At least one form of gambling has been legal in Arizona since 1945.
Tribal casinos were authorized in 1988, beginning a partnership between administrators and tribes.
Over the years, the state has legalized many forms of online wagering, including sports betting and horse racing.
In-state online casinos and poker rooms are yet to be regulated, but that does not prohibit AZ residents from playing at offshore sites.
In this guide, you’ll discover where you can legally gamble in The Grand Canyon State and the regulations about it.
Summary of Arizona Gambling Laws
Arizona offers numerous land-based and online options for gamblers. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s available in The Grand Canyon State.
Gambling | Arizona |
---|---|
Is Online Gambling Legal? | Yes |
Playing at Online Casinos | Offshore Only |
Legal Age Online | 21 |
Land-Based Casinos | Yes |
Legal Age Land-Based | 21 |
Online Sports Betting | Yes |
Charitable Gambling | Yes |
State Lottery | Yes |
Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Arizona?
Arizona has many forms of legal gambling, including tribal-regulated casinos.
Here’s how each type breaks down under AZ law.
Gambling | Legal Status |
---|---|
Casino Gambling | Land-based casino games are only legal in tribal reservations. There are currently 25 facilities across the state. |
Poker | Poker is legal in tribal and social casinos. Home games are also allowed. |
Horse Racing Betting | Horse racing is legal at three race tracks and two county fairs. Also, there are 60 off-track betting locations (OTB) where it’s legal to bet on events approved by the Department of Gaming. |
Dog Racing Betting | Greyhound racing is only legal at OTB locations throughout Arizona. The state outlawed live greyhound racing in 2016. |
Lottery | The Lottery is legal in Arizona and offers scratch tickets and quick-draw games. Online sales are not available. |
Daily Fantasy Sports | DFS is legal in The Grand Canyon State. The Department of Gaming regulates it and provides a catalog of approved events. |
Sports Betting | Land-based and online sports betting is legal in AZ, with the first regulated site opening in September 2021. |
Charitable Gaming | Raffles, pull tabs, bingo, and Horse Racing Charity Days are the sole legal forms of charitable gambling in Arizona. |
Social Gaming | Social gambling is legal as long as players are 21 or older and the organizer does not profit from hosting the game. |
Online Gambling | Sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and horse racing are all legal under state law. Playing in online casinos is not defined in the statutes, so players can still join offshore sites. |
Best Online Casinos for AZ Players in 2024
As mentioned above, Arizona does not offer state-regulated online casinos, but you can play at sites licensed in foreign jurisdictions.
Here are some of the top options available to Arizonans.
Where to Gamble in Arizona
Whether you’re looking to have a good time with a couple of blackjack hands, place a bet online on the Cardinals or Diamondbacks, or even play a few rounds of bingo, there are plenty of options in AZ.
Let’s take a look at where you can gamble in The Grand Canyon State.
Land-Based Casinos in Arizona
Every federally recognized tribe in Arizona has signed a compact with the state government allowing casino games.
The most recent changes to the state compacts came in 2021 when legislators added Class III gambling.
This expansion allows tribal facilities to offer craps, roulette, baccarat, and other games in addition to traditional games like slots and blackjack.
There are currently 25 venues operating throughout the state.
Here are the exact locations:
Casino | Address | Region |
---|---|---|
Apache Gold Casino Resort | 777 Geronimo Springs Blvd, San Carlos, AZ 85550 | San Carlos Apache |
Apache Sky Casino | 777 Apache Sky Blvd, Winkelman, AZ 85192 | Central |
Blue Water Resort & Casino | 11300 Resort Dr, Parker, AZ 85344 | West Coast |
Bucky’s Casino | 1500 AZ-69, Prescott, AZ 86301 | Quad Cities |
Casino Arizona | 524 N 92nd St, Scottdale, AZ 85256 | Phoenix Metropolitan |
Casino Del Sol | 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85757 | Sonoran Desert |
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel | 555 W. Middle Verde Rd, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 | Verde River Valley |
Cocopah Casino | 15318 S Avenue B, Somerton, AZ 85350 | Yuma Valley |
Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel – Tusscon | 7350 S. Nogales Hwy, Tuscon, AZ 85756 | Sonoran Desert |
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment – Sahuarita | 1100 W Pima Mine Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 | Greater Tucson |
Desert Diamond Casino -West Valley | 9431 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305 | West Valley |
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino | 15406 N Maripoca Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139 | Sonoran Desert |
Hon Dah Casino | 777 AZ-260, Pinetop AZ, 85935 | Navajo Country |
Lone Butte Casino | 1077 S Kyrene Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226 | South Central |
Mazatzal Casino | Highway 87, Mile Marker 251, Payson, AZ 85541 | Mogolion Rim |
Paradise Casino | 450 Quechan Dr, Yuma, AZ 85364 | Sonoran Desert |
Santan Mountain Casino | 7101 South Gilbert Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249 | South Central |
Spirit Mountain Casino | 8555 AZ-95, Mohave Valley, AZ 86440 | Mohave Country |
Talking Stick Resort | 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 | Phoenix Metropolitan |
Twin Arrows Casino | 22181 Resort Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 | Northern |
Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino | 15091 South Komatke Lane, Laveen Village, AZ 85339 | South Mountain |
We-Ko-Pa Casino | 10438 WeKoPa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 | Sonoran Desert |
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino | 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226 | South Central |
Yavapai Casino | 1505 AZ-69, Prescott, AZ 86303 | Quad Cities |
Horse & Dog Tracks
Turf Paradise, Arizona Downs, and Rillito Park Race Track offer live horse racing and betting year-round in The Grand Canyon State.
