Sports betting operations in Arizona launched on September 9, 2021, just one day before the season opener of the NFL season. State legislation allows for 20 online licenses, split evenly among professional teams and Arizona tribes.
Several sportsbooks acquired market access and are accepting bets online and/or at retail locations. My top 3 picks for the best AZ online sportsbooks are FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM.
Anyone that is 21+ and physically located in the Grand Canyon State can make wagers on a variety of college and professional sports.
Below we’ll give you a complete breakdown of the sports betting market in Arizona, including the best sportsbooks and intro promos available, rules and regulations, locations of physical sportsbooks, and everything else you need to know to start betting.
List of All Arizona Sportsbooks
In total, we've analyzed and reviewed over a dozen online sportsbooks in Arizona.
Our ratings are based on various categories, including odds, UX, bonuses, market variety, banking, and more.
After analyzing each AZ sportsbook, we narrowed our list down to the top 10 overall. Below you will see those sportsbooks ordered by overall rating.
- FanDuel: Best overall
- Caesars: Best for MLB betting
- Sporttrade: Best odds
- BetMGM: Best promos
- Fanatics: Best for live betting
- BetRivers: Best for soccer betting
- bet365: Best for futures betting
- DraftKings: Best for NBA betting
- Hard Rock Bet: Best for parlay betting
- ESPN BET: Best for football betting
- Golden Nugget: Good welcome bonus
- Bally Bet: Nice loyalty program
- Desert Diamond Sports: User-friendly
1) FanDuel: Best Overall Sportsbook in Arizona
FanDuel was part of the opening-day lineup when Arizona’s sportsbook market launched on September 9, 2021. They locked in their spot by teaming up with the Phoenix Suns for licensing.
It’s tough to argue against FanDuel being the top option in Arizona. They’ve got sharp odds, hands-down the best app experience, a crazy range of bets, and tools that help you make smarter plays like My Spend.
What really sets FanDuel apart is how creative they get with their bets. Just when I think I’ve seen every player prop imaginable, they drop something like a live bet on whether Kevin Durant will knock down a free throw or a 3-pointer during a specific three-minute stretch of the fourth quarter. It’s next-level stuff that keeps the action interesting.
That said, they don’t get everything right. I think they overdo it with parlay promos. Instead of stacking deals on bets that are long shots anyway, they could offer something for more reasonable wagers—like live moneyline bets. Sometimes, it feels like you’re almost being nudged into risking a long shot just to cash in on a promo.
FanDuel Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 94/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets If You Win
- Best Features: Odds competitiveness, market variety
- Biggest Drawbacks: No sportsbook rewards program, not many daily odds boosts
- Number of Sports: 21+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (typically faster)
- Rewards Program: DFS & Casino only
Check out my full FanDuel Sportsbook review here.
2) Caesars: Best for MLB Betting in Arizona
Caesars was ready to roll when Arizona’s sportsbook market opened on September 9, 2021. Their land-based partner in the Grand Canyon State is the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Caesars is easily one of the best sportsbooks in Arizona because they check all the major boxes. Their straight bet odds are among the best, the app is user-friendly, and they have a fantastic selection of futures across every big sport. Throw in some of the best perks out there—whether it’s a hefty welcome bonus, daily odds boosts, or their well-known Caesars Rewards program—and you’ve got a strong all-around betting platform.
Personally, they’re my pick for MLB betting because of their creative futures options. You’ll find bets like the Diamondbacks finishing first in the NL West and the Dodgers coming in second. They’ve also got lines on regular-season win totals for every team, playoff chances, home run leaders, strikeout leaders, and award winners like MVP or Cy Young.
If only their payout speeds were a bit quicker. Withdrawals take about five days on average, which is a little slower than what some competitors offer. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if fast payouts are a priority for you.
