Compare Arizona betting sites at Gambling Spotlight. Get the info on the best betting options, welcome bonuses, and promotions in the Grand Canyon State.
Looking to enjoy some Arizona betting? Gambling Spotlight has put together all the information you need about gambling in the state. Our guide covers the types of sports you can bet on, the kind of wagers you can make, and much more. Plus, we’ve got the lowdown on some of the best deals available, including welcome bonuses and ongoing promos, so you can get the most for your money. Read on and compare the best sportsbooks in Arizona today.
Are online betting sites legal in Arizona?
Yes. The legalization of sports betting in the state of Arizona is a very recent development, with the relevant bill being signed into law in April 2021. With this hurdle overcome, the first legal sportsbooks in Arizona started operating in September.
However, it should be noted that Arizona’s acceptance of sports betting doesn’t mean the state has fully legalized gambling, as – at the time of writing – real money online casino sites still haven’t been given the go-ahead.
Betting in the state is strictly regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). This agency proactively enforces gambling laws in the state, cracking down on illegal betting and providing licenses for legal operators. To place wagers legally in Arizona, under ADG regulations, you must be aged 21 or over and located within state lines.
Why play at a licensed Arizona online betting site?
Gambling at a licensed Arizona online betting site is the best way to stay safe when enjoying sports betting. Any operator granted a license by the Arizona Department of Gaming must adhere to the strictest standards of integrity and fair play, offering sites that are secure, trustworthy, and payout as instructed by customers. Operators are regularly audited, and if you have a complaint, you can escalate it to the ADG for resolution.
Why should I avoid offshore online sportsbooks?
Using offshore sportsbooks is not expressly prohibited in Arizona, but it’s not a practice that we recommend. Place bets at an unlicensed site beyond the ADG’s legal jurisdiction, and you’ll lack an easy way to get support or compensation if things go wrong. Offshore sportsbooks may be vulnerable to hackers, lack good customer support services, come saddled with unfair terms and conditions, or even commit outright fraud. Now that Arizona betting is legal, there’s really no reason to resort to offshore sites.
How to identify a legal online betting site in Arizona
It’s easy to identify legal betting sites in Arizona. Simply check the sportsbook’s website for a statement declaring the operator is licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming. If you feel like double-checking, you can always head to the ADG website which has a register of regulated operators. Rest assured that any sportsbook we recommend here at GamblingSpotlight has the ADG’s seal of approval.
Which online betting sites can Arizona residents play at?
Sports betting may still be new to Arizona, but bettors already have a wide choice of sites where they can wager on their favorite events.
DraftKings
DraftKings was one of the first legal sports betting sites to launch in Arizona, and – as you’d expect from such a big brand – it offers a wide range of sports plus some great promos. You can bet on the major leagues, along with college events, golf, tennis, MMA, and much more. DraftKings also rolls out the red carpet for newbies with a matched deposit bonus of 20%, up to $1,000.
FanDuel
Another biggie in the world of sports betting, FanDuel allows you to place a first bet up to $1,000 risk-free. Simply make your wager, and if it doesn’t go your way, you’ll get a refund in the form of bonus funds to use at the site.
FanDuel’s in-game betting options are extremely popular with customers who enjoy the thrill of making on-the-spot predictions while events are underway. From baseball to football, all the major sports are represented, while the same game parlay tool makes it easy to create your own bespoke bet bundles.
BetMGM
BetMGM has arguably one of the visually appealing sportsbook sites, befitting a brand that’s synonymous with luxury land-based casinos. There’s plenty to get your teeth into here – the expansive market coverage takes in a huge range of sports including basketball, football, baseball, and hockey. Plus, it’s possible to live stream certain events through the sportsbook, so you can watch the action as you wager.
BetMGM also provides new customers with a risk-free first bet that covers up to $1,000 of a losing stake.
BetRivers
BetRivers is one of the newest online betting sites in Arizona, launching in November 2021. The site offers a wide range of features to make gambling more immersive, such as an advanced stats center and live streaming of hockey, tennis, and other big sports.
New customers can enjoy a matched deposit bonus of up to $250, which can certainly give your balance a real boost, while the iRush Rewards loyalty program lets you potentially access extra perks like bonus credits.
Unibet
Unibet’s simple, easy-to-use interface is great for sports betting, clearly laying out the odds and stats to help you make decisions. There’s a big range of sports to choose from, including major league, international, and college games. You can also enjoy a risk-free first bet of $500 when you join.
There are plenty of goodies for existing members at Unibet, including daily odds boosts on certain markets, parlay boosts, and a gift of $10 in free bets if you place five or more live sports wagers in a given week.
Arizona’s land-based bookmakers
This section comes with a little caveat, which is that many retail sportsbooks are still in their planning stages, on account of the market in Arizona being so new.
