Contents
Arizona Legal Sports Betting Overview
AZ Sports Betting Law Details | Status |
---|---|
📆 Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: | November 18, 2021 |
📆 Online Sports Betting Launch Date: | September 9, 2021 |
✅ Licensed Sportsbooks: | Bally Bet, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Betfred, BetRivers, Betway, Caesars, Desert Diamond, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fubo, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Sportsbook, SaharaBets, SuperBook Sports, TwinSpires, Unibet, WynnBET |
💵 Legal Wagering Options: | Live bets, moneylines, parlays, point spreads, props, teasers, totals |
🔞 Legal Gambling Age in AZ: | 21+ |
🏈 Sports to Bet On: | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, MLS, MMA, boxing, eSports, minor league baseball, motorsports, golf, European soccer, Olympics |
🏦 Permitted Banking Options: | Mastercard, PayNearMe, PayPal, Play+, Skrill, Visa, Automated Clearing House (ACH), online banking, casino cage cashier |
⚖️ Arizona Gambling Regulator: | Arizona Department of Gaming |
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.
The Phoenix Suns are the oldest major league team in Arizona [Joe Camporeale – USA TODAY Sports]
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 Oct 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 Oct 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 Oct 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 Oct 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 Oct 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.
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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.
The Arizona Cardinals play their home games at State Farm Stadium [Joe Rondone – USA TODAY Network]
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:
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.
Many sportsbooks provide mobile apps you can download for Apple and Android devices. You can also download the app directly from the operator.
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.
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.
Find an event to wager on, use the welcome bonus to place your bets and confirm them on the bet slip.
If you win, revisit the cashier, and follow the steps to withdraw your winnings.
Banking Methods Available in Arizona
Every Arizona sportsbook has a dedicated cashier section in which you choose the banking method to deposit funds to your account and withdraw winnings. The most common options are Visa and Mastercard. However, some banks will block gambling transactions on cards. Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers are also available with many sportsbooks, and prepaid cards like Play+ allow you to top up money in retail locations and then use it on sportsbooks. You can buy a PayNearMe card at 7-Eleven and CVS stores or use e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. Visit a land-based sportsbook partner to make retail deposits and withdrawals.
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.
The Arizona Diamondbacks finished fourth in the NL West in 2022 [Benny Sieu – USA TODAY Sports]
Latest Arizona Sports Betting Updates
Current Sports Betting Status in Arizona
Arizona sports betting has been legal since being signed into law in April 2021 and then the subsequent market launch in September 2021. Currently, Arizona has 18 licensed online sportsbooks and several retail betting venues, operating in partnerships with Indian tribal operators and sports teams. You can bet on a variety of sports, including college sports. However, you can't place prop bets on college games. eSports betting is also legal.
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.
The Arizona Coyotes are the oldest NHL franchise to have never played in the Stanley Cup Finals. [Candice Ward – USA TODAY Sports]
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.
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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
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
Location | Address | Phone Number | Operator |
---|---|---|---|
Apache Gold Casino and Resort | 777 Geronimo Springs Boulevard, San Carlos, AZ 85550 | (877) 272-2433 | WynnBET |
Desert Diamond (Sahuarita) | 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 | (866) 332-9467 | Desert Diamond |
Desert Diamond (Tucson) | 7350 S. Nogales Highway, Tucson, AZ 85756 | (866) 332-9467 | Desert Diamond |
Desert Diamond (West Valley) | 9431 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85305 | (623) 877-7777 | Desert Diamond |
Paradise Casino | 450 Quechan Drive, Yuma, AZ 85364 | (888) 777-4946 | Unibet |
Spirit Mountain Casino | 8555 S. Highway 95, Mohave Valley, AZ 86440 | (928) 346-2000 | SuperBook Sports |
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort | 10438 Wekopa Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85264 | (480) 789-5300 | Betfred |
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.