Caesars Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 93/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $1, Get 2x Winnings on Next 10 Bets
- Best Features: Loyalty program, user-friendly UX
- Biggest Drawbacks: Slower payout speeds, sluggish customer service
- Number of Sports: 23+
- Payout Speed: Up to 72 hours
- Rewards Program: Caesars Rewards
Check out my Caesars Sportsbook review here.
3) Sporttrade: Best Odds in Arizona
Sporttrade is one of the newest betting apps in Arizona’s betting market, launching on August 2, 2024, through a partnership with the Quechan Indian Tribe.
One of their strongest features is instant live betting. There’s no delay, no waiting for your bet to process, and none of those last-second odds shifts after you hit submit. Another big advantage is the ability to cash out anytime, no matter what’s happening in the game. Many sportsbooks limit this option based on live game dynamics.
Their pricing model is a game-changer. As a beting exchange, Sporttrade charges just a 2% commission on winning bets, which is significantly more favorable than the standard vig you’ll find at most sportsbooks. While most sportsbooks offer -110 lines, Sporttrade typically has -105, which keeps more money in your pocket over time.
The biggest downside is a limited sports selection. They focus on major U.S. leagues, soccer, and golf, which isn’t as extensive as traditional books. Plus, there’s a bit of a learning curve with this exchange model—it takes some time to fully get the hang of how it works.
Sporttrade Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 87/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: 10% cash back on bets in first week
- Best Features: Odds on straight bets & futures
- Biggest Drawbacks: Limited markets & sports
- Number of Sports: 9
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days
- Rewards Program: N/A
Learn more in our full Sporttrade review.
4) BetMGM: Best Promos in Arizona
BetMGM got in on the action in Arizona on day one, launching September 9, 2021, through partnerships with the Arizona Cardinals and the Gila River Tribe.
Even if you’re not sold on BetMGM as your main sportsbook, it’s worth keeping them in your rotation for the promos alone. These deals can sometimes turn bets into +EV plays, which is rare. While offers change regularly, they consistently roll out one of the biggest welcome bonuses among Arizona books. Furthermore, they offer a variety of ongoing promos like Same Game Parlay boosts, early payout options, and the $1 Million Football Challenge—a free-to-enter contest with massive prizes for accurate predictions. To top it off, you can rack up perks through the MGM Rewards loyalty program.
But it’s not all promos. BetMGM also delivers solid odds on spreads and totals, a deep sports lineup, and some creative football props. For example, you can bet on how the first drive of a Cardinals game will end—touchdown, field goal attempt, punt, or something else.
The drawbacks mostly come down to usability. The desktop site can feel a little clunky, and the mobile app has the occasional hiccup, like needing to tap a bet twice before it loads. It’s not ideal, but nothing would keep me from using them.
BetMGM Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Edit My Bet, NFL rewards
- Biggest Drawbacks: Quickly limits sharps, UX can be a bit buggy
- Number of Sports: 19+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: MGM Rewards
Check out my BetMGM Sportsbook review here.
5) Fanatics: Best for Live Betting in Arizona
Fanatics made a late entry into Arizona’s betting market, going live on April 4, 2024, through a partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe.
Fanatics has a lot going for it. Some of their biggest selling points are app speed, competitive odds, and useful features. They’re one of the few sportsbooks in Arizona that offers partial cashout, letting you take out part of your winnings from an active bet while leaving the rest to ride. Their Fan Cash loyalty program is another plus, offering cashback-style points for each bet. You can redeem those points for bonus bets or Fanatics gear, adding extra value for regular users.
I bounce between several books for live betting depending on the game, but I often end up at Fanatics. The combination of sharp live odds, plenty of micro-betting options, and the ability to build in-game same-game parlays makes them tough to beat. On top of that, they provide live streaming for many events, which helps you stay connected to the games you’ve got action on.
The one knock is their lack of a desktop platform. The mobile app is great, no doubt, but it’d be nice to have a desktop option for those times when a bigger screen just makes things easier.
