Gambling in Arizona: Legal Overview and Best Sites
Arizona offers a wide range of gambling options, both online and in-person, making it a favorable destination for gambling enthusiasts. Let’s explore what’s legal and the best platforms to use.
Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting has been legal in Arizona since September 2021. Sportsbooks are licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming, and residents aged 21+ can wager on NFL games, NBA matches, and more through approved apps.
Top Online Sportsbooks and Bonuses:
- BetMGM (Promo Code: USDOTBET): Get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets.
- DraftKings: Bet $5 and get $150 in bonus sports bets.
- Caesars Sportsbook: Offers a $1,000 second chance bet.
- bet365 US (Code: USB365): Bet $5 and receive $150 in bonuses or up to $1,000.
- FanDuel: Bet $5, win $200 in bonus bets—ideal for new users.
Online Casinos
Real-money online casinos remain illegal in Arizona. However, residents can enjoy sweepstakes and social casinos, which provide a legal alternative for playing slots, blackjack, and poker.
Recommended Sweepstakes Casinos:
- Real Prize Social Casino: Offers engaging gameplay with real prizes.
- High 5 Casino: Features a vast library of slots and social casino games.
- FunzCity: Popular for its high-quality games and exciting promotions.
- No Limit Coins Casino: Provides a fun sweepstakes format with redeemable rewards.
- Funrize.com: Offers daily rewards and engaging slots.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Sweepstakes casinos are gaining traction in Arizona. These platforms operate legally, offering casino-style games and the chance to win real cash prizes using virtual currencies.
Top Platforms:
- Real Prize Social Casino: Recommended for its seamless experience and exciting prizes.
- Crown Coins Casino: Features innovative games and attractive bonus offers.
Online Poker
Online poker is not legal in Arizona. Players can, however, enjoy poker on sweepstakes brands that mimic traditional gameplay without real-money stakes.
Popular Sweepstake Poker Sites:
- Global Poker: Offers tournaments and cash games in a legal sweepstakes format.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Arizona legalized Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in 2021, allowing players aged 21+ to create fantasy teams and compete for cash prizes.
Leading DFS Providers:
- DraftKings: Known for its competitive payouts and varied contest types.
- FanDuel: Offers daily and weekly contests across sports leagues.
Horse Betting
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is legal in Arizona, both at licensed racetracks and online platforms. Racetracks like Turf Paradise in Phoenix and Rillito Park Racetrack in Tucson remain popular destinations.
Online Horse Betting:
Residents can also wager online through sites like TVG and TwinSpires, which provide live race streaming and betting options.
Legal Age Requirements for Gambling in Arizona
The legal gambling age depends on the activity:
- Casinos, Sports Betting, Horse Betting: 21+
- Lottery and Bingo: 18+
FAQs
Can I legally gamble online in Arizona?
Yes, online sports betting and sweepstakes casinos are legal. However, real-money online casinos and poker remain prohibited. With online sports betting in Arizona now legal, you do not have to be a resident of the state to sign up for one of the many gambling sites operating, but you must be inside state borders to place bets.
What is the best sportsbook in Arizona?
Top sportsbooks include BetMGM for its $1,500 bonus bets and DraftKings for its $150 welcome offer on a $5 bet.
Are there any real-money online casinos in Arizona?
No, but sweepstakes casinos like Real Prize Social Casino and High 5 Casino provide legal alternatives.
Can you play lottery?
The state lottery has been running since 1981 and tickets are available through numerous retailers across the state. There are no online facilities for purchasing lottery tickets in Arizona.
Who regulates or licenses the Arizona gambling industry?
The Arizona Department of Gaming regulates and licenses online gambling operators on non-tribal lands under the 2021 Gambling Act.
Are mobile sports betting legal in AZ?
Yes, both online sportsbooks and sports betting apps are legal in the state.
Where can I get help with problem gambling in Arizona?
If you are worried about your own gambling habits or are concerned about a friend or relative, help is available. You can either self-exclude (find more info here) or get assistance from the problem gambling hotlines, the Arizona Division of Problem Gambling Helpline, with phone number 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342. Also, find more info here on AZ – National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).