π More and more states in the US have begun to embrace online gambling as a source of revenue and entertainment. On this note, our detailed Arizona sports betting guide covers everything you need to know, from top bookmakers available in the state to local sports teams and popular events.
- 1 Arizona Legal Sportsbooks
- 2 Is Sports Betting Legal in Arizona?
- 3 Sports Betting Revenue and Taxation in Arizona
- 4 Comparison of Top Sportsbooks in Arizona
- 5 Arizona Sports Betting Apps
- 6 Arizona Sports Betting Promotions
- 7 Popular Types of Bets
- 8 Arizona Sports Betting Laws and Regulations
- 9 Legal Sports Betting in Arizona
- 10 Popular Sports to Bet on in Arizona
- 11 Best Local Sports Teams to Bet on in Arizona
- 12 AZ Sports Betting Facts
- 13 Arizona Sports Betting Handle
- 14 Responsible Gambling in Arizona
- 15 States Where It Is Legal To Bet on Sports
- 16 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 17 Arizona Resources
- 18 Arizona Sports Betting FAQs
Arizona Legal Sportsbooks
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Is Sports Betting Legal in Arizona?
Legal online sports betting became official on April 15, 2021, πafter Governor Doug Ducey signed SB 1797. The market then went live on September 9 of the same year.
The new law allowed the Arizona Department of Gaming to provide licenses to professional sports teamsπ and Native American casinos in the state, also allowing these organizations to partner with sportsbook operators. Every Native American tribe must renegotiate gaming compacts before launching sports betting.
Professional and collegiate sports wagering are available at sportsbooks in Arizona, but college prop bets are prohibited as a responsible sports gambling measure towards young people. Even so, Arizona is one of the few states that allows esports betting.
A Timeline for Retail and Online Sports Betting in Arizona
May 14, 2018κ¦ β The US Supreme Court strikes down the , allowing every US state to legalize sports betting.
January 23, 2019π β SB 1158 is introduced to the Arizona Senate by Senators Sonny Borrelli, Leo Biasiucci, and Mark Finchem legalized sports betting at liquor retailers. The sports betting legalization bill fails.
February 4, 2020κ§ β Sen. Borrelli and Senator Steve Pierce introduce SB 1525, aiming to legalize sports betting at tribal casinos through liquor locations with betting kiosks. Once again, however, the bill fails to get support.
February 3, 2021π β Sen. Borrelli, Senator Thomas Shope, and Representative Jeff Weninger introduce another bill, SB 1797, to the Senate. The bill allows online and retail sportsbooks to launch through partnerships with sports franchises and tribal casinos. This time, it passes both houses.
April 15, 2021π β Governor Doug Ducey signs SB1797 into law, legalizing sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in Arizona.
July 26, 2021ΰΌΊ β The Arizona Department of Gaming finalizes sportsbook regulations and opens a two-week application window for licenses.
September 9, 2021α©α©α©α©α©α©β€β€β€β€α©β€β€β€β€α©β€β€β€β€α©π±α©α©α© β Arizona online sports betting launches in time for the beginning of the NFL season.
November 19, 2021π§ β Retail AZ sports betting launch via opening of the BetMGM Sportsbook at the Gila River Hotels and Casino.
February 3, 2022β β Senator Sally Ann Gonzales introduces to increase the number of tribal casinos that can partner with sportsbooks from 10 to 23, but the bill fails.
September 9, 2022ΰ΄ β BetMGM opens a sportsbook at the Arizona Cardinals State Farm Stadium.
February 24, 2023ΰ΅² β DraftKings opens its retail Arizona sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale, the first in the country to partner with the PGA Tour.
February 12, 2023π ° β Arizona hosts Super Bowl 57, the first time a Super Bowl has been hosted in a legal sports betting state.
Sports Betting Revenue and Taxation in Arizona
Arizona applies the following tax rates:
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8%πΌ tax on all the sports bets collected by retail sportsbooks
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10% tax on all online bets taken
This is on the lower end of sports betting taxes nationally compared to New York (51%) and Pennsylvania (36%). However, it is still higher than the rates in states like Iowa (6.75%) and Michigan (8.4%).
β From the launch of online sports betting in Arizona to December 2022, the Arizona Department of Gaming reported that sportsbooks have processed:
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A total betting handle of $7.2 billion, with nearly $580 million of gross sportsbook revenue
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Over $300 million in adjusted revenue.