Fanatics Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 81/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: 10 x $100 Bet Match
- Best Features: Valuable sign-up bonus, competitive prop odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Confusing interface, no desktop site, quick to limit winners
- Number of Sports: 15
- Payout Speed: Up to 3 business days
- Rewards Program: FanCash Rewards
Check out my Fanatics Sportsbook review here.
6) BetRivers: Best for Soccer Betting in Arizona
What I’ve always liked about BetRivers is how much ground they cover. They offer odds on 29+ sports, including some offbeat options like netball. For football betting, they’re my go-to for teasers. Unlike other books, BetRivers calculates teaser odds based on each leg’s individual odds, which usually means better payouts. Another thing I appreciate is the extra analytics they provide for big games. You’ll find insights like how the last six Coyotes road games all hit the under on the puck line—details that can give you an edge.
If you’re a soccer fan, BetRivers is a must-have. My months of tracking Arizona sportsbook odds show that BetRivers consistently charges less vig than the competition, which means more profit for you over time.
Every sportsbook has its quirks, but BetRivers has a few more than most. I’ve run into issues when placing Same Game Parlays, like getting an error message saying, “your connection is too slow,” even when my WiFi is running perfectly.
BetRivers Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 82/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Second chance bet up to $500 depending on state
- Best Features: Fast payouts, competitive teaser and soccer odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Functionality issues, limits successful bettors quickly
- Number of Sports: 29+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (usually within a day)
- Rewards Program: iRush Rewards
Check out my BetRivers Sportsbook review here.
7) bet365: Best for Futures Betting in Arizona
bet365 went live in Arizona on February 5, 2024, through a partnership with the Ak-Chin Indian Community.
No sportsbook in Arizona can match bet365’s lineup of futures bets. It’s as deep as it gets across every sport. For example, if you’re thinking about long-term Coyotes bets, you’ll find creative options like finishing the season with 110+ regular season points or landing the worst regular season record. They also offer unique seasonal specials, like Alex Ovechkin to score his 895th career goal this season.
bet365 is also known for offering odds boosts (branded as “bet boosts”) across literally every sport, while most books stick to just a few. Other strong features include competitive odds and innovative tools like Auto Cash Out and Edit My Bet. One thing that sets them apart is how they handle milestones for player props, offering multiple thresholds instead of the standard over/under format. This opens the door for finding value, especially if you’re confident in a player hitting a specific range.
While their range of prop bets is huge, the odds for some of those props are often weaker. That’s probably the biggest letdown I’ve had with them so far.
bet365 Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 89/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: $1,000 First bet safety net or bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Auto Cash Out, insane number of odds boosts, early payout promos
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar prop odds, no sportsbook rewards program
- Number of Sports: 26+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: None
Check out my bet365 review here for a detailed look at the sportsbook
8) DraftKings: Best for NBA Betting in Arizona
DraftKings hit the Arizona market on September 9, 2021, through a partnership with the PGA. As part of the deal, they also set up a retail sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale.
DraftKings gets plenty of buzz in the media, and they live up to it. Their jackpot pools are what they’re best known for, but they offer a ton of other great promos, like profit boost tokens you can use on any bet you want. One underrated feature is their teaser odds. For example, they offer -120 on Wong Teasers (2-team, 6-point NFL teasers), while most other books stick to -130.
Where DraftKings really shines for me is their NBA betting. They’ve got unique futures, such as betting on the Phoenix Suns to have the best record at the All-Star Break or if a team will win 70+ games in a season. Game-to-game, they’ve got a stacked lineup of props. One of the coolest additions lately is Quick Hits, where you can bet on things like the first-point scorer, the first team to hit a field goal, the result of the first possession, and more.
The one thing that holds them back is how fast they impose betting limits. A few friends of mine got capped with low max bets after a solid winning streak, and I’ve seen plenty of similar complaints floating around Reddit. It’s something to be aware of if you’re consistently winning.
