Arizona Gambling: Can You Gamble Online For Real Money?
Written by
Mia - Researcher / WriterLast updated:
September 17, 2023
Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. However, when you ask whether online gambling is legal, the legal landscape is not as clear. With conflicting laws and regulations, it can be difficult to determine whether online gambling is legal in Arizona. But you can gamble online for real money in AZ State. In this article, we try to shed light on the topic, explore the state’s online gambling legal status, provide insight into the current state of affairs, and introduce online gambling platforms available to Arizonans.
Arizona’s Gaming Evolution: A Short Journey Through History
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) passed by the U.S. Congress in 1988 aimed to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal government. It allows tribes to operate gaming on their reservations, but only if the state where the reservation is located also allows gaming. Accordingly, tribes that want to engage in casino-style gaming (Class III gaming) must first negotiate a Tribal-State Gaming Compact (Compact) with the state. The state must negotiate in good faith, and the Compact must be approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Once the Compact is approved, it becomes effective. The federal National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) was also created by IGRA to regulate Class III gaming and certain aspects of Class II gaming, which includes bingo and other games similar to bingo. The NIGC is responsible for ensuring that tribal gaming is conducted fairly and honestly and not used to promote organized crime or other illegal activities.
IGRA has been credited with helping to improve the economic conditions of many tribes. In 2022, tribal gaming generated over $33 billion in revenue, which helped to fund essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. It has also helped to strengthen tribal governments and to preserve tribal cultures.
In the 1990s, some Arizona tribes started running casinos with slot machines, even though they didn’t have agreements with the state called Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. The Governor of Arizona, Fife Symington, said the casinos were against the law because Arizona didn’t allow casinos outside of reservations. The tribes claimed that Arizona allowed other types of gambling outside of reservations, like lotteries, dog and horse racing, and charity bingo games.
In May 1992, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) made a rule that tribes needed a Compact to use slot machines. The Arizona Governor asked the U.S. Attorney in Phoenix to close casinos with slot machines. Machines were removed from five Indian casinos by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. At Fort McDowell Casino, tribal members stopped the machines from being taken away. This caused a three-week argument. The fight over Indian gaming in Arizona lasted for over 10 years. In 1994, the highest court in the United States decided that the NIGC could control Class III gaming on tribal lands. But, the court also said that states could control gaming on tribal lands if they followed federal law.
In 1997, Arizona voters said yes to Proposition 202, allowing Indian gaming to keep going in the state. The Governor then made deals with 17 tribes. These deals gave them the only right to run slot machines and casino games. The deals also said how many machines and casinos they could have. They made rules for gaming and set standards for how casinos should be run.
Voters approved a measure in 2002 to extend Indian gaming Compacts for 10 years. The Governor signed a Compact with the Hopi Tribe in 2017, making it the 22nd tribe with Compacts.
The Current Status: Is Online Gambling Legal In Arizona In 2023?
Online sports betting was legalized over a year ago, but online casinos are yet to be legalized. Arizona has had a lottery since 1980 and also offers other types of gambling, like off-track betting, pull tabs, and casino nights for charities. There are over 20 tribal casinos in the state. AZ’s casinos offer a variety of games like slots, table games, video poker, poker rooms, and bingo halls. The casinos across the state are similar to those found in Las Vegas. With over 20 Native American casinos running across the state, nothing can beat the ease of playing online from the comfort of your home.
The good news is that sports betting in Arizona was legalized on April 15, 2021. It allowed online and retail sportsbooks to begin operations in the State starting September 09, 2021. So, in 2023, there’s not much missing except for state-sanctioned and regulated online casinos in Arizona. But online gambling is available in AZ through trusted offshore websites and some US-licensed gambling platforms operating in other US states. Below you find a list of the best and most trusted online casinos and sportsbooks available for Arizonans.
How To Gamble Online In AZ: Top 5 Online Real Money Casinos and Sportsbooks
Since sports betting legalization, many sportsbooks have jumped into the AZ gambling market and have been operating ever since. We have researched, reviewed, analyzed, and handpicked the best five online casinos and sportsbooks for players from AZ state. We selected them because they checked all the boxes.
- Brand reputation
- Licensure and safety
- Mobile gaming/gambling
- 24/7 customer support
- Variety of gaming
- Website Traffic
- Variety of betting options
- Website/App use experience
- Variety of secure banking methods
- Fast payment
- Bonuses and promotions
1. Betonline: The Most Trusted All-In-One Gambling Platform
Operating since 1990, Betonline is one of the most trusted online casinos and sportsbooks in the US and worldwide. They offer industry-best bonuses on every qualifying deposit. With casino games, live dealer studios, racebook, sportsbook, Esports, poker rooms, entertainment betting, politics, sports contests, and in-play betting, everyone will find want they want at Betonline.ag.
