Arizona doesn't allow its land-based casinos to offer real money online casino games. Though the state passed online sports betting in 2021, it's not likely to regulate online casino and online poker betting anytime soon. Instead, Arizona residents must play at offshore online casino sites. While it's not illegal for Arizona citizens to play at offshore online casinos, they should take precautions when doing so. Read our guide to online gambling in Arizona to find honest gaming sites and keep your bankroll safe.
Why Play at AZ Online Casinos for Real Money?
Readers might wonder why they should play at AZ online casinos instead of the state's many land-based casinos. Online gambling sites are more convenient because they eliminate time constraints and travel expenses. Online casino gaming also is cheaper, because you won't pay for restaurants and hotel rooms. Beyond that, here's why players prefer online casinos.
- Game Variety: Online casinos must have lots of slot games, first and foremost. Those who prefer table games want multiple versions of blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. Others prefer video poker, keno, and bingo, so casino sites must have lots of options.
- Bonuses: Players want lucrative welcome bonuses with attainable wagering requirements. Beyond that, they want reload bonuses, weekly bonuses, and rewards clubs that favor volume play.
- Banking Options: Players also want fast, secure, and trustworthy deposit options. Credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are important. Crypto deposits for users of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash are important.
- Fast Payouts: When it's time to collect winnings, players want fast and secure withdrawal options. They want a reliable payout process with acceptable withdrawal times.
- Ease of Use: The best Arizona online casinos must offer quick downloads and instant play games for desktop, along with full compatibility and optimization for Android and iOS devices. Mobile casino games are a must.
How to Stay Safe Playing at Arizona Casinos
When you play casino games online, take precautions to ensure that identity thieves and scam artists don't take advantage of you. Use the same caution that you would make any other purchase online. Here are some safety procedures to assure you stay safe while playing at Arizona online casino sites.
- Read Casino Reviews: Don't make a deposit without researching Arizona online casinos. Deposit in sites with fun games, secure deposits, and a reputation for fair terms of use.
- Use Secure Deposits: Choose payment methods that are secure, fast, and inexpensive. It's preferable to use banking options that you use at other online merchants.
- Mobile Casino Security: When playing in mobile casinos, use Bitcoin and other crypto deposits for maximum security. While it's safe to play real money games in public, wait until you return home to make a withdrawal.
The Best Online Casinos in Arizona
Arizona real money gamblers have lots of casino options. Because they play in offshore online casinos, they must choose sites known for safety, reliability, and honesty. Due to high standards, we don't recommend many online casinos.
How to Deposit and Withdraw in Online Casinos
If you've never made a deposit at an online casino, here is a quick guide to online casino deposits and payouts. Follow the step-by-step guides and you'll be playing for real money in a matter of minutes.
How to Deposit at an AZ Online Casino
- Read Casino Reviews: Read online casino reviews. Pick a reliable casino site and register for a player account.
- Sign Up and Log In: Follow the verification email to verify your identity. Log in and find the cashier or deposit page.
- Make a Deposit: Once on the deposit page, choose a deposit method. Also, choose a deposit amount, then confirm the deposit.
- Accept the Bonus Offer: Most sites offer a welcome deposit package. Accept the deposit bonus or use the promo code to activate the bonus, then play for real money.
How to Withdraw Money at an Arizona Online Casino
- Play for Real Money: Choose a casino game. Click on the game icon and wait for the game to open.
- Satisfy the Wagering Requirement: Every bonus offer has a wagering requirement. Read the rules and satisfy the requirement before requesting a payout.
- Request a Withdrawal: Once the requirement is satisfied and you have winnings, request a payout at your leisure. Choose a payment method and confirm the request.
- Wait For Your Cash: Depending on the payout method, you'll be waiting anywhere from 2 hours to 2 weeks.
Overview of Arizona Gambling Laws
In 1986, the Cabazon Tribe of California won a US Supreme Court case that established tribal reservation lands as sovereign territory. The US Supreme Court ruled that tribal gaming was legal, but called for the US Congress to establish federal statutes to govern such activity. This led to the 1988 Indian Gaming Act. Tribal authorities began to launch bingo parlors, though these were challenged in some states. Several US governors -- including Fife Symington of Arizona -- argued that tribal gaming shouldn't be allowed because their states didn't have commercial casinos.
