Arizona

Sports betting in Arizona features some of the top sportsbooks in the industry. Discover the leading online sportsbooks in Arizona, explore available promotions, and gain insights into the local betting scene.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Arizona? Yes, sports betting in Arizona is legal and has been operational since September 9, 2021.

Key Takeaways

Is online sports betting legal in AZ?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Arizona. The state legalized sports betting in April 2021, and online sportsbooks launched in September 2021. This allows residents and visitors in Arizona to place bets on sports through various licensed online platforms.

What are the eligibility requirements for mobile betting?

In Arizona, the eligibility requirements for mobile betting are as follows:

Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to participate in mobile sports betting.
Location: You must be physically located within the state of Arizona to place bets. Mobile betting apps use geolocation technology to ensure that bets are only placed from within state boundaries.
Valid Account: You need to create an account with a licensed sportsbook operating in Arizona. This process typically requires providing personal details such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity and age.
Compliance with Terms: You must agree to and follow the terms and conditions set by the sportsbook, which include rules regarding the placing of bets, responsible gambling, and other operational guidelines.
No Exclusion: You cannot be on any self-exclusion lists for gambling or be banned from any betting activities within the state.

What sports can you bet on in Arizona?

In Arizona, you can bet on a wide range of sports, as there are no specific sports that are off-limits compared to other legal U.S. betting markets. This includes major professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as college sports, international sports leagues, motorsports, golf, tennis, mixed martial arts, and more.

The primary restriction in Arizona’s sports betting regulations is that betting on college player props is not allowed. This means you cannot place bets on individual performances of college athletes. However, other types of bets on college sports games are permitted. This extensive range allows bettors to have diverse options, catering to all kinds of sports fans.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Arizona?

In Arizona, sports betting is accessible to a broad audience, but there are specific eligibility criteria to ensure responsible and legal wagering. Here’s who can bet on sports in Arizona:

Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets. This age limit is standard across most states in the U.S. where sports betting is legal.
Physical Presence: You need to be physically located within the boundaries of Arizona to place bets. Sports betting platforms use geolocation technology to verify that users are within state lines when betting.
Registration and Verification: Bettors must register and verify their accounts with a legal and licensed sportsbook in Arizona. This process typically requires submitting personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. This information is used to verify your identity and ensure that you meet the age requirements.
Acceptance of Terms: You must accept the terms and conditions of the sportsbook(s) you choose to use. These terms outline the rules of betting, your rights and responsibilities as a bettor, and other important details about using the service.

Who Regulates Arizona Gambling?

The Arizona Department of Gaming is responsible for overseeing all legal gambling activities within the state. This regulatory body ensures that all forms of wagering, including sports betting, tribal gaming, and fantasy sports, operate in compliance with state laws and regulations. They also manage the licensing process for operators, enforce gambling laws, and promote responsible gambling practices across all approved platforms. This comprehensive oversight helps maintain the integrity and legality of gambling in Arizona.

AZ Sports Betting Bill Details

Here are the main points to know about Arizona’s sports betting law, HB 2772:

Online sports betting is taxed at 10%, and retail sports betting is taxed at 8%.
Arizona allows up to 20 online sportsbooks to operate.
Each online sportsbook must partner with either a pro sports team/venue or a federally recognized tribe. There are 10 spots for each.
Betting is allowed on all major sports.
Bettors must be 21 years or older.

Sports Betting Licenses in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Gaming has a clear plan for the 20 sports betting licenses:

10 licenses go to professional sports teams or franchises (like NBA, NFL, MLB teams).
10 licenses are for federally recognized tribes in Arizona (such as the Hualapai or Tonto Apache).

Each license setup includes:

1 license can support 2 online sportsbook brands and 1 physical location.
1 pro sports team license can support 1 main sportsbook (usually at the team’s home arena) and 1 nearby location (like a retail spot close to the arena).

So far, 17 out of the 20 licenses have been issued.

Tribal Licenses

Six tribes have received licenses:

Ak-Chin Indian Community & Bet365
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation (No partner announced yet)
Fort Mojave Indian Tribe & SuperBook
Hualapai Tribe & Golden Nugget
Quechan Tribe (No partner announced yet, location at Paradise Casino)
San Carlos Apache Tribe & WynnBET (located at Apache Gold Casino Resort)
San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe & Betway
Tonto Apache Tribe & TwinSpires (located at Mazatzal Casino)
Navajo Nation (No partner announced yet)
Tohono O’odham Nation (No partner announced yet)

One more license will be given to a state tribe in the future.

