Arizona Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
Arizona has been slowly developing more gambling-friendly laws. In 2021, sports betting and table games at tribal casinos became legal.
Online gambling has also advanced, with online sportsbooks being legal. However, online casinos are still in a tricky area.
In this guide, I’ll share the best online casinos to try in the state. I’ve thoroughly investigated these sites and approved them for their reliability and trustworthiness.
You’ll also learn about the legal status of different types of gambling in the Grand Canyon State and how to gamble safely.
Gambling Highlights
Want to gamble in Arizona? The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in the state. From online casinos to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
21
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
Grey Area
Land-Based Sports Betting
Yes
Online Sportsbooks
Yes
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Is Online Gambling Legal in Arizona?
Key Takeaways
- Online sports betting & DFS are locally regulated.
- You can play at online casinos regulated outside of the state.
- It’s illegal to open an online casino based in Arizona.
- There is no prosecution recorded for gambling at online casinos.
- Due to a lack of local regulations for gambling sites, I recommend Arizonans play at proven legit online casinos.
This state has not regulated online casinos or poker sites. However, offshore casinos and poker rooms have served Arizona for two and a half decades.
Arizona laws do not specifically mention nor criminalize online gambling. State authorities have never taken action against an offshore gambling site. Therefore, offshore operators continue providing casino games and poker here.
Users face virtually no legal risk playing at online casinos and poker sites. Nobody has gotten arrested for gambling at an offshore site, and I do not see this situation changing anytime in the future.
Sports betting is the only form of legal online gambling in the Copper State. It became regulated through HB 2772—the same legislation that legalized DFS. All mobile sportsbooks must obtain licensing from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) before legally operating.
Legal Gambling Facts for AZ Players
Here are some facts about AZ online casinos that you need to consider before playing.
- The Arizona online game market is unregulated and features offshore casinos.
- Most online casinos that serve AZ have licensing in other jurisdictions (e.g., Curacao).
- You can find games online that aren’t available in Arizona tribal casinos, like Banana Jones and Fish Catch.
- Some AZ online casinos offer live dealer gaming, which feels like a tribal casino atmosphere.
- You cannot deposit and withdraw with a US bank account at many offshore sites.
- Cryptocurrency banking (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) is available at most online casinos in Arizona.
- Most offshore gaming sites feature large welcome bonuses for new players.
Arizona Gambling Laws Summary
Arizona has legalized almost every type of gambling. It features tribal casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, daily fantasy sports (DFS), lotteries, and charitable gambling.
As of September 2012, online sports betting is available in the Copper State. You will also have access to many offshore online casinos. Here’s a summary of the main AZ gambling laws that you need to know before playing locally or online.
| Arizona Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| AZ Online Gambling | Online sports betting is legal and regulated in Arizona. Offshore online casinos and poker sites are also available and easily accessible. |
| Land-Based Casinos in Arizona | Arizona has 26 tribal casinos, with most offering Class III gaming (a.k.a. slots & table games). The casinos with Class III gaming collectively provide almost 20,000 slot machines. |
| Sports Betting | Online sports betting is legal and regulated in Arizona. Offshore casinos and poker sites are also available and easily accessible. |
| State Lottery | The Arizona Lottery features drawings, scratch cards, and the multi-state Mega Millions and Powerball drawings. |
| Charitable Gambling | Qualified charities can offer bingo, horse racing days, pull tabs, and raffles. They can complete a survey with the Arizona Department of Gaming before holding a gambling fundraiser. |
| Poker | Arizona offers eight poker rooms, with the largest ones near the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Arizona has only one operating horse racing track, with most races taking place in the winter and spring. Dog racing is illegal here, as it is in most other states. |
| Fantasy Sports | DFS sites have been legal and regulated in the Copper State since HB 2772 passed in 2021. |
| Social Gambling | Social gambling is legal, provided nobody collects rake from games or profits in any other way. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | Yes, you need to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Arizona. Arizona taxes gambling winnings like income. For example, you would pay a 2.59% state rate as a single filter that makes $0-$26,000. Certified public accountants suggest players keep detailed records and report all earnings. Please visit our exclusive gambling taxes article for more information. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
The Copper State seemingly has a tough stance on gambling.
