Sports Betting in Arizona 2026

Is Sports Betting Legal in Arizona?

Sports betting has been fully legal and live in Arizona since September 9, 2021, a launch date chosen to coincide with Week 1 of the NFL season—America’s most wagered sport. Nearly four years later, the state boasts one of the most active sports betting markets in the country, with various sports betting apps in Alabama available for bettors.

While many Arizonans choose state-regulated sportsbooks, offshore betting platforms remain accessible and continue to attract players looking for broader markets, crypto payment options, and fewer restrictions. In addition, Arizona’s proximity to major betting hubs like Nevada and Colorado offers even more opportunities for those willing to cross state lines.

Top 5 Arizona Online Betting Sites

Arizona has a booming legal sports betting scene, but not every bettor is sold on the official platforms. High taxes, limited market variety, and ID verification hurdles have many Arizonans exploring alternative options—particularly offshore sportsbooks.

Why? Offshore sites offer more freedom, better odds, crypto-friendly payments, and access to niche markets that state-regulated books don’t touch. Whether you’re betting on the Cardinals, futures on presidential elections, or just spinning a few slots, these platforms let you bet your way—without the red tape.

Bovada – Best Overall for Arizona Players

Bovada remains a go-to choice for bettors across the U.S., and Arizona is no exception. With coverage of every major sport—including NFL, NBA, college games, and global leagues—plus markets on politics, entertainment, and esports, it’s built for versatility. Bovada also delivers fast crypto withdrawals and a clean, mobile-first design that’s perfect for betting on the go.

Why Arizona bettors love Bovada:

• Simple, intuitive mobile experience

• Fast Bitcoin payouts

• Huge variety of markets, including niche props

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

BetOnline – Best for High-Stakes Action

BetOnline is tailored for sharp bettors and high rollers. With some of the best odds in the business, early line releases, and high betting limits, it’s ideal for those who don’t just bet for fun. Arizona users also love the deep prop markets and generous crypto bonuses for both new and loyal players.

Why Arizona bettors love BetOnline:

• Competitive odds and fast-moving lines

• High limits for pros and sharps

• Outstanding crypto bonus offers

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

SportsBetting.ag – Best All-Around Platform

If you want a well-rounded platform with solid features across the board, SportsBetting.ag is for you. It delivers a smooth user experience, excellent live betting, and a full casino—all backed by reliable support and fast payments. It’s ideal for Arizona players who want both sportsbook action and casino variety in one place.

Why Arizona bettors love SportsBetting.ag:

• Easy-to-use interface with live betting tools

• Great mix of casino games and sports action

• Bitcoin and altcoin-friendly

Bonus:

50% up to $250

Bet now

Xbet – Best for First-Time Bettors

Xbet is the perfect starting point for Arizona players who are new to sports betting. The site is straightforward, mobile-friendly, and loaded with helpful features for beginners. New players benefit from clean layouts, low minimums, and excellent customer support. The welcome bonus is a solid perk too.

Why Arizona bettors love Xbet:

• Simple, clean layout for beginners

• Friendly support and fast response times

• Easy-to-claim deposit bonuses

Bonus:

50% up to $200

Bet now

MyBookie – Best for Casual & Entertainment Betting

If you’re looking to have fun while you bet, MyBookie is where it’s at. With a light-hearted style, markets on everything from reality TV to politics, and regular contests, it’s made for casual players. Arizona bettors appreciate the fast sign-up, promo offers, and wide selection of entertaining betting markets.

Why Arizona bettors love MyBookie:

• Fun, user-friendly layout

• Unique prop bets and entertainment odds

• Frequent reload promos and contests

Bonus:

100% up to $1,000

Bet now

Legal Online Sportsbooks in Arizona

Sports betting is fully legal in Arizona—and it’s thriving. Since launching mobile wagering in September 2021, the state has quickly become one of the most active sports betting markets in the country.

