Is Sports Betting Legal In Arizona?
Yes, sports betting became officially legal in Arizona on April 15, 2021, after Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2772 and an amended tribal gaming agreement with the local tribes. Five months later, and just in time for the NFL season, Arizona launched sports betting with seven different sportsbooks opening for business. If you prefer to bet in person, there are currently 17 different retail sportsbooks in the state, most of which are near Tucson and Phoenix.
Arizona Quick Facts
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Launch Date: September 2021 -
ImageLegal Betting Age: 21 years old
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ImageOnline Sports Betting: Yes
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ImageOnline Casino Sites: No
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ImageOnline Poker Sites: No
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ImageBest Available Sportsbook: FanDuel
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ImageRegulatory Body: Arizona Department of Gaming
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ImageLegal Online Sportsbooks: 17
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ImageCollege Sports Betting: Legal with the exception of prop bets
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ImagePolitical or Entertainment Betting: No
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ImageHigh School Sports Betting: No
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ImageEsports Betting: No
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ImageNFL Draft: Yes
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ImageRemote Registration: Yes
Timeline of betting legislation & latest news
For a while, the potential for sports betting was looking bleak in Arizona, but that changed in 2021 when Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2772 into law. Previous sports betting bills (SB 1525 and HB 2813) failed to gain traction in 2020 partly because of disagreements with state tribes. In 2021, Ducey re-negotiated a tribal gaming compact and paved the way for the eventual success of HB 2772.
Additional Arizona Legal Betting Path Details
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2/3/21
HB 2772 was first read in the senate. The bill aimed to legalize online and retail sports betting in the state and was primarily sponsored by Rep. Jeff Weninger
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3/4/21
HB 2772 passes in the house
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4/12/21
HB 2772 passes in the senate
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4/15/21
Gov. Ducey signs HB 2772 into law and signs tribal gaming compact, legalizing online and retail sports betting in the state
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9/9/21
Arizona sports betting goes live with seven different sportsbooks opening for business
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9/8/22
The Arizona Cardinals partner with BetMGM on a retail sportsbook in the Cardinals’ NFL stadium
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10/19/23
DraftKings and TPC Scottsdale hold ribbon cutting ceremony for the first-ever sportsbook located at a PGA Tour golf course
How to start betting in arizona
Sports betting in Arizona is easy thanks to remote registration which allows you to register for a sportsbook and deposit money into an account from anywhere in the state. If you’re over 21-years-old and in Arizona, you can download your favorite sports betting app on a smartphone, deposit money, verify your identity, and begin betting instantly.
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Select a sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
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Create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
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deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
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Choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
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Place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
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Withdraw Funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
All three of Arizona’s professional sports teams have combined to produce only one championship for residents of the Grand Canyon state. Despite that lack of success over the years, Arizona sports fans still have plenty of love for their local teams.
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ImageNBA – Phoenix Suns: The Suns made a fourth-straight trip to the playoffs in 2024 with a current core led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Phoenix has had some great teams over the years led by all-time greats like Charles Barkley and Steve Nash, but the squad has come up short in each of its three trips to the NBA Finals. The Suns are Phoenix’s longest running in-state team since joining the NBA in 1968.
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ImageNFL – Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals wrapped up their second straight 4-13 season in 2023, failing to make the playoffs for the seventh time in their last eight seasons. Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald led Arizona on an improbable run to the Super Bowl back in 2008, where the team lost 27-23 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans are hoping that Kyler Murray can help turn things around for the Cardinals in his sixth season with the team in 2024.
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ImageMLB – Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks rode the incredible pitching performances of Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling to an upset of the New York Yankees in the 2001 World Series. That was just the fourth season of the franchise’s history after it joined the MLB as an expansion team in 1998. After failing to make the playoffs 10 times in its previous 11 seasons prior to last year, Arizona made an improbable run to the World Series in 2023 before losing to the Texas Rangers in five games.
USA Betting News
The Arizona Department of Gaming’s Division of Problem Gambling offers several options for those struggling with gambling addiction or who aren’t sure if their gambling habits are problematic. For instance, a 24-hour helpline (1-800-NEXT-STEP) is available in addition to a text option (Text “Next-Step to 53342) for those in need. Their website also features access info on the state’s voluntary self-exclusion list for those who want to ban themselves from gambling activity, as well as information about out-patient treatment providers.