Arizona sports betting was a long process, but the state legislature recently agreed to a deal in April of 2021. Sports betting became legal throughout the United States in 2018 when the Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was unconstitutional.
PASPA was enacted in 1992, and a segment of the deal outlawed sports wagering in the United States. The first sports betting bills in AZ were introduced in 2018, but they were quickly opposed by the native tribes that run casinos in the state.
The tribal compacts helped the tribes block sports wagering from Arizona, but in 2021 a deal was created that pleased the tribes. Sports betting seemed unrealistic in Arizona because of the disagreements between the state and the tribal nations.
The tribal nations only wanted retail sports betting at their gaming facilities, but this did not end up being the case. There will be retail and online sports wagering in Arizona.
Twenty online licenses will be granted, and they will be split between the state’s professional sports franchises and the tribal nations. There will be retail sportsbooks at the native casinos and professional sports venues in AZ.
The legalization news in Arizona was sudden, but it was a pleasant surprise for people in the state. Residents will no longer have to travel to Nevada or Colorado to place legal sports wagers.
The landscape of sports betting in Arizona keeps growing, now boasting 16 competing sportsbooks vying for your patronage (Source: Betting AZ). This broad array presents bettors in the state with advantages, as these 16 providers must truly excel and deliver their very best to earn your investment.
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Start Your Arizona Sports Betting Here
Top Arizona Sportsbooks Coming Soon.
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Watch Video About Arizona Betting Details
Arizona wagering video coming soon.
[section label=”Steps to Start Betting”]
Steps to Start Legal Arizona Sports Betting
- Download the app for a sportsbook that’s legal in Arizona.
- Proceed to the registration section of the app.
- You must be within AZ state borders to register, but you do not need to be a state resident.
- Your mobile device will use its GPS software to guarantee that you are in the state.
- Fill in the required information. You will need to put in data like your name, address, birth date, and social security number.
- Make your first deposit by using an acceptable payment method.
- Begin betting on the mobile app or desktop version of the book.
- There are no restrictions on the number of sportsbooks that you register for and utilize.
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Mobile Betting Apps in Arizona
There will be 20 sportsbook platforms in Arizona. There are only a few books that are confirmed or expected as of April 2021. The most extensive sports betting operators in the United States will go live in AZ because of the state’s revenue potential.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is regarded as the top sportsbook in the United States. DraftKings rose to prominence through Daily Fantasy Sports, so it was simple for the company to transition to sports wagering in 2018 after PASPA was deemed unconstitutional.
DraftKings is superior to many legal books because of its deposit bonus for new players. New users can receive up to $1,000 in house money because of the book’s deposit match.
DraftKings also offers huge markets and great live betting. The main complaint with DraftKings is the book is too cluttered because of its extensive size. DraftKings crafted a deal with TPC Scottsdale to enter the state.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook rose to prominence through Daily Fantasy Sports like DraftKings. FanDuel is another phenomenal book that has already secured market access in Arizona.
FanDuel offers new players a risk-free bet of up to $1,000. Risk-free bets are not risk-free. You do not receive your risk back if you lose in redeemable money. You receive bet credits for your first bet, so keep this in mind if you utilize FanDuel.
FanDuel provides a cleaner betting experience than DraftKings. Placing a wager is simple on the sportsbook, and that’s one reason why FanDuel has very high ratings.
FanDuel signed a deal with the Phoenix Suns to gain entry into the Arizona market.
BetMGM
BetMGM will also operate in Arizona, but the company has not announced any partnership as of April 2021. BetMGM was mentioned in recent investor presentations for the state’s sports wagering market.
BetMGM is not favored like DraftKings or FanDuel. The app is gaining traction in the sports betting category, but BetMGM became famous for online casino gaming. You will receive a risk-free bet of up to $600 on BetMGM.
The betting markets are good, but they are not great. American sports are covered well on BetMGM, but the book comes up short in niche markets overseas. This is not a big issue for most people, but it’s important to note.
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Physical Locations to Bet on Sports in Arizona
Tribal casinos will be able to build retail sportsbooks in Arizona. It’s unclear how many casinos will have retail sportsbooks, but there are 26 properties in the state-run by 16 tribes. The coalition of tribal leaders has the right to offer ten online betting skins.