Location | Address | Phone Number |
---|---|---|
American Legion Post #1 | 364 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007 | (602) 253-5155 |
Antelope Lanes | 6301 E. 2nd Street, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 | (928) 772-7331 |
Apache Greyhound Park | 2551 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85220 | (480) 982-2371 |
Arena Sports Grill | 6245 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 | (480) 948-0008 |
Arizona Downs Racetrack | 10501 E. Street Route 89A, Prescott Valley, AZ 86315 | (928) 227-1996 |
Azool Grill | 3134 W. Carefree Highway Suite 3, Phoenix, AZ 85086 | (623) 582-5177 |
Bevvy | 4420 N. Saddle Bag Trail Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | (480) 525-9300 |
Big Daddy's Sports Lounge | 10618 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85020 | (602) 861-1034 |
Bleachers Sports Grill | 15410 N. South Mountain Parkway Suite 109, Phoenix, AZ 85044 | (480) 759-4034 |
Boston’s Bar & Grille | 1730 E. Elliott Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 831-0822 |
Brenda’s Inferno | 1940 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016 | (602) 287-0700 |
Brookside II Sports Bar and Grille | 15170 W. Bell Road Suite 115, Surprise, AZ 85374 | (623) 556-1000 |
Bull Shooters | 3337 W. Peoria Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85029 | (602) 441-2447 |
Casey Jones Grill | 2848 E. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032 | (602) 493-9930 |
Castaways | 5110 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | (602) 535-5695 |
Cerbat Hills Sports Bar | 3631 Stockton Hills Road, Kingman, AZ 86401 | (928) 692-1818 |
Charlie’s Sports Grill | 8110 W. Union Hills Drive Suite 350, Glendale, AZ 85308 | (623) 322-3593 |
Connolly’s Sports Grill | 2605 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85085 | (623) 879-5997 |
Days Hotel | 8955 W. Grand Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345 | (623) 979-7200 |
Famous Sam’s | 7129 E. Golf Links Road, Tucson, AZ 85730 | (520) 296-1245 |
Farley’s Pub | 230 N. Broad Street, Globe, AZ 85023 | (928) 955-7445 |
Gallagher’s Dining & Pub | 3524 McCulloch Boulevard, Lake Havasu, AZ 86406 | (928) 855-8686 |
Gallagher's Sports Grill (Baseline) | 3220 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix, AZ 85042 | (602) 437-0981 |
Gallagher's Sports Grill (Central) | 7575 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85024 | (602) 997-0084 |
Harold’s Corral | 6985 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 | (480) 488-1906 |
Jeff’s Pub Sports Bar & Grill | 112 S. Camino Seco, Tucson, AZ 85741 | (520) 886-1001 |
J.J. Madison's All American Grill | 430 N. Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85205 | (480) 924-8778 |
K.O. O’Donnell’s Sports Grill | 14850 N. Northsight Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 | (480) 922-7200 |
Matt’s Saloon | 112 S. Montezuma Street, Prescott, AZ 85301 | (928) 776-2974 |
Max’s Sports Bar | 6727 N. 47th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301 | (623) 937-1671 |
Midtown Tavern | 3620 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 | (520) 696-9000 |
Nate’s Third Base | 4910 W. Ray Road Suite 3, Chandler, AZ 85226 | (480) 687-1556 |
O’Kelley's Sports Bar | 2120 W. Guadalupe Road Suite 16, Mesa, AZ 85202 | (480) 756-6069 |
Old Father Inn | 4080 W. Ina Road, Tucson, AZ 85741 | (520) 744-1200 |
Padre Murphy’s | 4338 W. Bell Road, Glendale, AZ 85308 | (602) 547-9406 |
PC’s Lounge | 4700 E. Highway 90, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 | (520) 515-3333 |
Peoria Pines Golf Course | 8411 N. 107th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345 | (623) 972-1364 |
Quality Inn & Suites | 271 S. Lake Havasu Boulevard, Lake Havasu, AZ 86403 | (928) 855-1111 |
Roman's (County Line) | 10540 W. Indian School Road Suite 8, Phoenix, AZ 85039 | (623) 877-8191 |
Roman’s (Oasis) | 16825 W. Yuma Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338 | (623) 932-0922 |
R.T. O'Sullivan's Sports Grill (Scottsdale) | 7919 E. Thomas Road Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | (480) 307-6533 |
R.T. O’Sullivan's Sports Grill (Mesa) | 6646 E. Superstition Springs, Mesa, AZ 85206 | (480) 396-9933 |
Runners Sports Bar | 12751 W. Bell Road Suite 117, Surprise, AZ 85374 | (623) 583-7270 |
Safford Bowl | 410 E. 4th Street, Safford, AZ 85546 | (928) 428-0999 |
Showcase Sports Bar | 2703 S. 4th Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364 | (928) 276-4059 |
Stinger's Sports Bar | 10040 N. 43rd Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85302 | (623) 518-3051 |
Tavern Grille | 8880 E. Via Linda Suite 106, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 | (480) 614-5254 |
The Burg Sports Grill | 751 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85024 | (602) 675-2810 |
The Lion’s Den Bar & Grill | 2408 E. White Mountain Boulevard, Pinetop, AZ 85395 | (928) 367-6050 |
The Lodge Sports Bar & Grill | 857 S. White Mountain Boulevard, Pinetop, AZ 85395 | (928) 358-4602 |
The Museum Club | 3404 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 | (928) 440-4331 |
The Nest Sports Grill | 5134 N. 95th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85305 | (623) 594-0900 |
Tucson Greyhound Park | 2601 S. 3rd Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85713 | (520) 884-7576 |
Turf Paradise Racetrack | 1501 W. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023 | (602) 942-1101 |
Waddells’ Longhorn | 1629 N. 195th Avenue, Buckeye, AZ 85396 | (623) 853-0395 |
Nearby Betting States
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.