Arizonans can easily sign up, make a deposit, claim a bonus, and enjoy Betonline’s world-class gambling services. Although an extensive list of traditional banking methods is supported, the best option for U.S. players is crypto, as cryptocurrency payments are instant, anonymous, and fee-free. Better still, crypto depositors can enjoy extra perks like a crypto-specific welcome bonus and a couple of reload bonuses.
Betonline casino and sportsbook are equally impressive, providing top-notch gambling services. Sports bettors can enjoy early lines and competitive odds. Meanwhile, casino gamblers can decide to join a high-stakes or a low-stakes table. There are plenty of betting options for both high-rollers and low-stakes players. Still, this website has more features than we can cover in this article. Click on the banner to visit the website and claim your bonus. You also can read our detailed Betonline review to learn more about this platform.
The Best USA Online Casinos of May 2024
2. BetMGM: The Vegas-Style Sportsbook
BetMGM is a leading sports betting and online gaming company formed in 2018 by a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Entain. The brand is licensed and regulated and legally operates in the state of Arizona. A wide variety of sports betting options, including pre-game betting, live betting, and futures, are available to sports fans. The operators are committed to responsible gaming and offer a variety of tools to help players gamble safely.
BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming. It also partners with other gaming companies to give customers more choices. For instance, BetMGM has a partnership with the NBA and NFL to offer special NBA and NFL betting content and promotions.
The bad news is that BetMGM casino gaming is not yet available to Arizonans. BetMGM provides odds in three venues in Arizona where you can physically wager on your favorite sporting event:
- Wild Horse Pass Casino
- Lone Butte Casino
- Vee Quiva
3. FanDuel: The King Of Daily Fantasy Sports
Founded in 2009, FanDuel is the leading and largest DFS provider not in the United States but worldwide, with over 1.5 million active users. The website also offers an exclusive app allowing sports and DFS enthusiasts to enjoy playing and winning on the go. Since FanDuel is licensed and regulated in the United States, it is unavailable to most of the world. The brand also offers casino games, but people mainly know and love FanDuel because of its uncompetitive DFS services, including but not limited to single-game contests, tournaments, and head-to-head matchups.
From 24/7 customer support to rewarding bonuses and fair games, FanDuel is a solid choice for Arizonans who love to try their luck in Daily Fantasy Sports. The good news is that FanDuel also operates in retail locations, and you can give it a visit at 201 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Mon-Fri, from 9 am to 10 pm.
4. Bovada: World-Class Gambling Services
Launched in 2011, Bovada was primarily a sportsbook but became one of the best gambling websites in the industry worldwide. Although players from Canada, NY, NJ, DE, NV, and MD cannot play here, Arizona players can enjoy its top-notch services. A wide variety of gambling products, fair and secure games, licensed and regulated operator, a variety of secure deposit and withdrawal methods, 24/7 customer support, and mobile gambling are some of the good stuff about Bovada. Arizonans can enjoy casino gaming, racebook, live dealer games, poker rooms, sportsbook, and entertainment betting.
5. Betway: On Top Of The Europe Gambling Industry!
Founded in 2006, Betway is one of the leading European gambling platforms also available in the United States. But as you see in the picture, players from selected states are welcome to play on this website. Betway is headquartered in Malta and licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority making it a pretty safe choice for Arizona State players. Over the years, positive reviews from users made the brand one of the most reliable and popular gambling websites in Europe and worldwide. Extensive gaming options, a variety of covered sporting events, responsive customer service, and fair play are some of the perks of signing up with Betway. It is a good option for those who want to shop for lines.
Wrap Up
After delving into the intricacies of Arizona’s gambling laws, it is clear that the state has a complex relationship with online gambling. While there are no specific laws that prohibit online gambling, the state’s stance on gambling, in general, is rather strict. Legalizing sports betting in 2021 opened doors for gambling operators and providers, suggesting big economic opportunities in the state. As the online gambling world evolves, it will be interesting to see how Arizona’s laws adapt to this rapid-changing landscape.
Online Gambling In Arizona FAQs
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Is Online Gambling For Real Money Legal In Arizona?
Online sports betting is legal across the state, but online casino gambling is yet to be legalized. Still, residents can gamble online for real money on offshore trusted websites like Betonline.
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What Are Some Of The Most Famous Gambling Venues In AZ?
Cocopah Casino Resort & Conference Center, Casino Arizona, Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, and Blue Water Resort and Casino are among the oldest and most famous tribal casinos in AZ.
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Who Is Responsible For The State’s Betting Regulations?
The Arizona Department of Gaming is the betting legislative body of the state.
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Is Caesars Legal In Arizona State?
Yes. Caesars Sportsbook is the official sports betting partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks and legally operates in the state.