Professional Team Licenses:

Nine pro sports organizations in Arizona have partnered for sports betting:

Arizona Cardinals & BetMGM
Phoenix Suns & FanDuel
Arizona Diamondbacks & Caesars Sportsbook
TPC Scottsdale (PGA) & DraftKings
Phoenix Raceway (NASCAR) & PENN Entertainment
Phoenix Mercury & Bally Bet
Arizona Rattlers (IFL) & BetRivers
Arizona Coyotes & SaharaBets (partnership might end as the Coyotes have stopped operations)
Ak-Chin Indian Community & bet365
Tonto Apache Tribe & Fanatics Sportsbook

Two more licenses are still available for professional sports organizations.

Arizona is one of the first states to allow professional sports teams to open sportsbooks in or near their playing venues. This provides plenty of opportunities for betting partnerships with sports teams. Bettors also have many excellent college sports teams to bet on in Arizona!

How to Start Betting in Arizona

Here’s a simple guide to get you started with sports betting in Arizona:

Choose a Sportsbook You’ll find information on this page about which sportsbooks are legal and active in Arizona. Pick the one that best suits your needs.
Register Fill in your details accurately and verify your account.
Pick a Bonus & Enter Promo Code (if available) Choose a sportsbook and take advantage of any welcome bonus you see on this page.
Deposit Funds Add money to your account based on the sportsbook’s minimum deposit requirement.
Start Betting! Place your first bet and fulfill the criteria to claim your welcome bonus.

Sports Betting Background in Arizona

Three years ago, on September 9, Governor Ducey signed the HB 2772 sports betting bill into law, kickstarting the era of online wagering in Arizona.

Alternatives to Online Sports Betting in Arizona

If you’re interested in other betting options, Arizona has plenty to offer beyond online sports wagering!

Retail Sports Betting

Visit places like the Footprint Center, Chase Field, State Farm Stadium, TPC Scottsdale, and various casinos including Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, and Gila River Casino (which has four locations). Other options include Paradise Casino, Spirit Mountain Casino, We-Ko-Pa Casino, Desert Diamond Casino (three locations), Blue Water Resort Casino, Mazatzal Hotel and Casino, and Casino Del Sol to place your bets in person!

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Despite some states having issues with DFS, it’s perfectly legal for residents to use DFS apps in Arizona.

Horse Betting

Horse betting is regulated by the Division of Racing in Arizona. You can place your bets using racebooks like TVG and TwinSpires, which are available to state residents.

Lottery

The Arizona Lottery is legal and regulated, allowing residents to participate in major lottery games available in the market.

How to Place a Mobile Sports Bet in Arizona

Here’s a straightforward guide on how to place a mobile sports bet in Arizona using BetMGM as an example:

Step 1: Choose a Legal Arizona Sportsbook

Start by selecting a sportsbook that’s legally operating in Arizona. It’s a good idea to have accounts with multiple sportsbooks so you can compare odds and get the best value for each bet—a strategy known as “line shopping.” Although we discuss this on our Action Network YouTube channel, for beginners, BetMGM is a solid choice. You can begin the sign-up process by clicking “Register” on their website.

Step 2: Sign Up & Verify

Complete the registration form with your details: full legal name, email address, home address, phone number, and date of birth. BetMGM might ask for additional identification like a driver’s license or social security number to confirm your identity. These are standard security measures across sportsbooks.

Step 3: Deposit Funds

After entering your personal information, you’ll be directed to the deposit page. Choose your preferred payment method and deposit money into your account. For quick access to winnings, we recommend direct deposit from a bank account.

Step 4: Place an Online Sports Bet

To place a bet, follow these steps:

Navigate to the sport of your choice using the A-Z menu or the League Logo banner.
Click on the betting line you’re interested in.
Go to your bet slip.
Choose your bet type.
Enter the amount you want to wager.
Hit submit.

Congratulations, you’ve placed your first legal sports bet! BetMGM, like most sportsbooks, will monitor your bet on their platform, allowing you to track it during and after the event.

Arizona Sports Betting Regulations

Arizona offers sports bettors the freedom to wager with relatively few restrictions. Here are some key regulations and the types of bets you can place:

Point Spreads: This is betting on the margin of victory in a game.
Moneylines: Simply pick who you think will win the game.
First Half & Second Half: Bet on each half as if they were separate games.
Totals (Over/Under): Bet on the total combined score of both teams.
Futures: These are bets on events that will conclude in the future, like season-end results.
Player Props: These bets are on specific outcomes within a game that aren’t tied to the final score or outcome.

Sports fans have a wide range of markets to explore, including:

Football: NFL and CFL
Basketball: NBA, WNBA, and international leagues
Baseball: MLB
Hockey: NHL and international leagues
Soccer: MLS, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League
College Sports: NCAA football and basketball, among others
Golf: PGA Tour and others
Auto Racing: IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula One
Additional markets include boxing, tennis, rugby, and more.