DraftKings Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets If your bet wins
- Best Features: Market depth, profit boost tokens
- Biggest Drawbacks: Odds are not always competitive, quickly limit winners
- Number of Sports: 25+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days
- Rewards Program: Dynasty Rewards
Check out my DraftKings Sportsbook review here.
9) Hard Rock Bet: Best for Parlay Betting in Arizona
Hard Rock Bet launched in Arizona on April 8, 2022, with licensing through the Navajo Nation. They also operate a retail sportsbook at Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise.
Hard Rock Bet is the only sportsbook in Arizona that uses Gaming Innovation Group as its odds provider. This sometimes means unique lines compared to other books, which can open up value plays. The platform is also incredibly easy to use, thanks to its simple, clean white design that feels intuitive and responsive. On top of that, payout speeds are solid, with most withdrawals processed within two or three days.
While parlays aren’t typically the most profitable betting strategy, they’re a favorite for many bettors chasing that “bet small, win big” potential. Hard Rock Bet stands out as the best sportsbook for parlays because of their Flex Parlays feature. It’s essentially a safety net, offering a small payout even if several of your picks miss. It’s a great way to soften the blow when things don’t fully go your way.
The biggest drawback is their market depth. Compared to other Arizona sportsbooks, Hard Rock Bet offers fewer sports and betting options, which might feel limiting for those looking for variety.
Hard Rock Bet Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 71/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: 2x Winnings on First 10 Bets
- Best Features: Flex Parlay, Fast Payouts
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar odds for totals, functionality quirks
- Number of Sports: 16+
- Payout Speed: Up to 48 hours
- Rewards Program: Loyalty Rewards
Check out my Hard Rock Bet review here.
10) ESPN BET: Best for Football Betting in Arizona
ESPN BET launched on November 14, 2023, as a collaboration between ESPN and Penn Entertainment, with NASCAR providing the partnership for market access.
While ESPN BET is built on the same platform as Barstool, it’s a clear upgrade when it comes to betting options. One standout feature is their specials—unique season-long bets often inspired by network personalities like Mike Greenberg. A cool example I came across was the “Stephen Curry Milestone Maker,” where you could bet on Steph Curry to record his 4,000th career regular-season three-pointer before March 21, 2025.
Beyond the creative bets, they also deliver on the fundamentals, especially football. My odds analysis showed they consistently charge the least vig on NFL and NCAAF games. If football betting is your speed, ESPN BET should absolutely be part of your rotation.
One area that could use a bit more polish is how they organize props, especially for major sports. Everything gets crammed into dropdown menus without proper subcategories, making it harder to find what you’re looking for.
theScore Bet Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 73/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $10, get $100 in bonus bets if you win
- Best Features: Sports variety, competitive pre-game odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar user experience, not many features
- Number of Sports: 20+
- Payout Speed: 1 to 5 banking days
- Rewards Program: PENN Play Program
Check out my ESPN BET review here.
Other Betting Sites in Arizona
Golden Nugget: Good Welcome Bonus
Golden Nugget debuted Arizona on February 22, 2022, partnering with the Hualapai Tribe.
Bally Bet: Nice Loyalty Program
The Rhode Island-based powerhouse launched its online betting app in Arizona on May 5, 2022, through a partnership with the WNBA and Phoenix Mercury.
Desert Diamond Sports: User-Friendly
Desert Diamond is a homegrown Arizona brand owned by the Tohono Oʼodham Nation.
How We Rate Sportsbooks in Arizona
When it comes to evaluating sportsbooks in Arizona, we put each site through the grinder, testing everything from the basics to the bells and whistles. It’s all about figuring out exactly where each book stands. No favorites, no personal biases. A sportsbook sitting at the top today could easily drop if performance slips or a competitor steps up with better features or promos.
As new updates, promos, and betting options roll out, we tweak the rankings to keep them current and fair.