π This has led to almost Β£32 million in taxes for Arizona since approving legal sports betting. The Federal Revenue Code indicates that 0.25% of all sportsbook handles must be taxed, with each sportsbook charged a $50 fee per employee involved in taking bets.
Sports bettors are also taxed on winnings in Arizona, as you have to include your profits in your income tax, which ranges from 2.56% to 4.5%.
You must all declare all your winnings to the IRS and complete a W-2G formπ½ if you win over $600 in a year. Sportsbooks can also hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes.
Comparison of Top Sportsbooks in Arizona
π Since the state's launch of sports betting in September 2021, the Arizona market has exploded, with dozens of operators available. There are dozens of options, though, so it can be challenging to choose the sites that provide online sports betting experience. With that in mind, weβve selected some of our top Arizona betting sites so you can find the perfect match for you.
DraftKings
DraftKings (DK) is Arizona sports betting site renowned for its Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)α©α©α©α©α©α©β€β€β€β€α©β€β€β€β€α©β€β€β€β€α©π±α©α©α© product and its sportsbook, which is available in 20 US states. DK went live on the opening day of sports betting in AZ on September 9, 2021, through a partnership with TPC Scottsdale.
κ¦ The sportsbook offers a great range of markets on various popular US sports, including an extensive range of betting lines on the major professional leagues and collegiate sports.
DraftKings boasts a straightforward and highly user-friendly platform, complete with 24/7 customer through live chat and email if you run into any issues. The sportsbook accepts all the most popular payment methods, with withdrawals taking 3-5 business daysπ. We also really liked that you can use your DK-powered wallet to fund DFS contests on its fantasy sports platform.
- Excellent in-play betting selections
- Impressive futures markets
- Great customer service
- Slower payment times
FanDuel
ΰ΅© Like DraftKings, FanDuel launched in September 2021, on the day sports betting legally went live in Arizona. The site partnered with the Phoenix Suns to obtain a license with the Arizona Department of Gaming. As a part of this agreement, the operator opened a sportsbook inside the Sunsβ Footprint Center.
ά« FanDuel has a wide range of markets, with major league and Arizona college sports available alongside cricket, handball, and rugby. Every event has various markets, with FanDuel excelling at prop bets like first-scorers betting.
In addition, the platform accepts a variety of payment methods, including bank cards and wire transfers. FanDuel also has a partnership with Play+, meaning you can purchase items with your bet winnings using a FanDuel-branded card wherever Discover is accepted. The betting site will process withdrawals in 2-5 business days.
The FanDuel-powered wallet is a significant advantage, as you can use bet winnings to fund your DFS play and bets at TVG,β the pari-mutuel horse racing site operated by the site itself.
- Great selection of sports
- Excellent range of markets
- Fund DFS and pari-mutuel betting with an all-in-one FanDuel-powered wallet
- Slow withdrawals
BetMGM
π BetMGM Sportsbook is operated by MGM Resorts International, owner of the iconic MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The betting site obtained a license with the Arizona Department of Gaming through a partnership with the Gila River Casino and opened retail sportsbooks at each Gila River Casino site: Vee Quiva, Wild Horse Pass, and Lone Butte.
The site's major league markets provide a wide selection for you to choose from, but you'll also find generous betting lines for sports like MMA, motorsports, and soccer.
π The customer service provides 24/7 support for players available via phone, live chat, and email.
Another big plus of BetMGM is its rewards program, MGM Rewards, where you can exchange points earned through betting for prizes like hotel stays and meals at MGM Resorts locations. The sportsbook is also an official betting partner of the Arizona Cardinals, πso special promotions are available on Cardinals games throughout the season.
- Best-in-class reward program
- Great customer support
- Official betting partner of Arizona Cardinals.
- No live chat for customer support
ESPN BET
ΰ·΄ ESPN BET partnered with Phoenix Raceway, allowing it to go live on November 14, 2023.
πΌ Bettors here can seamlessly enjoy elite ESPN live broadcasts for both major and less popular sports events. The bookie also features a feature-rich app and a thrilling Parlay + where you can combine more than two wagers from the same sport/match.
- Rewarding PENN loyalty program
- Wide range of betting markets
- Clean user interface
- Limited promotions beyond welcome promotions
- Livestreaming available on a separate app
Caesars Sportsbook
β An online extension of the iconic Caesars sportsbook, this brand entered the sports betting Arizona market by signing a $60 million 10-year partnership deal with Arizona Diamondbacks. Thanks to its partnership with the D-backs, this sportsbook also has a branded retail sports betting location in Chase Field. On top of this, it also manages Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino, owned by the Ak-Chin Indian Tribe Community themselves.