The Arizona Wildcats football team regularly draw 50,000 spectators [Joe Camporeale – USA TODAY Sports]
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.
FAQs
Is betting legal in Arizona?
Yes, betting is legal in Arizona. You can wager on various sports, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports online and at retail locations. You can also participate in casino gambling at tribal-owned casinos, though online casino gambling is not legal in Arizona.
Who governs sports betting in Arizona?
Sports betting in Arizona is governed by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). The ADG licenses and regulates all land-based and online sportsbooks in the state.
How old do you have to be to bet in Arizona?
You must be 21 or older to participate in any kind of betting in Arizona, including land-based gambling, online horse racing, charitable gaming, sports wagering, and the lottery.
When did sports betting launch in Arizona?
Residents and visitors to AZ have been able to wager on sports online since the first legal sportsbooks launched in September 2021. The first retail sportsbook launched in November of the same year.
What sportsbooks are legal in Arizona?
The sportsbooks currently legal in Arizona are Bally Bet, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Betfred, BetRivers, Betway, Caesars, Desert Diamond, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fubo, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Sportsbook, SaharaBets, SuperBook Sports, TwinSpires, Unibet, and WynnBET.
Are sportsbooks in Arizona safe?
Arizona's legal sportsbooks are partnered with a professional sports organization or gaming tribe. These casinos are licensed and regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG), so they are safe to use. Any sportsbooks not partnered with an official organization or tribe are not legal and should be avoided.
Do I have to pay taxes on betting winnings in Arizona?
For residents in Arizona, any winnings generated from gambling are subject to tax. There are four tax brackets that use your federal adjusted gross income as the base. The state filing requirement for non-residents of Arizona is $15,000, so collecting less than that amount in winnings may mean that you don't need to file a non-resident return.
Can you play DraftKings in Arizona?
Yes. DraftKings is partnered with the Waste Management Phoenix Open of the PGA Tour, so you can use the sportsbook in Arizona. Check out our DraftKings promo code for Oct 2024.
Can you play FanDuel in Arizona?
Thanks to its partnership with the Phoenix Suns, bettors in Arizona can play FanDuel. See our FanDuel promo code for Oct 2024.
Can you play BetMGM in Arizona?
Yes, its partnership with the Arizona Cardinals and Gila River Hotels & Casinos means you can play BetMGM in the state. Take a look at our BetMGM Sportsbook promo code for Oct 2024.
Can you play Caesars in Arizona?
Yes, you can use Caesars in Arizona. The sportsbook has a partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks. View our Caesars promo code for Oct 2024.
Can you play TwinSpires in Arizona?
You can play TwinSpires in Arizona thanks to its tribal partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe. However, AZ bettors should be aware TwinSpires will be shutting down their sportsbook operation later this year.
Which sportsbooks will be available in Arizona in the future?
MaximBet has partnered with the White Mountain Apache Tribe, while SolSports has joined forces with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. The two sportsbooks look set to launch in Arizona soon, though an official date has not yet been announced.