Here’s the criteria we use to rank Arizona sportsbooks:
- Odds (20/100): We rate sportsbooks on how their odds stack up across Arizona’s favorite sports. Vig and overall value for spreads, moneylines, and totals are key. If a book consistently offers sharp pricing, it gets the credit it deserves.
- Sign-Up Bonus (15/100): Welcome bonuses are rated not just on size but also on value. We dig into the fine print—rollovers, restrictions, and expiration dates—to ensure Arizona bettors are getting a fair shake.
- User Experience (UX) (15/100): Even the best odds won’t save a clunky app. We assess how smooth the platform is, how fast it loads, and whether features like biometric login make the experience seamless for Arizona users.
- Features (7.5/100): Same Game Parlays, live streaming, cash-out options, bet builders—these tools can make or break a sportsbook. We evaluate how much they add to the overall experience for Arizona bettors.
- Market Depth (7.5/100): More options mean more ways to bet. We evaluate how deep the market runs—props, alternate lines, futures, and niche sports—and how well it aligns with Arizona’s sports interests.
- Customer Reviews (5/100): Feedback from Arizona users on app stores, forums, and social media helps us understand how these sportsbooks hold up in everyday use.
- Live Betting (5/100): From micro-betting (like predicting the next play) to live streaming, we evaluate the quality and availability of live betting features for Arizona sports fans.
- Promotions (5/100): Parlay boosts, bonus bets, loyalty rewards—promos matter. We score books on how many offers they roll out and whether those deals provide real value for Arizona players.
- Support (5/100): When issues pop up, you need answers—fast. We test customer support across live chat, email, phone, and social media to see how quickly and effectively sportsbooks respond.
- Odds Boosts (5/100): Odds boosts can be a nice edge, but only if they’re worthwhile. We check how often they’re available and whether they add value for Arizona’s most popular sports.
- Limits (5/100): Nobody likes feeling penalized for winning. We analyze how quickly sportsbooks impose limits on Arizona bettors and whether those limits are reasonable.
- Banking (5/100): Deposits and withdrawals should be quick and painless. We rate sportsbooks on how easy it is to move money in and out and how fast payouts land in your account.
To learn more, check out our full Ratings Methodology page.
All Online Sportsbooks in Arizona
At full capacity, Arizona will have 20 online sportsbooks. The licenses will be equally distributed among AZ-based professional sports franchises and federally recognized tribes. As it stands, the Arizona Department of Gaming has issued licenses to more than a dozen operators, which are highlighted below.
Sportsbook | Tech provider | Intro promo |
|---|---|---|
| IGT/Flutter | Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins | |
| SBTech | $1,000 deposit match | |
| Scientific Games | Bet $1, Get 2x Winnings On Your Next 10 Bets | |
| Entain | Up to $1,500 Back If Your First Bet Loses | |
Proprietary | Up to $300 Cash Back In First Week | |
| Bally Bet | Bet.Works | N/A |
| Kambi | $100 second chance bet | |
Amelco | $1,000 in No Sweat Bets | |
Golden Nugget | SBTech | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match |
Proprietary | $100 in Bonus Bets After Making Any Bet | |
GiG | $100 Second Chance Bet | |
Desert Diamond Sports | Kambi | Bet $20, Get $100 in Bonus Bets |
bet365 | Proprietary | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets |
Physical Sportsbooks in Arizona
All 20 online licensees are allowed to set up betting shops near the playing/gaming venues. Professional teams will blaze the trail by opening up retail betting lounges close to their stadiums. Tribes will jump on the bandwagon as soon as the amended gaming contract signed by Gov Doug Ducey comes into effect.
