Arizona Sports Betting

Thanks to its proximity to Nevada and Las Vegas, Arizona has a long history of gambling. However, gambling in AZ began to die away by the 20th century, as the state outlawed all types of gambling except pari-mutuel horse racing betting and Historical Horse Race terminals. In addition, tribal casinos continued to operate.

However, following the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), attitudes changed quickly in AZ. Led by Senator Sonny Borelli, lawmakers made multiple attempts to legalize sports betting before finally succeeding in 2021. Governor Doug Ducey signed SB 1797 to legalize online and retail sports betting.

Arizona is one of the few states in the US to allow sportsbooks to partner with sports franchises alongside land-based casinos, which is why it has so many betting sites. You can visit retail sportsbooks at these locations or wager online anywhere in the state.

Read our complete guide to Arizona sports betting to discover more about the latest legislation, sports teams to bet on, and the best online and retail sportsbooks.

Sports Betting Operators in Arizona

The Arizona sports betting market has exploded since launching in September 2021, with dozens of operators already available in the state. AZ sports betting sites range from internationally recognized brands to local Arizona sports betting sites only available in the Grand Canyon State. While there are already a healthy number of operators, there is room for more, as sportsbooks can partner with both sports franchises and land-based casinos.

Here is a complete list of the sportsbooks you can legally use in Arizona.

Best Sportsbook Apps and Bonuses in Arizona

DraftKings

One of the most recognizable names in US sports betting, DraftKings earned its license from the Arizona Department of Gaming by partnering with TPC Scottsdale. DK has become famous for its excellent betting platforms, including its mobile app, which offers live streaming. You’ll find streams of events like tennis and European soccer, which you can wager on live. DraftKings offers bettors a complete gambling experience, with access to its sportsbook and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games through one account.

93%

Bet $5, Get $150 in Arizona

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Payout Speed

5 Days

FanDuel

FanDuel launched as a DFS provider in 2009 and has become one of the biggest gambling brands in the US. FanDuel was bought by Flutter Entertainment, one of the biggest gambling companies globally, in 2018. This acquisition helped the operator launch its excellent desktop site and industry-leading mobile app. FanDuel partnered with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns to launch its Arizona sports betting platforms. The betting brand also operates a retail sportsbook at the Footprint Center.

BetMGM

BetMGM made its name as a luxury casino provider, but it has teamed up with Gila River Casinos to launch its sportsbook in Arizona. Therefore, you can use its betting app or site anywhere in the state or visit its retail betting locations at any Gila Casino. You can also visit its sportsbook at the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals’ home, State Farm Stadium. Anyone that signs up with BetMGM can make the most of its BetMGM Rewards program. You earn points for placing bets, which you can use to redeem prizes like free bets or real-life benefits.

75%

Get a $1000 Risk-Free Bet in Arizona

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Payment Methods

Payout Speed

5 Days

Caesars

Many people in the US know the Caesars Entertainment brand thanks to its range of casinos. However, its sportsbook is among the best in the US thanks to its generous welcome bonus and Caesars Rewards bonus program. You can benefit from Caesars Rewards for free and enjoy hotel stays and free meals just for betting. The online betting site is partnered with Harrah’s Ak-Chin and the MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks. You can find a retail Caesars Sportsbook at both the casino and the Diamondbacks’ Chase Field.

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Payout Speed

5 Days

Betfred

After launching in 1967 and making its name in the UK, Betfred Sportsbook came to the US and won over plenty of players. Thanks to its partnership with the We-Ko-Pa Casino, you can use its easy-to-navigate betting site and app. The brand plans to launch a retail sportsbook at the casino in the future. Betfred has tons of promotions for new and existing players, including its odds boosts, which you can use on its selection of competitive odds.  

BetRivers

Rush Street Gaming started by developing casinos across the US but has since launched a successful online sportsbook brand, BetRivers. With this online sportsbook, you can earn a generous welcome bonus by simply registering an account or placing your first deposit. The betting site launched in the Grand Canyon State thanks to a partnership with the Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers. Bettors that don’t wish to make predictions without wagering real money can use the brand’s social sportsbook, BetRivers.net, to play for fun!

85%

Second Chance Free Bet up to $500 in Arizona

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Payout Speed

5 Days

Betway

Founded in 2006, Betway provides betting markets for a variety of countries in Europe and Arizona players. The Arizona Department of Gaming licensed the sportsbook thanks to its partnership with the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. You can download its fast, responsive app or play using its straightforward desktop site. Betway gives new players many ways to boost their bankrolls, including its welcome bonus and range of odds boosts.