Additionally, you can bet on horses is at the Cochise County and Santa Cruz State Fairs.
Online bets are available through Advanced Deposit Wagering, and there are also 60 OTB locations throughout AZ that allow pari-mutuel betting.
Arizona no longer offers live greyhound racing, with the government banning it in 2016.
However, you can bet on out-of-state greyhound races at OTB locations.
Online Sports Betting
As mentioned above, online sports betting became legal in the state in 2021.
Arizona Department of Gaming regulates sportsbooks, and every operator must partner with a tribal casino or a professional sports team.
Presently, there are 17 regulated sports betting sites.
Bets on college games are allowed, but doing so on high school sports is illegal.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Bingo, pull tabs, raffles, and charitable horse racing are all legal in Arizona.
The most prevalent type of charitable gambling is bingo. There are over 80 halls throughout the state.
Pull tabs are operated through the lottery, and you can buy tickets at restaurants, bars, and some philanthropic institutions.
Organizations must meet certain standards to hold legal raffles in The Grand Canyon State. Find the list of requirements at the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gaming is a clearly defined exemption to Arizona laws.
Home gambling is legal in AZ, provided that all participants are over 21 and the hosts do not profit from operating the game.
However, the laws permit operators to play in the games as they have the same chances of winning or losing as anyone else.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Live poker is legal in tribal casinos. Cash games and tournaments are also permitted.
Online poker is still a gray area for Arizona gamblers.
There are no state-regulated online rooms, but no laws explicitly prohibit the activity, so players can still legally play at out-of-state sites.
No one has ever been prosecuted for gambling in offshore sites from AZ.
Casino Cruises
Arizona is a landlocked state, so they do not offer cruises. The closest state with cruises offering gambling is California.
Real Money Online Casino Games for Arizona
Offshore online casinos offer Arizonans a fantastic selection of real money titles. They have a wider library of options and lower stakes than tribal casinos.
Check out some of the types of games you’ll find.
Online Slots
Our recommended Arizona casinos offer 24/7 access to exciting online slots from several game providers.
These titles have from classic one-arm bandit-style slots to modern mechanics like Megaways, cascading reels, and more.
Offshore sites offer massive fixed and progressive jackpots, with some games awarding millions to lucky winners.
Slot machines are easily the most popular game in tribal casinos. However, online casinos offer a more convenient way to play.
Online Poker
Out-of-state poker rooms allow players to work on their game and have instant access to several variants.
You can play Texas Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Stud poker, and Short Deck Hold’em games.
Some online poker sites offer tournaments with massive prize pools that rival brick-and-mortar events.
You can also win your way into large multi-table live events like the World Poker Tour.
Blackjack
Most offshore licensed online casinos offer Arizonans a wide variety of blackjack games.
In addition to standard blackjack titles, you can find variants like Double Exposure Blackjack, Vegas Blackjack, Pontoon, Spanish 21, and more.
Online casinos regulated outside of AZ are perfect for those looking to learn the strategy.
These sites offer lower minimum bets and more favorable player rules than tribal casinos.
Live Dealer Games
If you prefer the interaction you get at tribal facilities, consider live dealer games.
These are streamed live from a real casino floor to your screen and allow real time interaction between players and dealers.
You’ll find many of the same titles as you would in land-based casinos, including versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variants like Caribbean Hold’em.
Some offshore sites offer show-style live games like Deal or No Deal Live, Crazy Time, and Music Wheel.
Other Available Games at Online Casinos in Arizona
Online casinos licensed outside of The Grand Canyon State offer a full-service library of casino games to Arizonans.
Here’s a look at some other titles you’ll find.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Arizona Players
Casino bonuses are what separate the contenders from the pretenders. We’ve scoured the internet looking for the best online casino bonuses for Arizonans.
Check out these fantastic offers from top reputable gambling sites.
Bovada $3,000 Welcome Bonus
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Use the bonus code CAWELCOME100 for your first deposit and BV2NDCWB for the following two.
There is a 25x playthrough on the first deposit and a 50x rollover on the 2nd and 3rd.
$20 minimum deposit for credit cards, $10 for crypto.
DuckyLuck 500% Up to $7,500 Welcome Bonus
DuckyLuck offers new players a 500% match up to $7,500 welcome bonus on the first 3 deposits.
There’s a 30x wagering requirement and a $25 minimum deposit.
150 Free spins are awarded over three days on Mythic Wolf, Golden Gorilla, and Five Times Wins.
There’s a cap of $100 on free spin winnings and a limit of 10x your deposit on bonus winnings.