The Department of Gaming notes that “all gambling is illegal in Arizona unless a statute excludes it as legal.” State authorities will take action against anybody who operates an illegal gambling business on AZ soil.
However, the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-3302 carve out a number of exceptions. You can see further details on what forms of gambling are legal and illegal in this state below.
Land-Based Casinos
Arizona may be overshadowed in gambling by its northern neighbor, Nevada. However, it has a surprisingly large gaming industry with 26 tribal casinos.
Desert Diamond (West Valley) is the largest AZ casino, featuring 1,400 slot machines and 75 table games. Tribes gained the right to offer Class III gaming in 2021 as part of HB 2772.
Former Gov. Doug Ducey negotiated for years with tribes to usher in legal Arizona sports betting. The result: many Native-American casinos now resemble Nevada gaming venues with slot machines, blackjack, and other traditional games.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
All Arizona poker rooms are inside tribal casinos. This situation differs from nearby California, which has dozens of standalone card rooms.
The biggest AZ poker venues are Talking Stick Casino (47 tables), Desert Diamond (30), Gila River (30), and Casino Del Sol (10). Talking Stick’s Arena Poker Room is noteworthy because it hosts the annual Arizona State Poker Championship.
Bingo, Lottery, and Charitable Gambling
The Native-American casinos that do not offer Class III gaming focus on bingo and other games. The Bingo Hall (Casino Arizona), Casino of the Sun, and Riverboat Bingo Hall offer bingo consistently.
Approved charities also feature bingo, plus horse-racing charity days, pull tabs, and raffles. The Department of Gaming provides a survey that helps charities operate within state laws.
The Arizona State Lottery offers another gambling outlet for state residents and visitors. It features several draw games like Fantasy 5, Pick 3, and Triple Twist.
You can also purchase scratch cards, Mega Millions, and Powerball tickets at licensed retailers.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Arizona Downs is the only active horse track in Arizona, and it runs races from May through December.
Arizona used to be one of the biggest states for dog races, boasting five tracks at one point. But these tracks slowly closed over the years as the sport began dying. The state officially ended any hopes of a revival by banning greyhound racing in 2016.
Social Gambling at Home
(ARS) 12-3301.9 notes that social gambling is legal as long as:
“[It is] not conducted as a business and that involves players who compete on equal terms with each other […]”
Therefore, you can play poker and other card games in Arizona households. Other notable rules behind social gambling include that all players must be 21 and no cheating occurs.
Sports Betting
The Copper State legalized sports betting in April 2021 through HB 2772. The latter allows for licensed retail sportsbooks and online betting sites.
Retail sportsbooks are available at Native American casinos and sports arenas, such as Chase Field, Footprint Center, and State Farm Stadium.
You must be 21 years old and within state lines to use Arizona betting apps. Mobile sportsbooks employ geolocation software to ensure that you are within AZ borders.
Casinos in Arizona
Regarding in-person gambling, there are over 30 legal options across the state. Native tribes run all casinos on reservations, and you won’t find any commercial locations like the Vegas strip.
While there are many land-based casinos, none of them have a license for online gambling. Some locations may offer social gaming platforms without the opportunity to win real money.
This interactive map shows you the locations of Arizona’s land-based casinos and poker rooms.
Top Arizona Casinos
- Casino Arizona
- Talking Stick Resort
- Harrah’s Ak-Chin
- Desert Diamond Casino – Gila River
- Wild Horse Pass Casino
Gambling Summary
- Total Casinos: 26
- Poker Rooms: 8
- Tribal Casinos: 26
Best Arizona Online Casinos in 2024
Below are my top picks for Arizona online casinos. These sites are offshore and licensed within their respective jurisdictions.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: November, 2024
Arizona Gambling Vs. Neighboring States
Most US regions have a similar stance regarding gambling. The Southwest is the same, although Utah is an outlier. You can see how Arizona compares and differs from its neighbors below.
| State | Is Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Yes | 21 | Legal (Tribal Only) | Offshore Only | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| California | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal (Tribal Only) | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New Mexico | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Offshore Only | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Nevada | Yes | 21 | Legal | Offshore Only | Legal | Not Legal | Legal |
| Utah | No | N/A | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal |
Arizona is similar to most of its neighbors regarding legal forms of gambling. It offers casinos and charity gaming like three other bordering states. Meanwhile, it has legal sports betting like New Mexico and Nevada. Most of its neighbors also tolerate offshore online casinos.
