Updated on: Sep 13, 2024 1:28 PM ET Fact checked by: Matt Cousens
Legal sports betting in Arizona has been operational since September 9, 2021, when seven different sportsbooks opened simultaneously. Currently there are 13 regulated sports betting apps in Arizona accepting wagers in addition to 17 retail options throughout The Grand Canyon State. If you’re thinking about sports betting, you’re lucky to be in Arizona with remote registration which allows you to wager with popular apps like DraftKings and FanDuel from the comfort of home.
Arizona’s 13 unique online sportsbooks offer a lot of options for sports bettors. I will provide you with details on your best sportsbook options in Arizona and explain how to get started with sports betting. I’ll also detail the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which Illinois teams to wager on and responsible gambling resources.
Best Betting Sites for Arizona
No books available.
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
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Legal Betting Age: 21 years old
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Online Sports Betting: Yes
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Online Casino Sites: No
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Online Poker Sites: No
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Best Available Sportsbook: FanDuel
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Regulatory Body: Arizona Department of Gaming
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Legal Online Sportsbooks: 17
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College Sports Betting: Legal with the exception of prop bets
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Political or Entertainment Betting: No
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High School Sports Betting: No
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Esports Betting: No
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NFL Draft: Yes
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Remote 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
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.
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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NBA - 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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NFL - 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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MLB - 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.
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.