The following is a list of venues where sportsbooks either have already opened or are expected to do so very soon.
| Name of venue | Address |
| Apache Gold Casino Resort | 777 Geronimo Springs Blvd, San Carlos, AZ 85550 |
| Footprint Center (sports arena) | 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 |
| Chase Field (sports arena) | 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 |
| Apache Sky Casino | 777 Apache Sky Blvd, Winkelman, AZ 85192 |
| BlueWater Resort and Casino | 11300 Resort Dr, Parker, AZ 85344 |
| Bucky’s Casino | 1500 E. Highway 69, Prescott, AZ 86301 |
| Casino Arizona | 524 N 92nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 |
| Casino del Sol | 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85757 |
| Casino of the Sun | 7406 S Camino De Oeste, Tucson, AZ 85746 |
| Cliff Castle Casino | 555 W Middle Verde Rd, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 |
| Cocopah Resort Casino | 15318 S Avenue B, Somerton, AZ 85350 |
| Desert Diamond Casino | Arizona 86, Highway Milepost 55, Ajo, AZ 85321 |
| Desert Diamond Casino, Sahuarita | 1100 W Pima Mine Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 |
| Desert Diamond Casino–West Valley | 9431 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305 |
| Desert Diamond Hotel & Casino | 7350 S Nogales Hwy, Tucson, AZ 85756 |
| We-Ko-PA Casino & Resort | 10438 N Fort McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85264 |
| Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino | 15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139 |
| Hon-Dah Resort Casino | 777 AZ-260, Pinetop, AZ 85935 |
| Lone Butte Casino | 1077 S Kyrene Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226 |
| Mazatzal Casino | Highway 87, Mile Marker 251, Payson, AZ 85541 |
| Paradise Casino | 450 Quechan Dr, Yuma, AZ 85364 |
| Spirit Mountain Casino | 8555 AZ-95, Mohave Valley, AZ 86440 |
| Talking Stick Resort | 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 |
| Twin Arrows Casino Resort | 22181 Resort Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 |
| Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino | 15091 S Komatke Ln, Laveen Village, AZ 85339 |
| Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino | 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226 |
| Yavapai Casino | 1505 E, AZ-69, Prescott, AZ 86301 |
How to bet on sports with real money
It’s easy to get started with online sports betting. Here are the steps to follow.
- Find the best Arizona betting sites at Gambling Spotlight. On this page, you’ll find our pick of the sportsbooks available in the Grand Canyon state, so all you have to do is compare welcome bonuses and choose one that sounds good.
- Click through and you’ll be taken straight to the registration page. Most sports betting sites in Arizona will simply ask you for your personal details, but there may be further ID checks required. Just remember to key in your bonus code if one is needed for the welcome bonus.
- Once registered, any no deposit free bets should hit your account right away. Otherwise, you’ll have to put some funds into your account, so head to the cashier page and choose your preferred payment option. You may need to make a minimum deposit to earn certain welcome bonuses.
- Most deposits land immediately, so you’ll be ready to explore the betting markets and make your first wager. Good luck!
Which sports can I bet on in Arizona?
Most sports betting sites for Arizona offer a huge range of sports – both local and international – to bet on. Options will usually include:
- Football (incl. NFL)
- Basketball (incl. NBA)
- Baseball (incl. MLB)
- Hockey (incl. NHL)
- Soccer (incl. MLS)
- Boxing
- Golf
- Tennis
- Motorsports (incl. NASCAR)
- Cricket
- MMA
There are a few restrictions to take into account. While you can bet on college games, including local teams, you can’t place in-game wagers. Furthermore, you can’t place prop bets that are based on an individual’s performance in a college game. You can, however, put down pre-game prop bets based on event statistics such as points.
Local sports teams to bet on
Here are the local major league sports teams you can bet on in Arizona:
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Phoenix Suns (NBA)
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
- Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
There’s also a spread of college teams to look out for:
- Arizona State Sun Devils
- Arizona Wildcats
- Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
- Arizona State Sun Devils
- Grand Canyon Antelopes
Betting Markets
Wondering about the different types of bets you can make at Arizona betting sites? Here’s a quick guide to the most popular markets.
- Moneyline – This is simplicity itself, as you just choose who you think will win
- Point Spread – This betting market applies a points handicap to the favorite and a headstart to the underdog, which makes it more interesting to bet on events with a big gulf in strength between teams
- Props – These bets aren’t related to the final outcome of a sporting event. Instead, you’ll wager on specific outcomes and statistics, such as the number of strikeouts a pitcher earns
- Totals – Also known as over/under bets, you need to predict whether a certain statistic in the event will be above or below a set number.