Again, Utah is the oddball with no forms of legal gambling. Ardent gamblers will fare better in any other states listed above.
A Brief History of Arizona Gambling
Arizona outlawed gambling in 1912 as part of its conditions for statehood. It had to close all in-state casinos at the time to meet this condition. The Grand Canyon State did not explore gambling again until the 1950s, when it ventured into racing.
Horse and greyhound racing started with the Arizona Racing Commission in 1958. The industry boomed while it held a monopoly. Like other racing industries, it declined sharply when other forms of gaming came in.
Arizona state lottery hit the scene in November 1980. It was the first time a state west of the Mississippi River approved a lottery.
The history of casinos in Arizona is one of the most unusual in the United States. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed in 1988. This limited reservations to bingo, off-track betting, and lottery-type drawings.
Slot parlors started opening in 1990 based on ambiguous legislation but were ordered to shut down in 1992. After a raid on five tribes that didn’t budge, gaming pacts started getting signed once again later that year.
Today, Arizona has a healthy network of land-based casinos dotting its reservations. Poker rooms, race betting, and state lottery thrive with more legislation on the horizon.
Former Gov. Doug Ducey began sports betting negotiations with tribes after PASPA fell in 2018. The two sides had to negotiate so the state did not violate tribal gaming compacts. They agreed to a deal in 2021, the same year sports betting became legal in the state.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
The Arizona Division of Problem Gaming works with tribes and licensed state operators to curb gambling addiction. It offers a self-exclusion form that gamblers can fill out to ban themselves from “Class III Arizona Gaming Facilities.”
Players can get this form from the Division’s website or tribal gaming locations. Other resources available for those with a gambling problem include:
If you want to know more about the topic, visit our responsible gambling page.
In Summary: Arizona’s Gambling Journey
The Grand Canyon State offers most forms of gambling, ranging from land-based casinos to poker rooms. Sports betting is the most recent inclusion, with retail and online sportsbooks launching in 2021.
Online casinos and poker are the only types of unregulated gambling in Arizona. Offshore online casinos and poker sites have been filling in for the past 25+ years.
I do not see this situation changing for at least a few years. Regulated mobile poker and casinos would require more negotiations with tribes, which appreciate where they currently are with land-based casinos.
You still have many Arizona gambling options to keep you busy. And if you feel like playing online poker or casino games, casino sites are widely available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have any more questions on the legality of Arizona online gambling? The following FAQs further clarify what you can play in the Grand Canyon State.
Is gambling legal in Arizona?
Arizona offers several forms of legal gambling, including bingo, casinos, charities, daily fantasy, lotteries, sportsbooks, and social games. It also tolerates offshore poker and casino sites.
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in Arizona?
The Copper State does not have commercial casinos like Hollywood Casino or MGM. Instead, all its casinos are owned and run by Native American tribes. As of 2021, tribal casinos can offer Class III slots and table games just like commercial casinos in other states.
Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside of Arizona?
Nobody has ever gotten busted for playing at online casinos from Arizona. Therefore, the odds of you getting in legal trouble for enjoying offshore casinos are little to none.
Who regulates online casinos in Arizona?
Online casinos that serve Arizona are unregulated and have offshore licensing. Most of these casinos hold a license in Costa Rica or Curacao
What is the minimum age to gamble in Arizona?
21 is the minimum age to gamble in Arizona, including tribal casinos, the state lottery, and wagering on races.
Why are craps, roulette, and baccarat illegal in Arizona?
Craps, roulette, and baccarat are illegal in Arizona casinos because they are entirely chance-based. All permitted table games have some skill involved. Video versions fall loosely under slots classification, so some virtual tables exist.
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant to obtain advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