Arizona Online Gambling Laws
Since 1988 when tribal casinos were legalized, the state has authorized Class III gambling, OTB locations, online horse race wagering, and sports betting.
The Department of Gaming is in charge of regulating most gaming in the state.
Here’s a glimpse of the specific legislation.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Arizona?
Some forms of online gambling are legal in Arizona.
Advance deposit wagering (ADW), sports betting, and daily fantasy sports are permitted and regulated.
However, Internet casinos and poker rooms fall into a legal gray area.
While opening an online casino based in AZ is illegal, officials do not criminalize the cat of playing at out-of-state sites.
Games of Chance and Skill
Arizona gambling statutes cover all forms of contests where something is wagered for a benefit.
This includes a “game or contest of chance or skill or a future contingent event.”
This effectively eliminated the “luck vs. skill” argument used by some to justify some forms of gambling, like online poker.
However, the law does exempt amusement devices, such as crane games.
Profiting from Gambling
According to Section 13-3304 of the Arizona laws, benefiting from a gambling operation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
However, state law does allow law enforcement to seize all gambling-related devices.
Also, violators are subject to forfeiture, which includes all money or property determined to result from the illegal gambling operation.
Illegal Gambling Promotion
The most severe criminal charge is connected to the promotion of illegal gambling.
Anyone who manages, directs, supervises, or gives advice to running an unlawful gambling operation is subject to a Class 5 felony as stated in section 13-1303 of the AZ statutes.
Arizona Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
You may be surprised at how AZ gambling laws compare to those of its neighbors.
Let’s see how they stack up.
US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arizona | Offshore Only | Tribal Only | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
California | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Offshore Only | Legal | Grey Area | Legal |
New Mexico | Offshore Only | Tribal Only | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Grey Area | Legal |
Nevada | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Legal |
Utah | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal | Not Legal |
Compared to its neighboring states, Arizona is more progressive in gaming across the board.
The only state that comes close is Nevada, which is expected since they are the gambling capital of the United States.
New Mexico comes in a close third only because they have yet to legalize online sports betting.
California and its tribes have been battling for years over online gambling, which is part of the reason they continue to lag behind.
Finally, Utah has stubbornly remained anti-gambling and has even passed state laws that guarantee they will stay like that for years to come.
Tips to Play at AZ Online Casinos Safely
While there are no state-regulated online casinos in The Grand Canyon State, you can still play at sites regulated outside.
Below are some tips to help you stay safe when gambling in AZ:
Avoid Unlicensed Casinos
Major regulators certify reputable online gambling sites.
Licensing ensures the operator meets industry standards for data protection, security, and honest gaming.
If a casino is not licensed, do not play there.
Review Gaming Providers
You can tell a lot about a casino based on the games they offer and the providers they partner with.
Top game makers like BetSoft, BGaming, and Pragmatic Play hold gaming licenses globally.
Sites that provide quality software will generally offer a good experience to players.
Practice Bankroll Management
Before playing at any casino, set a plan. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and put limits.
Consider using responsible gambling tools that allow you to place restrictions on your play automatically.
Practicing bankroll management will help keep you gambling longer.
Research Feedback
Besides researching casino features, take some time to look for player feedback, especially from other Arizonans.
Look for patterns, both positive and negative.
There will always be outliers, but if multiple people complain about a site over time, it may be best to avoid it.
Beware of Casino and Bonus Terms
Take a few minutes to review bonuses and general terms for the casinos. Look for anything that seems unusual or predatory.
This helps you avoid breaking the rules or signing up at a casino with lousy requirements.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in AZ
Arizona has proven to be one of the more progressive western states for gambling
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of wagering in the state:
Pros
- 25 tribal casinos and over 60 OTB facilities are available.
- Retail, DFS, and online sports betting are legal.
- Charitable bingo, pull tabs, and raffles are permitted.
- Arizonans can gamble without fear of prosecution at out-of-state online casinos.
Cons
- The state does not offer regulated online casinos or poker rooms.
- Online lottery ticket sales are not allowed.
- There is no legal cover to players against fraud at unregulated sites.
Future of Online Gambling in Arizona: Our Prediction
Arizona has proven to be an example of how state and tribal governments can collaborate to facilitate legal gambling.
The next natural step would be to legalize online casinos.
However, it took five years of negotiations for the state and tribes to agree on sports betting, so don’t expect this to be a fast process.
We predict a similar timeframe will be necessary to regulate online casinos. Realistically, we set a timeframe somewhere between 2027 and 2030.
In the meantime, Arizonans can still gamble at offshore regulated sites.
Answers to Our Readers’ FAQs
Do you have doubts about online gambling in Arizona? You’re not alone. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we’ve received.
Arizona gambling winnings are subject to federal and state taxes.
The federal rate is a flat 24%, while you will pay from 2.59% to 4.5% in state taxes based on income.
No. Arizona law does not currently criminalize the act of playing at offshore online casinos or poker rooms.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that affiliate partnerships do not influence our reviews.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.