- Live Betting – Live or in-play bets are placed after the event has already started, odds will usually fluctuate throughout the game in response to what happens
- Futures – Bets that are placed on the outcome of future events. For example, you could bet on who’s going to win the Super Bowl next year
- Parlays – Parlays are multiple bets which are placed on one ticket. You’ll have to win each selection (leg) to get a payout.
Mobile betting apps in Arizona
You won’t have to hunker down by your computer to enjoy online sports betting in Arizona. As well as being able to access sportsbooks through the browser on your phone or tablet, you can also download native betting apps.
Apps are available from all Arizona betting sites including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Unibet, and make it even easier to bet on your iOS or Android device.
Not only are such apps custom-designed for specific devices, meaning a faster and smoother user experience, but they also remove the need to open your browser whenever you want to bet. You can also say yes to push notifications, so the app can alert you to the latest Arizona betting bonuses.
Arizona betting payment methods
When sports betting online, you’ll probably want to use a banking method you’re familiar and comfortable with. The sportsbooks appreciate this, which is why they’ll offer a spread of options to suit pretty much everyone. There tend to be more ways to deposit than withdraw, but in either case, there should be options available.
Deposit
You may not find all the following deposit methods at every single betting site, but some should be offered. All these options will tend to clear payments instantly, except for PayNearMe deposits, which may take around 15 minutes:
- Debit or credit cards – including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Amex
- E-wallets
- Prepaid Play+ cards
- PayNearMe
- ACH/eCheck
- At the cashier cage at a land-based sportsbook
- Online bank transfer
Withdrawal
Withdrawal times will vary depending on the method and site. Popular options in Arizona include:
- E-wallets
- ACH/eCheck
- The cashier cage at a land-based sportsbook
- Prepaid Play+ cards
- Check by mail
- Online bank transfer
History of gambling in Arizona
Want to learn more about the history of sports gambling in the Grand Canyon State? Here are some of the key milestones.
2018 – The Supreme Court declares the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) to be unconstitutional. This move allows states to decide for themselves whether or not to legalize sports betting.
2019 – State Senator Sonny Borrelli and other lawmakers spearhead a bill that would legalize Arizona sports betting. It ultimately fails to gain traction.
2020 – More attempts are made to push through legislation that would legalize sports betting, but again efforts are stalled.
2021 – Years of effort by pro-betting advocates pay off when a gambling expansion bill is passed by both houses of the State Legislature and signed off by Gov. Doug Ducey in April. The first legal sportsbooks go live later in the year.
Problem gambling support in Arizona
Gambling should only ever be a fun activity that you enjoy in your spare time. If you find that you’re spending more than you can afford on sports betting, or that it’s negatively impacting your mood and other aspects of your life, you can seek help and support from the
organizations below:
Arizona Department of Gaming – Problem Gambling
https://problemgambling.az.gov/
Phone: 1-800-NEXT-STEP
National Council on Problem Gambling
Phone: 1-800-522-4700
Gamblers Anonymous
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Phone: 855-2CALLGA
Get started with sports betting in Arizona
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on online sports betting in Arizona, you may be ready to place your first wager. Check out our selection of the best gambling sites in the Copper State and choose one that catches your eye. You can click the link on our review to go straight there.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Arizona?
Sports betting is indeed legal in Arizona, and wagers can be placed online or at a land-based sportsbook.
How do I know if I’m playing at a licensed Arizona online sportsbook?
Check whether your chosen site has a license from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). This should be made clear somewhere on the homepage. You can also check which sportsbooks are licensed on the ADG website.
Will I be taxed for my gambling winnings?
Yes. Gambling winnings in Arizona are subject to tax by the state and federal government.
What other forms of gambling are allowed in Arizona?
As well as in-person and online sports betting, Arizona allows gambling at tribal casinos, horse racing betting, daily fantasy sports, and real money bingo. There’s also the Arizona State Lottery.
Do you need to be in Arizona to play at an Arizona online sportsbook?
If you want to gamble at an Arizona online sportsbook, you’ll need to be located within state lines. Sites will utilize geolocation software to ensure you’re in the state.
Is Arizona online betting fair?
Licensed Arizona betting sites are fair, with the ADG keeping a close watch on their operations.
Which is the best online betting site in Arizona?
There are lots of candidates for the best online betting site in Arizona, and ultimately it’s a subjective assessment. The best site for you will depend on your playing preferences and whether you just like the feel of one sportsbook over another. At Gambling Spotlight, you can compare betting sites and find one that pushes your particular buttons.
Are there any new online betting sites in Arizona?
Sports betting has only recently arrived in Arizona, so all of the sites in the state can be considered brand new. One of the latest betting sites to hit the market is BetRivers, which launched in November 2021.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_casinos_in_Arizona
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_in_the_United_States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_Department_of_Gaming
https://www.thelines.com/arizona-sports-betting-rules-you-need-to-know/