, Arizona has one of the most expansive sportsbook selections in the country. Along with states like Maryland and Virginia, professional sports teams can qualify for sports betting licenses. This opens the market for many more legal sportsbooks to launch in the state. Sportsbooks cover the same range of sports and betting types as other states in the US.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

When comparing odds across the biggest sportsbook brands, prices tend to remain pretty consistent within each state. In Arizona, odds at sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM are often in line with those in other regions.

• Gambling Revenue

Since sports wagering went live in the state in August 2021, sportsbooks across the state have handled $2,306,944,233 in wagers. From this amount, sportsbook revenue stands at $200,6994,135, with an 8.7% hold. That hold is slightly above average for US states, which is surprising for a recently launched market.

There is an 8% tax on retail sportsbook wagers and a 10% tax on online bets. This is low compared to states like New Jersey (14.25%) and Pennsylvania (36%). However, it is higher than places like Iowa (6.75%) and Michigan (8.4%). Arizona's tax rates have brought in nearly $8 billion in revenue for the Grand Canyon State.

• Betting Taxes

The Federal Revenue Code dictates that 0.25% of all sportsbook’s handles must be taxed. In addition, sportsbooks are charged a $50 fee for every employee involved in taking bets.

Any winnings generated from gambling are taxable, and sportsbooks may withhold up to 25% of your winnings. You will need to fill in a W-2G form for the IRS to report your winnings. If you have won bets at more than one betting operator throughout the year, you will need to complete a separate W-2G for each. You will only be required to pay taxes on sports betting winnings if you earn more than $600 in a year.

How to Place a Bet in Arizona

Sports betting is still relatively new to many in Arizona so plenty of sports fans are embracing wagering for the first time. Follow our step-by-step guide below to sign up with an AZ sportsbook and place your first bet in minutes:

1. There are 18 different Arizona sportsbooks, so choose one that suits you and click the link on this page to be redirected to your sportsbook's website.

2. Many sportsbooks provide mobile apps you can download for Apple and Android devices. You can also download the app directly from the operator.

3. Enter your name, contact details, address, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. Create a username and password to confirm your registration.

4. Visit the sportsbook's cashier section, select a deposit method and amount, and follow the instructions to fund your betting account. You can also claim your welcome offer if it requires a deposit.

5. Find an event to wager on, use the welcome bonus to place your bets and confirm them on the bet slip.

6. If you win, revisit the cashier, and follow the steps to withdraw your winnings.

Who is Not Eligible to Bet in AZ?

To bet and download a sportsbooks app in Arizona, you must be at least 21 years old and within the state's borders. These requirements will cover most Arizona bettors. However, more specific restrictions apply to certain jobs and positions, including:

• Individuals who own a stake in a professional sports team.

• Employees of licensed sports betting providers like key staff, directors, owners, and officers.

• Individuals with authority in a position to influence players.

• Professional sports players, coaches, and athletes.

• College sports players, coaches, and athletes.

• Referees for major league, minor league, and college sports.

• Individuals employed by rule-making sports leagues (e.g., NBA, NHL).

• Directors and officers of sports teams.

• Individuals restricted from betting at a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

Latest Arizona Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Arizona

• April 1, 2022: The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) releases a report showing a record $563.7 million in handle generated in January, producing nearly $2 million in state tax revenue.

• February 15, 2022: The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) releases a list of ten operators licensed to offer limited event wagering in retail sportsbook establishments.

• January 31, 2022: Senator Sally Ann Gonzales introduces a new bill to award additional mobile betting licenses available to tribal operators, increasing the amount from 10 to 22.

• January 13, 2022: BetMGM announces it will open a retail sportsbook at State Farm Stadium in partnership with the Arizona Cardinals.

• November 19, 2021: BetMGM launches Arizona’s first retail sportsbook at the Gila River Hotels and Casino.

• September 9, 2021: Legal sports betting officially launches in Arizona with the first online sportsbook.

• July 26, 2021: The ADG finalizes the betting rules and opens a two-week license application period on the same day.

• April 15, 2021: HB 2772 and SB 1797 are signed into law by Gov. Ducey. The bills legalize retail and online sports betting, as well as Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). The law validates 20 online sports betting licenses, 10 that require sportsbooks to partner with a sports team and ten with an Indian tribal gambling operator.