Professional sports venues can also offer retail sports betting on property. Deals between sports betting providers and professional sports teams have been arising since sports betting was legalized in early April of 2021.
Two sports organizations in the state have announced deals to include retail sportsbooks with betting companies.
TPC Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale is the site of the PGA tour stop in Arizona. DraftKings partnered with the golf course, so there will be a retail sportsbook built on the property.
Phoenix Suns Arena
The Phoenix Suns Arena is going to be a sports wagering destination for people in Arizona. The Suns and FanDuel have created a partnership for a luxury retail book. FanDuel will also be the official mobile betting partner of the NBA franchise.
Quick Glance of Sportsbook Physical Locations Coming Soon
Future Arizona Sports Betting Venues & Locations
New sports betting venues will arise as the industry matures in the state. Here are some possible retail betting locations for the future.
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Convenience Stores
- Racetracks
- Chase Field
- State Farm Stadium
- Gila River Arena
- Phoenix Raceway
- Sloan Park
- Goodyear Ballpark
- Surprise Stadium
- American Family Fields of Phoenix
- Tempe Diablo Stadium
- Scottsdale Stadium
- Hohokam Stadium
- Camelback Ranch
- Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
- Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Stadium
- Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park
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Arizona Sports Betting Regulation & Laws
Arizona sports betting was first discussed during the 2019 legislative session. In 2019, Senator Sonny Borelli and Representative Steve Pierce headlined the push for legal sports wagering.
The House and Senate bills were similar, but they had a few key differences. Neither piece of legislation allowed for mobile sports betting. The House bill would have allowed retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos, racetracks, and “additional wagering facilities.”
The Senate bill would have authorized tribes to operate betting kiosks at bars around the state. Neither bill gained traction, and the tribal nations opposed both pieces of legislation.
Borelli and Pierce continued the push for legal sports betting in 2020. They reintroduced the same bills from 2019. Here is the link to the House bill: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/summary/H.HB2813_021320_COM.DOCX.htm
Here is the link to the Senate bill: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1525P.pdf
Legislators spent more time studying the bills, but the federal legality was questioned because tribes had the ability to offer gambling off property through betting kiosks. The House bill passed the committee stage of legalization, but it was never introduced to the entire floor.
In 2021, the hope for legal sports betting in Arizona was beginning to fade away. However, a turn of events and a compromise allowed the form of gambling to become part of state law.
Governor Ducey negotiated new gaming compacts with the tribes to open the door for legal sports betting in Arizona. Without the new compacts, sports betting would still be prohibited.
The new compacts gave state legislators more freedom to craft a bill that would benefit the tribes, state, and professional sports teams. The bill swiftly moved through both chambers of the legislature, and Governor Ducey signed it into law on April 12, 2021.
The bill will allow for up to 20 sports betting providers to operate in Arizona. The tribal casinos will receive ten licenses, and the professional sports teams will be granted ten.
Each side will have the ability to open retail sportsbooks at their respective properties. The first two betting platforms to create partnerships were DraftKings and FanDuel. These two licenses will be designated to the professional sports franchises.
The Arizona Department of Gaming will oversee sports betting in the state. The state’s goal is to launch mobile betting by September 1, 2021, to take advantage of football season’s revenue for sports wagering.
What are the Tax Rates for the Retail and Online Sports Betting Operators in AZ?
The Arizona tax rate for sports betting is very generous. The state will tax sports betting platforms 8% of the adjusted gross revenue. The proposal estimates that Arizona will receive $34 million in annual tax revenue from the gaming upgrades.
Sports betting on its own will contribute $15 million to the state. The annual license fee for sports betting platforms will be $150,000. Retail betting and online wagering will be taxed at the same modest rate.
Legal Arizona Sports Betting Timeline
- The Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was unconstitutional, making sports betting legal in the United States.
- Arizona began discussing legal sports betting in 2019.
- The first attempt for legal sports wagering in AZ was made by Senator Sonny Borelli and Representative Steve Pierce.