Arizona residents and visitors can legally place bets online through a variety of licensed operators. These sportsbooks are regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming and must follow strict guidelines to ensure security, fairness, and responsible gambling practices.

Arizona Quick Facts

Here’s a snapshot of everything you need to know about sports betting in Arizona. From when it became legal to who can participate and what types of bets are allowed, this quick guide breaks down the key facts about Arizona’s sports betting landscape at a glance.

Why Many Arizona Bettors Choose Offshore Sportsbooks Over Legal Ones

Arizona has a well-developed legal sports betting industry, but it’s not perfect. While top-tier sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel operate in the state, many bettors still turn to offshore platforms for a more flexible and rewarding experience.

From limited bet types to stricter ID checks and tax implications, Arizona’s regulated betting market can feel a bit restrictive. Offshore sportsbooks, by contrast, offer a wider range of betting options, better odds, and fewer hoops to jump through.

Advantages of Offshore Betting for Arizona Players

• More Markets to Wager On — Arizona’s legal books limit bets on things like political elections, entertainment outcomes, and certain international or niche sports. Offshore sportsbooks don’t. You’ll find betting lines on the Oscars, presidential races, esports tournaments, and more.
• Better Odds & Lower Juice — Without being burdened by state taxes or heavy compliance costs, offshore platforms can offer more competitive lines and reduced juice—meaning more value per wager.
• No Location Lockdowns — With state-regulated sportsbooks, you must be physically located in Arizona and enable geolocation services. Offshore sportsbooks don’t care where you are—bet from anywhere in the U.S. or abroad, hassle-free.
• Crypto-Friendly & Fast Payouts — Offshore books support cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, with quicker deposit and withdrawal times compared to most local sportsbooks.
• Simplified Signup Process — No government-mandated ID uploads, selfie verifications, or in-depth background checks—just a fast, user-friendly sign-up and you’re good to go.

What You Can’t Bet on Legally in Arizona

Even with legal sports betting thriving in Arizona, state-regulated sportsbooks must follow strict rules on what events they can offer. As of 2025, bettors typically cannot place wagers on:

• Entertainment outcomes (e.g., Oscars, Emmys)
• Political elections (U.S. or international)
• Certain esports competitions, especially amateur or unapproved events
• High school sports or any competitions involving minors

Offshore sportsbooks, by contrast, are not bound by Arizona’s regulations and often take action on all of the above—allowing players to wager on a wider range of markets. However, these platforms operate outside U.S. legal oversight, meaning protections and dispute resolution processes differ from those of licensed Arizona operators.

Who Can Bet Legally in Arizona?

To use a licensed sportsbook in Arizona, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 21 years or older
• Physically located in Arizona at the time of betting (verified by geolocation tech)
• No need to be a resident, but location rules apply
• Register with a licensed operator and comply with ID verification procedures

Who Is Prohibited from Betting in Arizona?

Even if you meet the general requirements, some people are legally barred from betting in the state, including:

• Coaches, athletes, referees, and individuals directly involved in sporting events
• Employees of sports teams, sportsbooks, or leagues who could influence outcomes
• People listed on self-exclusion or gambling ban lists

Skip the Restrictions with Offshore Sportsbooks

While Arizona’s legal market offers security and convenience, offshore sportsbooks continue to attract players who want full freedom. Whether you want to bet on college teams, political outcomes, or just enjoy faster payouts and fewer limitations, offshore betting sites remain a smart alternative for savvy Arizona players.