• 2020: Sen. Sonny Borelli and Representative Steve Pierce introduce SB 1525, which proposes legalizing AZ sports betting by licensing the state's 24 tribal casino operators to offer sports betting through retail venues and kiosks. The bill would prohibit online and mobile sports betting in Arizona. The bill fails on its second attempt in 2020.

• 2019: Sen. Borelli, Rep. Mark Finchem, and Rep. Leo Biasiucchi introduce SB 1158. The bill would allow betting on kiosks inside bars and alcohol-serving establishments across Arizona. The bill fails to pass the committee.

• May 2018: The US Supreme Court rules the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) unconstitutional, effectively ending Nevada's near monopoly on sports betting. This paves the path for each US state to legalize its own sports betting market.

Arizona Sports Betting Background

Arizona has a long history of gambling due to its former status as a frontier state and its proximity to Nevada. The state prohibited most forms of gambling by the mid-20th century, with the Arizona State Lottery, formed in 1980, as the only form of gambling besides HHR (Historical Horse Race) terminals and Indian tribal casinos.

Recently, attitudes towards most forms of sports betting changed. Before 2021, Daily Fantasy Sports were illegal in Arizona. However, after the sports betting bill was passed, AZ launched its legal fantasy sports market on August 28, 2021.

Future of Arizona Sports Betting

Arizona's tribal nations will likely affect the future of sports betting as tribes that were excluded from receiving operating licenses appeal. The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe filed a motion against Gov. Ducey and ADG Director Ted Vogt. In February 2022, Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales stated she is in discussions with other state legislators and the tribes to advance her bill to grant more tribal licenses. This pressure may yield more licenses and see additional sportsbooks entering the state.

Arizona may see more retail sportsbooks launching soon. Notably, BetMGM released plans to open a 17,000 square-foot retail sportsbook at Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium. Additional plans include a Caesars sportsbook next to Arizona Diamondbacks' Chase Field, a FanDuel sportsbook in Phoenix Suns' Floorprint Center, and a DraftKings sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale.

Arizona Sports Betting Locations

There are ten casinos with ADG licenses to partner with sportsbooks and provide retail sports betting. The first retail sportsbook at a casino launched in November 2021.

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino

• Address: 15406 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, AZ 85139

• Website: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin/

• Phone Number: (480) 802-5000

• Operator: Caesars

In December 2021, Caesars opened a retail betting venue in Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino, which is owned by the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Betting windows are open from 8am-10pm Sunday to Thursday, and until 11pm on the weekend. Betting kiosks are open 24/7. You can place bets on various markets, including basketball, baseball, football, ice hockey, soccer, auto racing, and boxing. In addition to sports betting, it offers table games, slot machines, video poker, video keno, and statewide progressive blackjack.

Mazatzal Hotel and Casino

• Address: Highway 87 Mile Marker 251, Payson, AZ 85541

• Website: https://www.mazatzalcasino.com/

• Phone Number: (928) 474-6044

• Operator: TwinSpires

TwinSpires opened a retail sportsbook in September 2021 at Mazatzal Hotel and Casino in partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe. The sportsbook offers betting terminals and retail counters, sporting events shown on giant screens, and reward points collected and redeemed at both TwinSpires and the casino's Mountain Money Players Club. Bettors can also use state-of-the-art features like the 'Bet Builder' portal available on the kiosks with stats and odds updated in real-time.

Gila River Hotel and Casino at Vee Quiva

• Address: 15091 S. Komatke Lane, Laveen Village, AZ 85339

• Website: https://playatgila.com/

• Phone Number: (800) 946-4452

• Operator: BetMGM

The BetMGM retail sportsbook at Vee Quiva opened in November 2021 to become Arizona's first retail betting venue. The sportsbook boasts 25 huge-screen displays, a massive media wall presenting sporting events, odds and scores, and seating for 100 bettors. There are also 20 betting kiosks in the venue, which is owned by the Gila River Indian Community, and ticket writers that assist guests in placing bets. The sportsbook is open from 8am-10pm on weekdays and until 11pm on weekends.

Other Arizona Land-Based Casinos

Arizona Lottery Locations

The Arizona State Lottery has not signed any partnerships with sportsbooks to date. Therefore, you cannot place sports wagers with AZ lottery retailers. AZ lawmakers are discussing further changes to sportsbook regulations, but there is no indication this type of partnership is on the agenda.

Off-Track Betting and Stadium Betting Locations

Arizona sportsbooks can sign partnerships with sports franchises and venues, so retail sportsbooks will be launching at the stadiums of several major league franchises. This makes the Grand Canyon State one of the best for stadium wagering.