- The tribal nations that operate casinos were opposed to the initial bills proposed by Borelli and Pierce.
- Borelli and Pierce reintroduced the sports wagering bills in 2020, and they went nowhere once again.
- In 2021, hope was lost for sports wagering, but Governor Ducey created a new gaming compact with the tribal nations.
- The new gaming compact in AZ allowed the legislature to pass a sports wagering bill.
- AZ passed a sports betting bill in April of 2021.
- The new bill allowed for mobile and retail wagering throughout the state.
- There can be up to 20 mobile operators in the state.
- Tribal casinos and professional sports venues will be able to build retail betting facilities.
List of Sports Wagers Allowed in Arizona
The exact list of sports wagers is unknown at this time, but it’s believed that all of the following bets will be allowed in AZ.
- Moneyline: Picking a head-to-head winner in a contest.
- Point spread: An amount that a team must win by or be within.
- Totals: The most common total is the over/under, which is when you bet on the total number of points in a game.
- Props: Side wagers on things that may happen. Typically revolve around players.
- Live betting: Real-time wagers with constantly changing odds.
- Futures: A bet on a future outcome.
- Parlays: A traditional wager grouped together. All legs must hit for a successful bet.
- Teasers: Spread or total bets where the bettor can put the odds in their favor.
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Arizona Sports betting Bonuses & Bonus Codes
Arizona online betting will have up to 20 platforms, so bonuses are going to be frequent in the state. When sports wagering launches in AZ, there will be recurring bonuses all year for sports bettors. Most likely, AZ sports wagering bonuses will involve the professional sports teams in the state.
Every major sports league in the United States has a team that competes in Arizona. There will be bonuses around these teams like the Diamondbacks, Coyotes, Cardinals, and Suns. You will also receive a deposit bonus for all sportsbooks in AZ. The rewards will vary, but you will be credited for registering to bet on sports in Arizona.
TABLE OF TOP BONUSES FOR ARIZONA PLAYERS COMING SOON
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Arizona Promos, Promo Codes and Promotions
Arizona wagering is going to be loaded with promotions in addition to bonuses. Since Arizona’s market has the potential to be significant in the United States, the best books will want to go live in the state. The promotions for betting in Arizona will involve the teams in the state.Arizona sports wagering promotions will also involve major sporting events in the United States. For example, you will receive promotions for the NCAA Tournament, Super Bowl, NBA Playoffs, and many other significant events. The top books like FanDuel and DraftKings, which will go live in the state, are known for these substantial promotions.
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Best Arizona Sports Betting Cities
The largest betting city in Arizona is Phoenix and the suburbs that surround the town. The largest betting cities in AZ are based on the casinos and professional sports teams in the area.
Phoenix
Phoenix is the home of many of the professional sports teams that play in the state. The Suns, Mercury, and Diamondbacks play in the city. The Suns have already made a deal with FanDuel for a luxury retail sportsbook in the stadium. Phoenix also has a majority of Arizona’s tribal casinos in the area.
Glendale
Two professional sports teams compete in Glendale. The Arizona Cardinals and Coyotes play in Glendale. It’s likely that both venues will offer a year-round retail sportsbook. There are multiple casinos in Glendale as well, which will make it a significant sports wagering city.
Tucson
Tucson is the home of the University of Arizona. Many college students will place sports bets in the state, especially on their hometown team. Arizona has a terrific basketball program and a solid football team, so this will cause people to gamble on the Wildcats.
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AZ Teams to Bet On
There are plenty of teams to wager in AZ. Players will have the ability to bet the college programs and the professional teams that compete in the state. Here are the franchises and NCAA programs that compete in Arizona.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona has 18 varsity teams, including a significant football and basketball program. The Arizona Wildcats play in the Pac-12 Conference. The basketball team won one National Championship in 1997. The football team has won nine bowl games.
Arizona State University
The Arizona State Sun Devils play in the Pac-12 Conference. They are rivals with the University of Arizona. The football team has won 15 bowl games and 17 conference championships. The basketball team has been to three Elite Eights, but they have never been to a Final Four.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals compete in the NFC West Division of the NFL. Arizona plays inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. The team has won one NFC Championship, but they were defeated in the Super Bowl.
Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes are in the West Division of the NHL. The franchise started as the Winnipeg Jets before moving to AZ in 2014. The team plays inside Gila River Arena. The only title that Arizona has won is a single division championship in 2011-12.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks play in Phoenix, AZ. Their home venue is Chase Field, and they have played there since 1998. Arizona has won one NL Pennant and World Series in 2001. Their most recent championship came in 2011 when they won the National League West.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns play in the Western Conference Pacific Division of the NBA. The team has never won an NBA Championship, but they have claimed two conference titles and six division crowns. They play in the Phoenix Suns Arena, which will feature a luxury FanDuel Sportsbook.
Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury plays in the Western Conference of the WNBA. The franchise was founded in 1997. They have won three WNBA Championships and four conference titles.
Phoenix Rising FC
The Phoenix Rising was established in 2014. The team competes in the USL Championship. The franchise competes at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ.
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Arizona Sports Betting Revenue Numbers
Arizona has not launched sports betting, so the exact revenue that the state will generate is unclear. The state will make an estimated $15 million annually from sports betting. The tax rate for sportsbooks is 8%, which is very generous on the part of the legislature.
Quick Glance at Arizona Gambling & Industries
Sports betting will add more gambling choices to the large betting market in Arizona. Arizona is known for great tribal casinos that will now feature retail sportsbooks.
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Arizona Horse Racing Status
Horse racing has been legal in AZ since 1935. Arizona offers a year-round racing circuit. It’s one of a few states in the nation that provide races for bettors all year. Online horse race betting is legal in AZ, and people can place wagers at the racing facilities.
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DFS / Daily Fantasy Sports in Arizona
The 2021 sports betting bill legalized daily fantasy sports in the state. Before the latest bill, AZ considered DFS illegal. AZ was one of the states that previously fit DFS into this criterion.
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AZ Online Casino Play
Online casino gaming is legal in AZ, and it was not included under the recent bill in the state. It will likely take a new gaming compact for online casino gaming to become a reality.
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Arizona Online Lottery
You cannot play the Arizona Lottery online. You must buy lottery tickets in person to play the state lottery.
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Arizona Poker Rules
The Arizona legislature has not considered online poker. If you want to play poker in Arizona, you must go to a native casino and gamble in a card room. It’s unknown when online poker will become a reality.
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Arizona Esports Scene
Esports betting is not allowed in Arizona. It was not included in the latest sports betting bill that was passed in 2021. Esports betting is expected to be legalized in the future once sports betting gains momentum after launching.
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How to Become a Sports Betting Affiliate in Arizona
Twenty sports betting licenses are going to be granted in Arizona. Licenses have already been awarded to a few books like DraftKings and FanDuel. A sportsbook must form a partnership with a professional sports franchise or native casino to offer mobile sports wagering in AZ.
The tribes and professional sports teams will each receive ten licenses. After a partnership is formed, a betting platform must pay an annual license fee of $150,000. The sports betting platforms will be taxed at 8%.
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FAQ for Arizona Betting
1. Is it legal to bet on sports in Arizona?
Yes, it’s legal to bet on sports in Arizona as of April 2021.
2. Does Arizona offer mobile sports betting or retail only?
When sports betting launches, AZ will offer mobile and retail wagering.
3. Can I sign up to bet on sports in AZ remotely, or do I have to physically visit the retail sportsbook location?
The answer to this question is unclear. Sports betting is expected to go live in September, so more information should become known throughout the summer.
4. Who regulates Arizona sports betting?
The Arizona Department of Gaming regulates sports betting.
5. When was Arizona sports betting legalized?
AZ sports betting was legalized in April of 2021.
6. Who placed the first bet in the state of Arizona?
The first sports bet in AZ has not been placed at this time.
7. Can you bet on “in state” college games in Arizona?
Yes, but you cannot make prop bets for in-state college competitions.
8. Are wagers for all professional sports leagues and teams accepted in AZ?
Yes, wagers are accepted for all professional sports leagues in Arizona.
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Latest Arizona Sports Betting News
Coming Soon