Arizona Sports Betting – Recent Updates

• March 10, 2025 — The Arizona Department of Gaming reports that the state set a new all-time monthly sports betting handle record of $897.6 million in November 2024, surpassing the previous record from November 2023. Total handle for 2024 reached $7.96 billion, a 21% increase from 2023.
• February 7, 2024 — Arizona sports betting handle reaches a new record high at $713.5 million in November, marking a 10% month-over-month increase and a 15.5% rise from November 2022.
• February 5, 2024 — Bet365 goes live in Arizona, bringing the total number of online sportsbooks in the state to 17.
• January 18, 2024 — The Arizona Department of Gaming announces the reopening of the sports betting license application process on February 16. One license will be in partnership with a tribe, and at least one other will be designated for a sports franchise.
• December 28, 2023 — The state reveals that Arizona sports betting handle rose to $648.2 million in October, reflecting a 6.2% increase from September and marking the second-highest monthly total in the history of legal betting in the state.
• November 29, 2023 — Kindred, the parent company for Unibet, declares plans to exit North American markets by the end of Q2 in 2024.

Sports Betting to Start during the Football Season

When sports betting is enacted before football season, you will never want to play on offshore sportsbooks again. However, the simplicity of legal books will make gambling in Arizona entertaining and straightforward.

Arizona’s gambling market is controlled by multiple tribes that operate casinos in the state. The disagreements between the tribe and the government were why the implementation of sports betting was so delayed.

Governor Doug Ducey was able to negotiate an updated gaming compact with the tribes that set some of the premises around sports betting. When this was passed, the state legislature quickly went to work to form updated Arizona gambling laws.

Bills Failed in 2018

Lawmakers tried to pass sports betting bills in 2018, but efforts stalled until a new tribal-state gaming compact was signed in 2021. That year, the Arizona Legislature passed HB 2772 and SB 1797, which legalized both sports wagering and daily fantasy sports—previously prohibited in the state.

The negotiation process took about three months, and the final agreement created a much broader market than originally expected. Early proposals envisioned a more limited system dominated by tribal operators, but the updated compact gave the legislature authority to issue licenses to both tribal casinos and professional sports organizations, greatly expanding the reach and competitiveness of Arizona’s sports betting industry.

The Framework of Arizona Sports Betting

Sports betting has been legal and live in Arizona since September 9, 2021, offering both online and retail wagering to anyone physically located within the state. You don’t need to be a resident to participate, but you must be inside Arizona’s borders and enable geolocation on your device to place bets or register an account. The minimum legal betting age is 21.

Arizona law allows for up to 20 sports betting licenses—split evenly between tribal casino operators and professional sports teams or venues. While not all licenses are currently active, there are 14 licensed online sportsbooks operating in the state. Professional teams cannot run sportsbooks directly, but they can form partnerships with licensed operators, allowing them to share in revenue and promote betting through official channels.

Current high-profile partnerships include Phoenix Suns–FanDuel, Arizona Diamondbacks–BetMGM, TPC Scottsdale–DraftKings, and newer deals such as Bet365’s market entry and Fanatics Sportsbook’s expansion. These arrangements, combined with Arizona’s mix of tribal casinos and major sports franchises, make the state one of the most competitive and diverse sports betting markets in the United States.

Phoenix Suns Have a Deal with FanDuel

The Phoenix Suns of the NBA partnered with FanDuel, and DraftKings formed a relationship with TPC Scottsdale after Governor Ducey signed the bill.

TPC Scottsdale is the home course for the PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open. The Arizona Diamondbacks followed by joining forces with BetMGM.

DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are three of the best sports betting operators in the nation. The announcement of these three companies securing market access has put Arizona on the map for sports betting.

The number of sports teams, betting providers, and casinos in the state will make Arizona sports betting massive throughout the United States.

OffShore Sportsbooks’ Reputation

Offshore sportsbooks such as Bovada, XBet, BetOnline, GTBets, MyBookie, and BetUS have built strong reputations over many years for reliability, speed, and trustworthiness. They provide thousands of betting lines across American, European, and niche sports, along with extensive prop bets, futures, entertainment markets, and political wagering. Their racebooks are also highly regarded, offering coverage of every major racetrack around the world

Five Reasons to Bet on Sports in Arizona

Online sports betting in Arizona is going to be substantial. Arizona gambling laws have created a market that will make wagering enjoyable for frequent and casual bettors. The team at My Top Sportsbooks has studied the developing market in the state.