By 1992, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) ruled that tribes could have land-based casino gambling, though tribes had to reach a compact with their state over regulations. In essence, the various tribal gaming authorities in a state had to reach a deal with the state government over taxes, fines, fees, and regulatory oversight. Arizona's tribes began to reach agreements with Arizona's government, which created a burgeoning casino industry.
Arizona Online Casino Laws
At present, Arizona has 29 land-based casinos in 20 different cities and towns. Chandler, Glendale, Mohave Valley, Prescott, Scottsdale, and Tucson all have two or more casinos. Ajo, Camp Verde, Flagstaff, Fort McDowell, Leveen, Maricopa, Parker, Payson, Pinetop, Sahuarita, San Carlos, Somerton, Winkelman, and Yuma each have one casino.
Besides legal gambling in tribal and commercial casinos, Arizona also has pari-mutuel betting at horse tracks, dog tracks, and off-track betting (OTB) facilities. Arizona has 6 legal horse tracks, 2 dog tracks, and 43 OTBs throughout the state. Famous OTB chains include Gallagher's and Famous Sam's.
Arizona State Lottery
Arizona also has a state lottery. Besides the state lottery games, Arizona is a part of the two multi-state lottery associations: Powerball and Mega Millions. Arizona lotto bettors therefore can buy Powerball and Mega Millions tickets throughout the week.
Arizona Online Sports Betting
In April 2021, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a sports betting bill into law. Account registration went live on August 28, 2021, while Arizona online sportsbooks launched in September 2021. Since football betting is the most popular form of sports wager in the USA, Arizona's government wanted sports betting apps live by the time the NFL and NCAA football seasons launched in early September. Players can bet online at Sportsbook sites like Sportsbook, Sportsbook, Sportsbook Sportsbook, and BetMGM.
Sweepstakes Casinos: What They Are and How They Work
Sweepstakes casinos are a newer innovation that has become popular in the last few years. Thirty US states allow organizations to offer sweepstakes, such as the Publisher's Clearinghouse and the McDonald's sweepstakes contests you get at the drive-thru. A sweepstakes casino uses the same game mechanic to offer legal online casino games. Each spin of the reel, throw of the dice, or deal of the cards becomes a sweepstakes contest. Though the game uses a different gambling mechanism, the rules and gameplay are the same.
When you join a sweepstakes casino, you buy sweepstakes coins. These are used to play a sweepstakes version of online slots, blackjack, keno lottery, or video poker games. Once the games are finished, you can trade in sweepstakes coins for real money currency. This cash is then sent from your player account to your bank, web wallet, or doorstep.
Who Regulates Arizona Gambling?
Class II gaming is regulated by the local tribal gaming authority. This is subject to oversight by the National Indian Gaming Commission. For the state's Class III tribal casinos, the Tribal Gaming Authority and the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) join in regulating the games. This is in accordance with the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact.
Under US federal laws, federally recognized tribes can host legal brick-and-mortar gambling on their reservations. While reservation lands are considered sovereign territory, the 1988 Federal Gambling Act requires tribes to reach an accommodation with the adjacent state. This accommodation is called a compact. Arizona's government collects taxes from tribal gaming, but only for the cost of the ADG's regulatory activities.
The Best Arizona Land-Based Casinos
Arizona has several regionally famous land-based casinos. All of the state's 29 casinos have great games and seasonal promotions, though some stand out from the others. Here are our picks for the best brick-and-mortar casinos in Arizona.