ΰ΄ Reputable backers means that this sportsbook can afford to offer a lucrative slate of promotions as well as generous prizes for its loyal customers. Moreover, the operatorβs lavishness shows right from the start with its welcome offer of up to $1,000 in bonus bets.
The site also boasts a responsive mobile app, although some claim it lacks the frills of other major sports betting apps in Arizona.
- Strong emphasis on local sports teams
- Fantastic first bonus bets offer
- Exciting loyalty program
- Website/app is rather plain
Arizona Sports Betting Apps
ΰ² Enjoy betting on the go? Here are the best sports betting apps Arizona has to offer:
DraftKings
As with its main desktop platform, DK launched its app in September 2021 and has been a popular option with bettors ever since. It has a 4.6 rating on Google Play Store and a score of 4.9κ¦ on the iOS App Store. One standout feature is its exclusive livestreaming service, providing users with an immersive and convenient way of following the action directly from their mobile devices.
FanDuel
Another that went live in September 9, 2021, FanDuel's app is highly intuitive and popular among the site's users, with a strong 4.7 rating on the Google Play Store and a score of 4.8 on the iOS App Store.
BetMGM
Available for both Android and iOS users, BetMGM's app is rated 4.2 and 4.8𦩠on Google Play and the App Store respectively. Just as with its desktop counterpart, you'll also get the chance to collect MGM Rewards.
ESPN BET
Despite being the newest operator on this list, ESPN BET's app has already gained a massive, loyal user base. In particular, many residents of the Grand Canyon State love it for its Parlay+ option, which allows them to enjoy a variety of same-game parlay wagers. It enjoys a 4.3 rating on Google Play and a score of 4.8 on the App Store.
Caesars Sportsbook
AZ punters love the Caesars app for its quality odds boosts and regular promotions. Other unique features include the same-game parlay builder, loyalty program, and its NFL season livestreaming service ‘Watch and Bet.' Its rating on Google Play is 4.2 and 4.6 on the App Store.
Arizona Sports Betting Promotions
The Arizona scene is jam-packed with reputable operators, all of whom feature tons of generous sports betting promosπ§ for bettors to enjoy. Let's take a glimpse of some of the best below.
ESPN BET β Best New Customer Offers
κ¦ New Arizona bettors on ESPN BET can claim two generous welcome promotions: either a 100% deposit match bonus of up to $1,000 in cashback, or $200 in bonus bets. All you have to do is create an account and make a real-money deposit!
BetMGM β Best Odds Boosts Promotions
κ§ As one of the best online Arizona sportsbooks, BetMGM offers AZ bettors a plethora of thrilling offers, including a sign-up offer of $1,500 in bonus bets and an out-of-the-ordinary MGM Rewards program. But we must admit that the wide range of odds boosts are what caught our eye.
π The site features several 33% odds boosts for various betting markets. That includes a 33% odds boost CFB token as well as a 33% odds boost CFB token, specifically for same-game parlays.
Caesars Sportsbookβ Best Rewards Program
πΌ Joining the Caesars Rewards program is as enticing as ever, especially since Arizona bettors earn tier credits every time they place a sports bet. As a general rule, every $100 wagered on straight bets amounts to 10 reward credits, while every $100 wagered on parlay bets earns 20 reward credits. Arizona residents also earn 1 tier credit every time they place a $3 race bet.
β You can redeem credits for exclusive bonuses; alternatively, you can redeem the credits in any 50 physical Caesars Rewards locations for shopping, dining, and accommodation experiences.
How Can I Sign Up For Arizona Sports Betting Sites?
κ¦Ώ Betting on Arizona sportsbooks could be challenging, especially for beginners. Thatβs why we created step-by-step instructions to guide you through this process:
β Choose an AZ sportsbook from our above recommendations.
β Complete registration by entering your personal details.
π Set your name, password, and answer any security questions.
Accept the terms and conditions.
πΌ Use a promo code to claim any welcome offers (if applicable).
π― Make sure you are familiar with the principles of responsible gambling before you start placing bets.
π Fund your account by making your initial deposit.
π Typically, the process outlined above is consistent across all AZ sports betting sites, with minor variations. Nevertheless, the core procedure remains unchanged: simply register and start placing your bets!