Hard Rock Sportsbook

The Hard Rock brand may be more famous for its range of restaurants across the world, but the operator is keen to bring attention to its online sports betting site. The Arizona Department of Gaming licenses Hard Rock Sportsbook through its partnership with the Navajo Nation. The online sportsbook provides bonuses to every player that registers, including a welcome offer and free bets for existing players.

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Win a Free Bet up to $5000 in Arizona

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Payout Speed

From 1 Day

TwinSpires

Churchill Downs Incorporated is most famous for operating the Kentucky Derby at the Churchill Downs racetrack. However, the company has also launched a successful online sports betting site, TwinSpires. The sportsbook has partnered with the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino to bring its markets and promotions to the US. This includes a welcome offer for new players and several attractive promos for existing players. TwinSpires also operates an online horse racing betting site, which you can use legally in the Grand Canyon State.

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From 1 Day

Unibet

After signing a 10-year deal with the Quechan Tribe, Unibet has launched its online and retail sportsbook in Arizona. You can find its retail sportsbook at Paradise Casino or use its highly-rated mobile app anywhere in the state. Unibet is also prepared for the future, as its partnership with the Quechan Tribe covers all types of iGaming. If online casinos or other types of gambling launch in AZ, Unibet can go live quickly.

95%

$100 Risk Free Bet in Arizona

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Payment Methods

Payout Speed

5 Days

WynnBET

Wynn Resorts is one of the most famous casino brands in the US, and the company has expanded its gambling offering in recent years with WynnBET. The sportsbook has famous sports personalities as ambassadors, including former Phoenix Suns player Shaquille O’Neal, Julian Edelman, and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson. WynnBET provides an excellent mobile betting platform, whether you want to use its app or visit through the mobile browser site. In addition, you can go to the Apache Gold Casino and Resort and wager at its retail sportsbook.

Arizona Legislation Timeline

• May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court rules in favor of New Jersey in a lawsuit against the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), striking down the act. This allows every US state to create sports betting legislation. 
• January 23, 2019: Senators Sonny Borrelli, Leo Biasiucci, and Mark Finchem introduce SB 1158 to the Senate to legalize Arizona sports betting at liquor retailers. However, this bill doesn’t gain much support and dies.
• February 4, 2020: Senators Borelli and Steve Pierce introduce SB 1525 to the Senate to license tribal casinos in the state to offer sports betting through liquor-serving locations with betting kiosks. However, this bill doesn’t get any support.
• February 3, 2021: Sen. Borelli, Senator Thomas Shope, and Representative Jeff Weninger introduce SB 1797 to the Senate. This bill allows online and retail sportsbooks to launch in the state through partnerships with tribal casinos and sports franchises. 
• April 15, 2021: Governor Doug Ducey signs SB 1797 into law, legalizing AZ sports betting. The bill also legalizes Daily Fantasy Sports. 
• July 26, 2021: The Arizona Department of Gaming releases the rules for sportsbooks wanting to join the state and sets two weeks for operators to apply for a license. 
• September 9, 2021: Arizona sports betting launches on the first day of the NFL 2021 season. 
• November 19, 2021: The first retail sportsbook in Arizona opens at Gila River Hotels and Casino, operated by BetMGM. 
• February 3, 2022: Senator Sally Ann Gonzales introduces SB 1674 to the Senate to increase the number of tribal casinos allowed to partner with sportsbooks from 10 to 23. However, this bill doesn’t gain enough support and dies quickly.
• September 9, 2022: A year after online sports betting launched in Arizona, BetMGM opens a sportsbook at the Arizona Cardinals State Farm Stadium.

Sports Betting in Arizona

All US states have unique regulations regarding sports betting, so Arizona’s sports betting rules differ slightly from other states. Our experts have provided an overview of the key things you need to know before wagering in the Grand Canyon State.

Is online sports betting legal in Arizona?

Online sports betting is legal in Arizona and has been live since September 9, 2022. There are 18 online operators in the state, and you can use any of these betting sites to wager anywhere within Arizona’s borders.  

What sports can you bet on in Arizona?

Sports betting regulations in Arizona let you wager on many popular professional sports. No matter what sportsbook you use, you’ll be able to bet on the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. With these sports, you’ll find bets like moneylines, point spreads, totals, player props, game props, parlays, futures, and more. 

While the major leagues get plenty of attention, there are a lot of markets for niche sports. Many sportsbooks will offer bets on NASCAR, MMA, golf, tennis, soccer, and more. Some betting sites, such as DraftKings and TPC Scottsdale, may also be partnered with these sports.