Restrictions on Betting

In Arizona, you cannot place individual performance prop bets on college sports. This means you can’t bet on specific actions by college players in a game to prevent conflicts of interest.

Betting Requirements

You must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Arizona to bet. This is verified through geolocation technology on your mobile device or a desktop plugin.

Where to Bet on Sports in Arizona

Online & Via Mobile Apps: This is currently the easiest way to place bets, with sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars operating online. You need to be within state borders to place bets.
In-Person Betting: Available at Arizona casinos and professional sports venues. For instance, FanDuel at the Suns’ Footprint Center and Caesars at the Diamondback’s Chase Field already offer sports betting services. More venues will open in the future, with details provided in the “Sportsbook Partnerships” section and “Locations” information on this page.

Arizona Sports Betting Tips

Sports Betting Tips for Beginners

If you’re just starting out in sports betting, you probably have lots of questions. How much money should you bet? Where should you place bets on the Cardinals’ win totals? How do you find the best odds for a Diamondbacks game? Each sport and bet type requires its own strategy.

Learn the Basics: Sports Betting Glossary

Sports betting has its unique language, including terms like “spreads,” “money lines,” “over/unders,” “props,” “juice,” and “vig.” These terms can be daunting for newcomers, so it’s helpful to consult a sports betting glossary for clear definitions of all the essential terms.

Avoid Common Betting Mistakes

Betting on sports, from Phoenix game totals to Cardinals futures, is challenging. It’s crucial to stay disciplined and manage your bankroll carefully. Sports betting comes with highs and lows, but you’ll enjoy it more and potentially see better results if you avoid common mistakes. One important error to avoid is failing to correctly handle your sports betting taxes.

Arizona Sports Betting Background and Legalization Timeline

The journey from the signing of HB 2772 to the official launch of legal sports betting in Arizona spanned two years. Despite some challenges and attempts to halt the progress of the bill, sports betting was successfully launched as planned. Here’s a detailed timeline of the events leading to the legalization of sports betting in Arizona:

2024

March 15: Fanatics secures an online sports betting license in partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe.
February 5: bet365 launches its operations in Arizona.

2023

August 30: bet365 announces its entry into the Arizona sports betting market, receiving approval for a new license and becoming the 17th operator in the state.
July 5: Arizona announces a one-month application period for three new sportsbooks, planning to select the new operators by September.

2021

September 9: Sports betting officially goes live in Arizona with six legal sportsbooks on the first day.
- A new lawsuit by the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe claims the bill legalizing sports betting (HB 2772) is unconstitutional. However, a judge dismisses the tribe’s motion to delay the launch.
- The Yavapai-Prescott Tribe argues that HB 2772 illegally amends a 2002 voter initiative that authorized tribal gambling by allowing non-tribal groups to have gambling operations. They also claim an unfair licensing practice, noting a disparity in available licenses for tribes versus professional teams.
- The legal pushback regarding licensing continues, though a temporary restraining order is not granted.
August 28: Preregistration for sports betting begins. The Arizona Department of Gaming announces 18 approved licenses. Lawsuits threaten to delay the launch but are not successful.
July: Various partnerships are announced, including TwinSpires with the Tonto Apache Tribe and PointsBet with the Yavapi-Apache Nation.
June: Public comments are gathered and released as Arizona prepares for the launch.
May: The U.S. Department of the Interior approves Arizona’s new tribal compact, a crucial step for launching sports betting.
April: Sports betting, DFS, and keno are legalized through Governor Doug Ducey’s signature on HB2772.

2021 and Earlier

March 2021: The Arizona House of Representatives approves HB2772, sending it to the Senate for further consideration.
January 2021: Governor Doug Ducey supports the introduction of sports betting in his State of the State Address, highlighting its potential to help revitalize the economy.
February 2020: Introduction of Bill SB1525 by two Arizona lawmakers, proposing sports betting beyond tribal reservations—a potential issue under tribal gaming rules.

This timeline outlines the significant milestones and challenges in the journey to establish a legal sports betting framework in Arizona, reflecting a mix of legislative progress and ongoing legal disputes.

Arizona Teams

Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
Phoenix Suns (NBA)
Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)

Most Popular Arizona Teams to Bet on

Last season, the Arizona Diamondbacks nearly won the World Series, coming closer than any other professional or college team in Arizona.

Conclusion

Arizona sports betting is robust, offering both online and retail options. Residents can enjoy these options with promotions from various sportsbooks. Use promo code WINDAILY for exclusive bonuses and promotions. Always bet responsibly and stay informed about the latest developments in Arizona sports betting.