There are plenty of reasons to wager in Arizona. Although, a few details stand out above the rest for why you should bet on sports in the state.

Numerous Betting Options

Arizona’s sports betting framework allows for up to 20 sports betting licenses—split evenly between tribal casino operators and professional sports teams or venues. While not all licenses are currently active, the state remains a highly competitive market, attracting both established brands and newer entrants seeking a share of its strong betting handle.

14 licensed online sportsbooks operate in Arizona, including industry leaders like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM, all of which have secured prominent local partnerships. These platforms are among the most popular in the U.S., offering deep betting markets, strong promotions, and reliable user experiences.

Arizona’s roster also includes operators such as Caesars, BetRivers, Bet365, PointsBet, Fanatics Sportsbook, and Unibet, ensuring that bettors have a wide selection of platforms to choose from. The combination of a robust legal framework, major brand presence, and the potential for additional licenses keeps Arizona firmly positioned as one of the top sports betting markets in the nation.

You can register in all sportsbooks

Having options is a way to help you win on sports wagering. You will have the opportunity to register for all sportsbooks in the state if you wish. This will allow you to line shop between platforms and seek out multiple bonuses.

Some sportsbooks are known for having superior odds, but they may not have the best bonuses. The vast sports betting framework in AZ will help you win frequently. Winning is the goal of sports betting, so AZ will be an excellent location for you to wager.

Offshore sportsbooks are still available in the state. As we told you previously, you can collect all bonuses and search for the best odds in all bookies.

Bonus Opportunities

A great sportsbook is judged on many factors, but a primary focus is bonuses. Bonuses are critical in sports betting because everyone likes to utilize house money. In Arizona, there will be a multitude of promotions that will involve free bets.

DraftKings and FanDuel are two of the best companies in the industry for providing bonus opportunities. These books have massive welcome bonuses that include deposit matches and risk-free bets. Also, DraftKings and FanDuel have recurring promotions throughout the year, which give you a great chance to win on sports.

Nobody has ever lost betting with house money, which makes Arizona a promising market in the future.

Sports Teams

It’s tough to find many states that have a better sports atmosphere than Arizona. AZ has a professional sports franchise in all of the four major leagues. This list includes the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Coyotes (NHL), and Phoenix Suns (NBA).

In sports betting, there is nothing like wagering on your hometown team to win. When they do prosper for one of your wagers, it’s exhilarating. You will be able to bet from the sports venues in the state, which will add an extra element of excitement to games.

Another benefit of Arizona’s professional sports franchises is that sportsbooks will cater bonuses to these teams. For example, if the Cardinals have a big prime-time game, DraftKings may cater a local bonus for Arizona bettors.

Some states do not have this luxury because there are no professional sports teams. However, since AZ has four major sports franchises, there will never be a boring time for athletics during the year.

Safety

Offshore sportsbooks are relatively safe, but no states monitor these bets. Legal sports betting in the United States is also safe. You will never have to worry about personal information being stolen because of the stringent regulations in the state.

The security measures that sportsbooks establish can be frustrating. It may take an extra minute to log in to your account, but it’s worth it because your information will stay safe.

Whether you are a high roller or low-risk bettor, you want your money to be protected. Safety will never be an issue on the sportsbook.

Customer Service

You will rarely have issues using the sportsbooks in Arizona, but the customer service from the companies is elite. In addition, the sportsbooks in the state have multiple ways to contact them, so you have your questions answered quickly.

You can reach out to the platforms by phone, email, text, live chat, and a variety of different options. Every sportsbook has different ways to solve issues, but they all have reliable service because it’s necessary to stay in business.