As with every state in the US, Arizona has a separate set of rules for college sports betting. You are permitted to wager on NCAA events like football and basketball, including games featuring teams from the state. These college betting laws differ from other states like New Jersey, where in-state betting is prohibited. However, to protect young athletes from pressure and the harmful effects of gambling, you cannot place any prop bets on college events.

Arizona is also one of the few states in the US that permits betting on eSports events. You can find games like Counter-Strike: GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2 covered by sportsbooks in AZ.

Who can bet on sports in AZ?

If you are 21 or over and located within the state’s borders, you can sign up with an Arizona sports betting site and place wagers. You’ll need to allow sportsbooks to access your geolocation to prove you are playing in AZ, and you may be asked to verify your age with a photo ID.

Any professional or college athlete, coach, or staff member is prohibited from placing bets. Also, this extends to anyone that works for leagues that create rules for sports like the NCAA or NFL. Notable people in sports organizations, such as owners or those with the power to influence athletes, cannot enjoy Arizona sports betting. 

In addition, you can’t work for any organization that accepts sports bets, whether you are a cashier or the owner. This includes online sportsbooks, retail sportsbooks, and land-based casinos. If you cannot gamble due to criminal history or through self-exclusion, you also cannot bet. 

Official League Data usage in Arizona

Most sportsbooks in the US use Genius Sports to provide live stats and data about major league sports events. Thanks to licensing from the Arizona Department of Gaming, Genius Sports can operate with Arizona sports betting sites.

Arizona Sports Betting Handle

A sports betting handle tells you how much money was wagered in a state, regardless of whether these bets won or lost. Despite only legalizing AZ sports betting in September 2021, the state has already handled over $1 billion. Below, you can check out how much bettors have been wagering each month in AZ.

Arizona Sports Teams

Arizona is home to four major league sports teams and millions of passionate sports fans. The sports scene burst into life in the late 80s and 90s when three of the four teams in AZ launched or moved to the Grand Canyon State.

In addition, Arizona’s betting regulations mean sports teams can partner with sportsbooks to launch retail sportsbooks, exclusive promotions, and more. Here is an overview of the major league franchises in AZ. 

Arizona Cardinals

The NFL’s Arizona Cardinals officially began when the Racine Cardinals joined the National Football League in 1992. After moving from Chicago to St. Louis, the franchise finally settled in Arizona as the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988. Following a rebranding in 1994, the team became known as the Arizona Cardinals.

Since the AFL and NFL merged in 1970, the team has only made it to the Super Bowl once, winning the NFC Championship in 2009. However, the Cardinals team, led by QB Kurt Warner and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, couldn’t overcome Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLII.

Phoenix Suns

After launching in 1968, the NBA’s Phoenix Suns are the oldest franchise in Arizona. The team is the official betting partner of FanDuel, with the brand launching a retail sportsbook at the Suns’ home Footprint Center. 

The team has won eight division titles and three conference championships. The team reached the NBA Finals in 2021 but lost 4-2 over six games to the Milwaukee Bucks. Notable former players include two-time NBA MVP winner Steve Nash and 11-time NBA All-Star Charles Barkley.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Joining the MLB in 1998 as an expansion franchise, the Arizona Diamondbacks wasted no time in playing to glory, winning its first and only World Series in 2001. The team featured stars like Hall of Famer Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling and overcame the New York Yankees 4-3 in the series.

However, success has been pretty limited for the Diamondbacks since then. After winning four West Division titles in three years between 1999-2002, the team only won two between 2003-2022. The franchise also managed to get a wildcard berth in the playoffs in 2017.

Arizona Coyotes

Starting as the Winnipeg Jets, the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes moved to Arizona and became the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996. The team rebranded to represent the whole Grand Canyon State in 2014. The Coyotes have never had much success as a franchise, only winning one division title in the 2011/12 season. 

The Coyotes partnered with SaharaBets to help the sportsbook launch in the state in January 2022. The brand originated in Las Vegas and is now available to bettors everywhere in AZ. 

Phoenix Mercury

The Phoenix Mercury joined the WNBA in 1997 and has always been based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury is one of the most successful franchises in the WNBA, winning three championships. The team has also claimed four conference titles.

The Mercury have had the honor of having one the greatest players to take to the court on their roster in Diana Taurasi. The one-time WNBA MVP and ten-time All-Star was the first player to score 9,000 points in the WNBA and is the league’s leading point scorer ever.

