Since Arizona sportsbooks took their first sports wagers in 2021, the state has given its mighty neighbor to the northwest (Nevada) a run for its money with an integrated system that benefits tribes, taxpayers, and pro sports entities alike.
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About Sports Betting in Arizona
Move over, Nevada: There's a new kid in town.
When Arizonans placed their first legal sports wagers within state lines on Sept. 9, 2021, they sent a clear signal to their neighbor to the northwest that its days of holding even a regional monopoly on sports betting were over. And Arizona held an advantage in that, unlike Nevada, it wouldn't require people to register for mobile accounts in person, making it far more convenient to fund their accounts and start wagering.
Arizona's sports wagering pie is divvied up to benefit taxpayers, tribes, and pro sports franchises and venues alike. The net result has been a cactus-tipped betting bonanza, with Arizona sportsbooks handling a then-record $791 million worth of sports wagers in November 2024 alone.
What's more, Arizona's gambling regulator has approved a menu of betting options that's virtually unrivaled in Nevada or any other state, with just about every sport -- as well as entertainment-industry awards -- considered fair and legal game.
No prop betting on collegiate sports. Wagering on professional drafts, esports, and entertainment awards is allowed.
Each license holder is granted two online skins and a retail sportsbook. Pro sports licensees can partner with a horse racetrack or off-track betting parlor to offer an additional retail option.
21+ age requirement.
8% tax on retail sports betting revenue, 10% on online revenue. Most tax revenue is directed to the state's general fund.
Legalization Timeline
Initial sports betting legislation fails
January, 2019
Nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court clears the way for all states to offer sports betting, State Sen. Sonny Borrelli introduced legislation to legalize sports wagering in Arizona. His effort would fail – at first, anyway.
Governor Ducey signs sports betting into become law
April 15, 2021
After the Arizona House of Representatives approves HB 2772, Gov. Doug Ducey signs it into law. The law divides the sports wagering marketplace evenly between Indian tribes and pro sports entities, with international and local operators as their partners.
Sports wagering launch date set
June, 2021
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) sets Sept. 9 as the definitive launch date for sports betting in the state.
Sports betting sites go live in Arizona
September 9, 2021
At 12:01 a.m. local time, several licensed mobile sportsbooks begin accepting wagers in Arizona.
Super Bowl held in state with sports betting for first time
February 12, 2023
For the first time ever, the Super Bowl is played in a state with legal sports betting when State Farm Stadium hosts the NFL's championship game. Coincidentally, there's a BetMGM sportsbook located adjacent to the stadium through the gambling operator's partnership with the Arizona Cardinals.
ADG announces that it will license more operators
July 5, 2023
The Arizona Department of Gaming announces that it will accept additional applications for sports wagering operators, with the intention of expanding the list of licensed operators by three. Innovative sportsbooks like BetCris and Sporttrade are among those that eventually gain approval.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Arizona?
Yes, it's legal to bet on sports in Arizona. The state has several retail sportsbooks in addition to multiple online wagering options.
Who can bet on sports in Arizona?
Anyone who is 21 years of age or older can bet on sports in Arizona. Bettors needn't be a resident of the state but must be present within its boundaries to place mobile wagers.
Who regulates sports betting in Arizona?
The Arizona Department of Gaming oversees sports wagering and other forms of gaming, including daily fantasy sports, in the state.
What can I bet on in Arizona?
The ADG has approved one of the most comprehensive menus of permissible wagers in the country. Among the sports and events that can be bet on are: esports, Australian Rules Football, badminton, baseball, basketball, biathlon, bowling, boxing, chess, cornhole, cricket, cycling, darts, frisbee golf, floorball, football, futsal, Gaelic Games, golf (regular and long drive), handball, field hockey, ice hockey, jai alai, lacrosse, MMA, motorsports, netball, Olympics, pesapallo, pool, PowerSlap, rodeo, rowing, rugby, sailing, soccer, slamball, snooker, squash, summer athletics, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo, winter athletics, NCAA wrestling, and award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, and Grammys.
What can't I bet on in Arizona?
Prop betting on collegiate athletic events is not legal in Arizona. Wagering on in-state colleges, however, is allowed.
Is DFS legal in Arizona?
Yes. Daily fantasy sports contests were approved in the same piece of legislation in which sports betting was authorized.
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Arizona?
It's legal to bet on horse racing in Arizona. While there was only one active racetrack, Turf Paradise near Phoenix, as of February 2025, Arizonans can bet on races worldwide at dozens of off-track betting parlors and through online wagering accounts.
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