Here’s where you can place in-person bets in Arizona:
- We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort (Betfred) — Fort McDowell Rd, Fort McDowell
- Wild Horse Pass Casino (BetMGM) — 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler
- Lone Butte Casino (BetMGM) — 1077 S Kyrene Rd, Chandler
- Vee Quiva (BetMGM) — 15091 S Komatke Ln, Laveen Village
- Arizona Downs Racetrack (Caesars) — 10501 E State Rte 89A, Prescott Valley
- Chase Field (Caesars) — 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix
- Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino (Caesars) — 15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa
- Desert Diamond Casino – Sahuarita (Desert Diamond Sportsbook) — 1100 W Pima Mine Rd, Sahuarita
- Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley (Desert Diamond Sportsbook) — 9431 W Northern Ave, Glendale
- TPC Scottsdale (DraftKings) — 17020 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale
- Mazatzal Hotel & Casino (Fanatics Sportsbook) — Hwy 87, Payson
- Footprint Center (FanDuel) — 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix
- Paradise Casino (Kindred Group/Unibet) — 450 Quechan Dr, Yuma
- Casino Del Sol (SolSports) — 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson
- Mazatzal Hotel & Casino (TwinSpires) — Hwy 87, Payson
Team Partnerships With Arizona Sportsbooks
As previously mentioned, the Arizona Department of Gaming will issue up to 10 sports betting licenses to the state’s pro teams and venues. In addition to the four professional franchises —the Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Suns, and Coyotes—a few other entities were also awarded licenses. Here’s the full rundown:
- BetMGM with the Arizona Cardinals: The betting operator signed a deal with the Cardinals on Aug 9, allowing them to launch retail sportsbooks at State Farm Stadium and three Arizona Gila River facilities.
- Bally Bet and the Phoenix Mercury: The WNBA’s Phoenix team struck a 15-year sports betting deal in June 2021 with Bally’s. Under the terms, the gaming corporation will open a betting shop near the Footprint Center.
- FanDuel with the Phoenix Suns: In April 2021, FanDuel joined forces with the Phoenix Suns, becoming the NBA franchise’s first official sportsbook and DFS partner. As part of the agreement, FanDuel will run a retail sportsbook inside the Footprint Center.
- DraftKings with TPC Scottsdale: The gambling giant partnered with the PGA Tour in April 2021 in a deal that gave DraftKings market entrance and permission to launch a retail sportsbook at the TPC Scottsdale golf course.
- Caesars with the Arizona Diamondbacks: The two sides signed a 10-year deal in May 2021, allowing Caesars to open a land-based sportsbook and bar outside of Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- BetRivers with the Arizona Rattlers: Rush Street Interactive teamed up with the Rattlers in August 2021. Consequently, RSI gained market access in Arizona for its BetRivers sportsbook.
- Barstool Sportsbook and Phoenix Raceway: Back in 2021, Barstool Sportsbook teamed up with Phoenix Raceway, becoming the official sportsbook for the NASCAR venue. That partnership later shifted to ESPN BET, which took over operations from Barstool and kept the same deal to maintain the license.
Arizona Sports Betting Timeline
The most notable thing about the Arizona sports betting timeline is how quick the turnaround was from the presentation of the first legislative piece to the official kickoff. The state’s journey to legalize sports betting began when the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in May 2018.
Let’s take a look at what has happened since:
- January 2019: Sen. Sonny Borrelli introduces SB 1158, a bill that would allow sports at Arizona casinos, stadiums, and bars. The bill doesn’t get the Senate committee’s approval.
- February 2020: Sen. Sonny Borrelli and Rep. Steve Pierce bring forth SB 1525, an amended version of SB 1158. The bill would legalize land-based sports betting, with Native Tribes getting exclusive rights. Once again, it gets rejected by the committee.
- March 2021: SB 1797 is introduced to the Senate. If approved, the bill would allow for statewide retail and online sports betting, with professional sports franchises and tribal casinos receiving ten licenses each.
- April 2021: Following a heated debate, Arizona Senate amended SB 1797 and replaced it with HB 2772. The bill’s final version was passed following a 23-6 vote and was shipped off to Gov. Doug Ducey for his signature. The bill also included an emergency clause that would speed up the launch process, but it requires a two-thirds vote to enact, as per the Arizona Constitution.