Popular Types of Bets
With so many operators now having been licensed, you have thousands of online wagering marketsπ to choose from as an online bettor in Arizona. To give you a taste of whatβs out there, we've compiled some of the most popular bet types available:
Bet Type | Best Bookmaker |
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Prop bets | FanDuel |
CFB and NBA parlays | BetMGM |
Live bets | ESPN BET |
Futures bets | DraftKings |
Spreads | Caesars Sportsbook |
Arizona Sports Betting Laws and Regulations
π§ Arizona online legal sports betting came into force on September 9, 2021, after Governor Doug Ducey signed bill . Below is a summary of the key points:
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πΆThe Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) is the primary regulator of Arizona sports and fantasy betting.
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π«Only 20 commercial betting licenses, 10 for Arizona sports professional teams/franchises and the other 10 for Arizona's Native American tribes are available.
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πThe ADG has issued ten limited betting licenses to off-track betting locations (OTBs) and racing enclosures.
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πΌEach operator must partner with a third-party sports provider to establish an online sportsbook.
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κ¦Arizona Bettors must be at least 21 to wager on sports and daily fantasy sports.
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πΈPlacing proposition bets on collegiate sporting events is illegal according to Arizona sports betting law
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πArizona Sportsbooks have discretion to determine the type of bets they offer, provided they don't go against state gambling laws.
π As mentioned, the Arizona Department of Gaming is the state betting authority. Itβs in charge of managing tribal casinos as well as online wagering on sports, fantasy sports, racing, mixed martial arts, and boxing.
π Likewise, it also issues licenses, ensure compliance with Arizona sports betting rules, and collect licensing fees, including taxes, fines, and other similar payments.
Legal Sports Betting in Arizona
π Thanks to its diverse range of legal Arizona bookies, it's easy to bet on sports in the state. Here's a complete list of the active Arizona legal sports betting powerhouses.
Online sportsbook in Arizona
Online sportsbook | Debut | AZ licensing partner |
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DraftKings | September 2021 | TPC Scottsdale |
FanDuel | September 2021 | Phoenix Suns |
BetMGM | September 2021 | Arizona Cardinals |
Caesars | September 2021 | Arizona Diamondbacks |
Unibet | September 2021 | Quechan Tribe |
Twinspires | September 2021 | Tonto Apache Tribe |
Rush Street Interactive (BetRivers) | September 2021 | Arizona Rattlers |
Superbook | December 2021 | Fort Mojave Indian Tribe |
Desert Diamond | December 2021 | Tohono Oβodham Nation |
SaharaBets | January 2022 | Arizona Coyotes |
Golden Nugget | February 2022 | Hualapai Tribe |
Betfred | March 2022 | Fort McDowell Navapai Nation |
Betway | March 2022 | San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe |
Hard Rock | April 2022 | Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise |
Bally Bet | May 2022 | Phoenix Mercury |
ESPN BET | November 2023 | Phoenix Raceway |
Land-based Sportsbooks in Arizona
β Plenty of legal retail sportsbooks accept wagers from AZ bettors. Hereβs a list of operators that stand out as the most popular for Arizona sports betting:
Venue | Address | Sports betting | Online Betting | Off-track betting |
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FanDuel Retail Sportsbook at Footprint Center | 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Caesars Chase Field Retail Sportsbook | 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Harrah Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino | 15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wild Horse Passβs Gila River Hotel & Casino | 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort | 10438 WeKoPa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Popular Sports to Bet on in Arizona
κ¦ Arizona sports bettors can wager on a wide range of sports, including:
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Baseball
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Basketball
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Football
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Hockey
Overall, however, baseball βis the most popular, thanks to the success of the Arizona Diamondbacks and numerous college baseball events hosted in the state. This gives avid bettors plenty of options!
Best Local Sports Teams to Bet on in Arizona
κ¦ Being home to several professional sports teams, the Grand Canyon State has plenty of recreational, professional and college sports teams. While all have a massive loyal fan base, there are a few that stand out in particular.
Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
β Arizona's sole NFL franchise, the Cardinals, have been struggling to win a Championship in the 21st century. Despite being the oldest NFL team, they have won only two championships, in 1925 and 1947. Furthermore, the only Super Bowl they have ever competed in has been the Super Bowl XLII, at the time of writing.
Phoenix Suns (NBA)
π As one of Arizona's most notorious NBA franchises, the Phoenix Suns are among the most solid teams in the association. They are the oldest NBA team yet to take home a Championship; having said that, they came close three times, including in 2021, after winning the Western Conference division title.
Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
π The majority of Arizonaβs sports success emanates from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Apart from being the quickest team to win the World Series Championship, which was in 2001 during their fourth season, the D-backs have also won five titles in the National League West Division, including that of 2023, two Wild Card Series, and two National League pennants.
Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
π An outstanding WNBA team, the Phoenix Mercury are among the more successful teams in AZ. Despite being among the eight original WNBA franchises, the Mercury have qualified for the playoffs over 15 times in their almost three-decade-long existence. Likewise, they have also won three WNBA Championships, the first in 2007, 2009, and the most recent in 2014.
Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
β Formerly known as the Winnipeg Jets, the Arizona Coyotes are among the least successful NHL teams. They are yet to qualify, let alone win, the Stanley Cup, making them the oldest franchise never to win the NHL Championships. Nonetheless, the Arizona Coyotes are still a favorite among AZ bettors, despite their last division victory being in 2011-2012 and qualifying for nine playoffs.
π― Other popular betting options for AZ punters include the Arizona Rattlers, the Arizona State Sun Devils, and the Arizona Wildcats.
AZ Sports Betting Facts
Live since | 2021 |
Legal age | Allowed |
Retail sports betting | Allowed |
Online sports wagering | Allowed |
eSports wagering | Allowed |
College sports wagering | Allowed |
Mobile sports betting | Allowed |
Taxable winnings | 8% on retail betting 10% on online and mobile sports betting |
Geo-location | Yes |
Managing body | The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) |
Arizona Sports Betting Handle
π¦ Compared to states like New York, New Jersey, and Nevada, Arizona's sports betting market is actually very small. But its numbers in the past two years show a promising future. As of October 2023, the Grand Canyon Stateβs sports betting handle recorded a whopping , the second highest since March 2022.
π Youβll also be surprised to learn that Arizona sports books have accepted a total of over $12.9 billion sports bets, with more than $3.2 billion wagered within the first six months of 2023. In fact, its sports betting handle is the ninth largest in the US.
ꦦ When it comes to betting handles per AZ sportsbook, DraftKings secured the top spot, having $220.6 million for its mobile sports betting handle. Its retail handle accounted for $759,399.
π FanDuel comes immediately after, accepting a little over $220.3 million for its mobile handle and $2.1 million for its retail handle, making it the top retail AZ bookie. Caesars and Twinspires are the third and fourth most popular, each receiving total online wagers worth about $90.5 million and $59.1 million, respectively.
𦩠Arizona's October 2023 handle shows a 4.8% increase compared to October 2022, with most of the handle coming from Arizona sports betting sites ($641 million). Of note, the fantasy sports handle also didn't disappoint, collecting over $1.9 billion in adjusted revenue and about $11.6 million in entrance fees.
Responsible Gambling in Arizona
β The Arizona Department of Gambling (ADG) prioritizes the need of a fun yet secure betting environment. Not only do they provide a live chat option for problem gamblers on their site, but they also list a wealth of additional resources. These include several hotlines, , and other useful platforms.
States Where It Is Legal To Bet on Sports
In May 2018, the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), allowing US states to pass laws legalizing sports betting. As each state has the right to introduce its own lawsκ¦, you must follow the specific rules in your place of resident. To view the laws in your state, check out our list below.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
π§ The sports betting market in Arizona is highly competitive, boasting a plethora of renowned operators all catering to the needs of eager, local bettors. With a remarkable selection of markets, competitive odds, and lucrative promotions, you'll be absolutely spoilt for choice. Furthermore, with legislative proposals in recent years aimed at expanding the number of licenses, the future looks promising indeed, ensuring an ever-growing and dynamic landscape.
Arizona Resources
α£ Review the following resources to gather more information about legal Arizona sports betting:
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1.
: Official regulator in Arizona
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2.
: Legislative events in Arizona
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3.
: House Bill 2771
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4.
: Help for AZ problem gamblers
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5.
: Revenue Report 2023
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6.
: PASPA decision
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7.
Senate Bill 1674
Arizona Sports Betting FAQs
π Sports betting became legal in Arizona on April 15, 2021, with online sportsbooks officially launching on September 9, 2021.
κ©²To sign up and register on a betting site in Arizona, you must be at least 21 years old. This allows you to register at one of the AZ sports betting sites.
πDaily fantasy sports became legal in Arizona in 2021, providing numerous betting options across various platforms.
βYes, AZ bettors can wager on horse racing events. In fact, Arizona is a member of the National Racing Compact and has three thoroughbred horse racing tracks.
πΌYes, Arizona legal sportsbooks use geolocation technology to ensure that residents are within the Grand Canyon Stateβs border when placing bets online.