Best AZ Land-Based Casinos
CASINO NAME | LOCATION | NUMBER OF GAMES |
Casino Del Sol | Tucson | 1,300 Slot Machines, 24 Gaming Tables, Poker Room |
Gila River Resort | Wild Horse Pass | 1,000 Slot Machines, 59 Gaming Tables, Poker |
Harrah’s Ak-Chin | Maricopa | 1,100 Slot Machines, Bingo Hall, Keno Parlor, Poker Room |
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino | Flagstaff | 1,100 Slot Machines, Table Games, Bingo Hall |
Talking Stick Resort & Casino | Scottsdale | 800 Slot Machines, 50 Gaming Tables |
Desert Diamond Casino | Tucson | 1,106 Slots, 32 Gaming Tables, Keno, Bingo, Poker |
| Paradise Casino | Yuma | 270 Slots, 300-seat Bingo hall |
| Apache Sky Casino | Winkleman | 375 Slots, 4 Gaming Tables |
| Cliff Castle Casino | Camp Verde | 650 Slots, 13 Gaming Tables, Poker |
| Desert Diamond Casino | Glendale | 1089 Slots, 52 Gaming Tables |
More Options for Arizona Real Money Gambling
As you can see, Arizona offers a full range of land-based real money gambling: casino games, lottery, keno, pari-mutuel betting, and sports betting. If you live in the state or visit the state, you'll be within a couple of hours of a land-based gaming facility. Online sports betting apps now operate through some of the state's land-based casinos' gaming portals.
If you prefer online casino games or online poker, you'll need to play at offshore online gambling sites. Don't put your hard-earned cash into just any online betting site, though. Read honest online casino reviews, find gaming sites known for fairness and safety, and bet online only in the best online casinos.
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Online Gambling Arizona FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Arizona?
Yes. While Arizona residents can't launch real money online casinos without being prosecuted, they can play at offshore online casinos without legal consequences. Because they play at offshore online casinos, Arizona players won't have consumer protections. Research any site before making a deposit by reading online casino reviews.
Where can I gamble online in Arizona?
Gamble online at offshore online casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks. These sites offer big welcome bonuses and a wide range of banking options. They also offer hundreds of online slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer games. Pick a real money casino site with the games and payment methods you prefer and enjoy online gambling.
How many casinos operate in Arizona?
Arizona has 29 land-based casinos. On the Internet, you'll find hundreds of online casinos, though we recommend players avoid most of those sites. Only play at established casinos sites with a reputation for trustworthiness, fairness, and safety.
Are real money online slots legal in Arizona?
Yes. While online slots exist in a legal gray area, no Arizona resident has ever been fined or prosecuted for playing real money slots online. That doesn't mean Arizona won't prosecute online gambling by individuals in the future, though.
What is the legal gambling age in Arizona?
To play in a brick-and-mortar casino, you'll need to be 21 or older.
What types of legal online gambling in AZ is available?
Online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks all accept Arizona players, but these are offshore gambling sites that don't offer the legal protections and consumer protections that licensed AZ gambling sites would.
What casino games are legal in Arizona?
Most casino games are legal in Arizona, though some in land-based casinos are considered either Class II or Class III games. Class II games are considered classic land-based casino games.
Class III games follow the rules of bingo or raffles. If you play in a Class III casino, the gaming machines look much like standard slot machines and video poker machines. When you look closer, you'll see a virtual bingo card somewhere on the screen. This bingo card determines the outcome of the game.
Who oversees online gambling in AZ?
That's a tricky question. From the state and federal levels of government, no one oversees Arizona's online gambling. Arizonans play at offshore online betting sites.
While Arizona authorities don't regulate these sites, most online casinos are regulated and licensed by overseas regulators. Gibraltar, Malta, The Isle of Man, Curacao, Kahnawake (Canada), Antigua, and Costa Rica are some of the most common overseas gaming agencies.
Are online slots legal in Arizona?
Arizona does not regulate online casinos, so online slots are not licensed and taxed. If you're playing at an online casino inside Arizona, you're playing at an offshore site. It sits in a legal gray area.
While you won't be prosecuted, offshore online slots don't have the legal protections and consumer protections that legal Arizona online slots would have.
What's the best online casino in Arizona?
The best online casino in Arizona is one that's licensed and legal. The problem is, Arizona doesn't have online gambling regulations, so no such casino exists at present. Because the state has so many land-based casinos, it's unlikely that you'll see the AZ online casino industry legalized anytime soon.
What is the best casino to go to in Arizona?
That depends on where you happen to be in Arizona. If you live in the Phoenix metropolitan area, then the best options are Talking Stick Resort, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, or Harrah's Ak-Chin.
If you're in the Tuscon area, then you'll prefer Casino Del Sol. Flagstaff residents might prefer Twin Arrows Casino, while those near Chandler might prefer Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.