- April 15, 2021: Gov Doug Ducey signs HB 2772 into law, legalizing sports betting and daily fantasy sports in Arizona. Simultaneously, Ducey ratified a new gaming contract with the tribes.
- September 9, 2021: First state-approved sportsbooks go live in Arizona, including BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel.
- September 8, 2022: BetMGM, in partnership with the Arizona Cardinals, opens a retail sportsbook inside State Farm Stadium. This marks the first sportsbook located within an NFL stadium.
- February 12, 2023: State Farm Stadium in Glendale hosts Super Bowl LVII, making history as the first Super Bowl held in a state with legal sports betting.
- November 14, 2023: ESPN Bet officially launches in Arizona.
- January 18, 2024: The Arizona Department of Gaming reopens the sports betting license application process, creating new opportunities for operators in the state.
- February 5, 2024: bet365 goes live in Arizona.
- April 4, 2024: Fanatics Betting & Gaming announces a long-term partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe to launch a new sports betting app in Arizona.
- June 4, 2024: Unibet ceases its sports betting operations in Arizona as part of a larger withdrawal from the U.S. market.
Arizona Sports Betting Rules and Regulations
The Arizona Department of Gaming, which was appointed as the main regulatory body for gambling activities, has imposed several eligibility requirements for bettors—rules you need to adhere to if you want to bet in Arizona’s online sportsbooks. Below, we’ll go over the most important ones.
Who Is Allowed to Bet in Arizona?
Any one physically in Arizona that’s 21 or older can participate in sports betting. You can visit the sportsbook or sign up for an account while out of state, but you must be in Arizona when submitting your wagers.
During the sign-up process, the betting operator will ask that you provide some basic details, including:
- Full name
- Address
- Login credentials (username, password)
- Cell number
- Last four digits of your SSN
How Are Arizona Sportsbooks Licensed and Taxed?
Both tax rates and licensing fees are in line with those of other states. Legal sports betting is expected to draw $3 billion in bets and generate $200 million in annual revenue.
The Arizona Department of Gaming released the final draft of tax rates and licenses fees for sports betting in July 2021. Here’s the scoop:
- Application fees are set at $100,000.
- A license costs $750,000 and must be renewed annually for a price of $150,000.
- The tax rate is established at 10% for mobile and 8% for retail betting operators.
- The ADG will also issue ten limited operator licenses for off-track betting parlors and horse tracks. However, these will incur lower fees—a $25,000 initial + $5,000 application fee and an additional $5,000 for the annual renewal fee.
Is Geolocation Required?
Yes, Arizona sportsbooks are required to geofence their services within the state’s boundaries. Therefore, bettors must be present in Arizona when placing their wagers. If you’re betting on a PC or laptop, you’ll have to install geolocation software. Those betting via mobile don’t have to download anything since their devices have built-in GPS trackers.
Are Any Types of Bets Not Allowed?
No bets or sports are off-limits except props based on individual player performance in collegiate events. These include over/under bets on points, rebounds, assists, TDs, yardage, and more.
Arizona Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona legalized statewide online and retail sports betting on April 15, 2021, when Gov. Doug Ducey signed HB 2772 into law.
When did online sportsbooks go live in Arizona?
The first betting sites opened for business on September 9, 2021. Some leading brands have already started operating in the state, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars.
How old do I have to be to place bets in Arizona?
You have to be 21 or older to place real-money bets in the Grand Canyon State.
Do I have to be a resident of Arizona to bet?
No, you only need to be physically present within the state’s boundaries when placing a wager.
Are daily fantasy sports legal in Arizona?
Yes, DFS is also legal in Arizona. Both FanDuel and DraftKings launched their daily fantasy apps on August 28, 2021.
Are offshore sportsbooks like Bovada legal in Arizona?
No, offshore sportsbooks such as Bovada are not licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming and are therefore illegal.