List of Casinos in Arizona

Arizona hosts 26 Class III tribal casinos under the Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. Here’s a curated list of the casinos currently active within the state:

• Apache Gold Casino Resort
• Apache Sky Casino
• BlueWater Resort & Casino
• Bucky’s Casino
• Casino Arizona
• Casino del Sol
• Casino of the Sun
• Cliff Castle Casino Hotel
• Cocopah Resort Casino
• Desert Diamond Casino – Sahuarita
• Desert Diamond Casino – Tucson
• Desert Diamond Casino – West Valley
• Desert Diamond Casino – White Tanks (opened December 2024)
• Desert Diamond Casino – Why
• We-Ko-Pa Casino & Resort
• Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort
• Hon-Dah Resort Casino
• Lone Butte Casino
• Mazatzal Casino
• Paradise Casino
• Santan Mountain Hotel & Casino
• Spirit Mountain Casino
• Talking Stick Resort
• Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort
• Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino
• Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
• Yavapai Casino

Arizona Sports Betting Timeline

2025

Record Growth and Market Expansion

Arizona’s sports betting market continues to thrive, with 14 licensed online sportsbooks operating. The state set a new all-time monthly handle record of $897.6 million in November 2024 (reported in March 2025), bringing the total 2024 handle to $7.96 billion—a 21% increase from 2023. Fanatics Sportsbook, which entered the state in early 2024 after acquiring PointsBet’s U.S. assets, has gained a foothold, while Bet365 and other major brands have strengthened competition.

2024

New Operators and Record Handle

Arizona welcomed new operators, including Bet365 in February 2024 and Fanatics Sportsbook later in the year, bringing the total number of licensed sportsbooks to 17 before consolidating to 14 active operators by year’s end. The state’s sports betting handle hit new heights, with November 2024 producing a record-breaking $897.6 million in wagers. Total handle for the year reached $7.96 billion, driven by NFL season activity, increased competition, and expanded promotional offerings.

2023

Arizona’s Diverse Sports Betting Landscape with Fanatics Absent

Summary: Arizona’s sports betting scene features major players like DraftKings and FanDuel alongside local sportsbooks such as Desert Diamond and Sahara Bets. Notably, Desert Diamond has surpassed national brands like BetRivers and Barstool Sportsbook. However, the state is yet to see Fanatics Sportsbook due to licensing issues related to their acquisition of PointsBet. Despite this, Arizona operators have collectively handled almost $13 billion in wagers through October 2023.

2022

Sports betting underway

In 2022, sports betting in Arizona experienced remarkable success, attracting significant engagement and generating substantial revenue.

2021

Success!

Negotiations early in the year set things up for quick success! Governor Ducey signs sports betting into law in April and the first sportsbooks launch as quickly as September. This includes online and mobile sports betting.

2020

A Repeat of 2019

The same two legislative members introduce their bills. In the Senate the bill only gets a second reading while in the House it moves through two committees before stalling.

2019

Two Bills Stall

A bill in the State Senate and House each were introduced by Senator Sonny Borrelli and Representative Steve Pierce. These bills would have legalized retail sports betting, but not online. Neither gained much momentum.

Arizona Sports Betting Resources

Explore these key resources for detailed information on legal sports betting in Arizona:

• Arizona Department of Gaming: The official regulatory authority overseeing all gaming activities in Arizona.
• Division of Problem Gambling: Offers support and resources for individuals affected by gambling addiction.
• Arizona Sports Betting Law (HB 2772): Legislation that legalized sports betting in the state.
• Arizona Tribal Gaming Compact: Updated in 2021, this compact allows tribes to operate sports betting under specific agreements.
• Arizona Sports Betting Regulations: Comprehensive rules and guidelines for operating and participating in legal sports wagering in Arizona.

Trent Reinsmith

Trent is a professional sports journalist specializing in UFC, MMA, and esports coverage. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as USA Today Sports, Vice, Bloody Elbow, Fight! Magazine, UFC 360, and Narratively. Trent's connection to MMA dates back to the early days when he and his friends pooled their resources to purchase the pay-per-...

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