Bettors in Arizona have been wagering on pari-mutuel horse and greyhound races since 1935. Three racetracks offer horse racing in Arizona. There are 55 off-track betting (OTB) locations across the state, regulated by the Arizona Racing Commission. Wagers placed on these facilities are treated the same as those taken on the racetracks.

Teams to Bet on in Arizona

• Pro Sports

Arizona Cardinals: The NFL team moved to the state in 1988 and has made one Super Bowl appearance, coming in 2008. The Cardinals play home games at State Farm Stadium and partner with BetMGM Sportsbook.

Phoenix Suns: Founded in 1968, the Phoenix Suns are Arizona's longest-standing major sports franchise. The Suns were contenders for the NBA Championship with Charles Barkley in the 1990s, with Steve Nash in the 2000s, and reached the NBA Finals in 2021, but have never won the title. The team partnered with FanDuel in 2021.

Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks are the newest team on the block, joining MLB in 1998. Despite being the youngest pro team in Arizona, the Diamondbacks won the World Series crown in 2001.

Arizona Coyotes: Despite leadership from coach, part-owner, and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, the Coyotes have had just one division title since moving to the state in 1996. The Coyotes recently launched a sports betting platform, partnering with SaharaBets in January 2022.

• College Sports

Arizona State Sun Devils: Arizona State University's basketball program plays home games at the Desert Financial Arena and has produced over thirty NBA players, including legendary Philadelphia 76ers player James Harden. The Sun Devil's football program has secured 17 conference titles, made 32 Bowl appearances, and play their home games at the Sun Devils Stadium.

Arizona Wildcats: The Wildcats men's basketball team is widely considered Arizona's crowning jewel, winning the NCAA tournament in 1997. The Wildcats football team has competed in 21 Bowl games and produced six conference titles, receiving massive support from 50,000 spectators at the University of Arizona’s Arizona Stadium.

Grand Canyon Antelopes: There are 21 different varsity teams at Grand Canyon University, including beach volleyball, soccer, and basketball.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks: The Lumberjacks have come to prominence in men's cross country recently, winning five NCAA team championships for Northern Arizona University since 2016.

• Women's Sports

Arizona Outkast: The Arizona Outkast is a women's full-contact football team that competes in the Women's Football Alliance. The team's home field is Moon Valley High School.

Phoenix Mercury: Founded in 1997, the Phoenix Mercury is one of the original eight franchises in the WNBA. The team play in the Western Conference and finished 4th overall in 2021.

Arizona Responsible Gambling Resources

• Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling – Promotes awareness and education about problem gambling and provides support to struggling gamblers and their relatives. It offers a confidential peer support helpline. (800) 777-7207

• Arizona Tribal/State Funded Out-Patient Treatment – Subsidizes treatment for individuals struggling with problem gambling and those affected by it, including friends, family, and employers. Individuals can seek treatment with any of the state's registered counselors or call the helpline. (800) 6398-7837

• International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems – Provides research and support in identifying and understanding critical factors in youth problem gambling. It also provides problem gambling support to adults.

Arizona legislation requires all sportsbooks licensed by the ADG to provide resources and support for those struggling with problem gambling. Like many states in the US, this includes access to Arizona's self-exclusion program, which allows bettors to prohibit themselves from accessing betting content across the state. Sportsbooks are expected to provide account tools like deposit limits, wager limits, cool-offs, session limits, and loss limits. Operators also provide links to external support organizations like those listed above.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Gaming oversees sports betting in Arizona. The ADG is split into four smaller departments: Tribal Gaming, Racing, Boxing & MMA, and Problem Gambling. The ADG regulates all types of wagering within these departments, including tribal gaming, racing and pari-mutuel betting, event wagering, daily fantasy sports contests, and unarmed combat sports.

Indian tribes fund the Gaming Division as part of the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. These compacts exist between the state and 22 Arizonan tribes. A percentage of the money is given to the Instructional Improvement Fund, the Trauma and Emergency Services Fund, the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund, the Tourism Fund Account, and funding programs to treat and prevent problem gambling.

Financing for the Racing Division comes from regulatory wagering and advanced deposit wagering assessments, licensing fees, and dark day assessments. The budget is used to regulate and enforce the Boxing & MMA division, regulate horse racing, enforce racing statutes and rules, protect the welfare of all race competitors, and the administration of other Racing Division programs.