University of Arizona Wildcats

The Wildcats have excelled across several sports, including winning eight women’s softball national championships. In addition, the men’s baseball program has also claimed four national titles. However, many fans look most fondly at the basketball team, which was victorious in March Madness in 1997. In the final game, the team overcame the matching name of the University of Kentucky Wildcats in the final game.

Arizona has also seen success in golf and swimming, with three national championships for women’s golf and a title each for men’s and women’s swimming.

Arizona State University Sun Devils

Whether it be golf, gymnastics, baseball, or wrestling, Arizona State has performed well in a wide variety of sports. However, where the school has excelled is in archery. The Sun Devils have won 16 titles not awarded by the NCAA but at the highest level of collegiate competition. The school has also claimed top karate, paintball, and rodeo championships.

Arizona Sporting Events

Along with famous major league franchises, Arizona hosts some of the most popular sporting events in the US. From local college rivalries to championship-deciding events, there is something for everyone in AZ. Check out some of the most popular sports events in the Grand Canyon State below.

NASCAR Championship Weekend

The NASCAR Championship Weekend is the conclusion of all of NASCAR’s various events, with races held across the weekend to decide the final fate of the season. Before 2001, the first NASCAR Championship Weekend, the NASCAR series finished at different tracks.

Phoenix Raceway has been hosting NASCAR events since 1988, when the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race was held at the track for the first time. However, in 2020, NASCAR decided to move the NASCAR Championship Weekend from Homestead-Miami Speedway to AZ.

The Fiesta Bowl

The Fiesta Bowl has become one of the biggest Bowl games in the US after starting in 1971. It was initially played with the Western Atlantic Conference (WAC) winner. Yet, following the Arizona Wildcats and Arizona Sun Devils’ move to the PAC-10, the Fiesta Bowl ended its affiliation with WAC.

Following 1997, the winner of the Big 12 won an automatic qualification for the Fiesta Bowl. In addition, the Fiesta Bowl joined the Bowl Championship Series and was guaranteed to host the national championship game every four years, which occurred in 1999 and 2003.

In 2014, the Fiesta Bowl became a member of the college football playoffs, hosting a semi-final every three years. Winners of the Fiesta Bowl play the winners of the Peach Bowl in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The Fiesta Bowl used to be held at the Sun Devil Stadium but moved to State Farm Stadium in 2006. 

Turf Paradise Derby

Held at the Turf Paradise horse racetrack in Phoenix, the Turf Paradise Derby is an annual horse race with a purse of around $100,000. It is seen as an essential part of the buildup to the Kentucky Derby and sees three-year-old horses race across one and one-sixteenth miles. 

The most successful trainer in Turf Paradise Derby history is Doug Oliver, who claimed four victories back-to-back from 1989-1992 and another in 1995. The most successful jockey is Scott Stevens, who has won the race three times. 

The Duel in the Desert

The Duel in the Desert, a college football game between the University of Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State University Sun Devils, is one of the longest rivalries in college football. The teams first played in 1899, competing for the Territorial Cup in a four-way series including Phoenix Indian School and Phoenix Union High School. While the rivalry now just includes the two college teams, the Territorial Cup has been the prize since 2001.

The game is usually played in November and rotates between the Wildcats’ Arizona Stadium and the Sun Devils’ Sun Devil Stadium.

Arizona Land-Based Sportsbooks

Despite the availability of Arizona sports betting, there are a lot of benefits to visiting a retail sportsbook and betting in person. The gameday experience at a retail sportsbook can’t be matched, with an exciting atmosphere generated by streams of the most popular events and hundreds of passionate fans. Most sportsbooks don’t just keep the fun to the sports betting, offering amenities like restaurants and bars you can enjoy while wagering. 

If you’re interested in heading to your local sportsbook and placing some wagers, here are all the licensed locations you can visit in AZ.

Arizona Responsible Gambling

Like many states in the US, Arizona provides a self-exclusion program for anyone that wants to ban themselves from visiting online and retail sportsbooks. To self-exclude in AZ, you need to fill out the official form from the Arizona Department of Problem Gambling and mail it to the organization with a current ID photo. You can submit the photo online, but the form must be mailed. Alternatively, you can visit the Department’s offices, where a Self-Exclusion Administrator will talk you through the process. 

In addition to the state-wide self-exclusion program, every sportsbook in AZ has to provide responsible gambling resources to comply with Arizona Department of Gaming regulations. These include self-exclusion and account tools such as deposit limits, time limits, and more. Many betting brands will also guide players to help from third-party support organizations.