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Arizona Sports Betting 2021
Sports betting is on the way in Arizona, possibly in time for the 2021 NFL season.
Gov. Doug Ducey signed sports betting into law on April 15, 2021, three days after state lawmakers overwhelmingly approved legislation. The bill allows for online and retail sports betting, updates and expands the state's compacts with Native American tribes, and will make Arizona one of the first states to offer sportsbooks at sports stadiums.
The Arizona Department of Gaming will oversee the regulation of sports betting and is charged with writing rules and setting tax rates and license fees. Up to 20 sports betting licenses will be available. Half will be awarded to the state's federally-recognized tribes, the other half to pro sports franchises.
For sports bettors looking to find the latest news on AZ sports betting and the best sports betting sites in Arizona, you've come to the right place.
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How We Pick the Best AZ Sports Betting Sites
Bookies.com provides reviews and recommendations of legal online sportsbooks across North America. Our experienced team has developed a specific methodology that evaluates which sites offer the best mobile and online experience. The key factors we consider in determining Arizona's top sports betting sites are listed below.
How are AZ Sports Betting Sites Regulated?
Bookies.com only considers Arizona sportsbooks that are legal and properly regulated. In Arizona, that means being licensed and regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming, which is charged with enforcing the state’s gambling laws. We do not review or recommend offshore-based sports betting sites, which operate with little or no regulation.
AZ Sports Betting Sites Reputation
Trustworthiness is important when selecting a sports betting site. Bettors should be confident they are making safe, secure, and legal wagers and that withdrawal requests and customer service issues will be addressed promptly. Sports betting giants such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM and Caesars are well known throughout the U.S. Other top global operators such as PointsBet and Unibet aren’t as well known in the U.S., but continue to gain brand recognition as they expand operations.
Accessibility
Smartphones have made mobile sports betting incredibly convenient. Your online AZ sportsbook should be accessible 24/7 with an app available for both iOS and Android systems. The most popular online sports operators in the U.S. are now available in nearly a dozen states or more.
Reliability
Any Arizona sports betting site we recommend must be reliable. That goes beyond security and safety. Bettors should be able to rely on sites honoring their promotions and bonuses, processing withdrawals quickly, and consistently offering competitive odds in a timely manner.
Site and Mobile Experience
Every sports betting site is different. Some layouts are easier to navigate and more intuitive than others. Some are quicker to load and operate at faster speeds. And each site offers its own specific features, such as an early cashout option, odds boosts promotions and rewards programs. Bettors clearly prefer placing their wagers online, making the quality of your mobile experience a deal-breaker.
Generous and Ongoing Sports Bet Bonuses
A variety of bonuses are offered to new account holders. Amounts vary and the quality of these bonuses often depends on the wagering requirements attached. We help determine which bonuses are most advantageous. Bonus offers are generally geared toward signing up new accounts, though some online books may offer to reload bonuses for existing players.
Variety of Games to Bet On
You won't have any trouble finding betting markets if you play the most popular sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and the top soccer leagues. Beyond that, some books offer a deep selection of niche and international sports, such as Australian rules football, cricket, cycling and table tennis. Online books can also distinguish themselves by the number of live (in-play) betting opportunities offered on specific games. Some offer only a few live wagering lines per game, others a few hundred.
Better Odds
Odds and prices vary by each Arizona sportsbook. Some consistently charge more “juice” (vigorish) than others, which impacts your bottom line. Players should always seek out the most favorable odds on their particular games and the moneyline prices that offer the most value. The more you wager, the more it matters.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Your online sportsbook in Arizona should offer a convenient selection of deposit options, most of which provide funds instantaneously. The most common methods are credit cards, E-wallets, online banking, and cash options such as PayNearMe. For withdrawals, how many options are offered and how convenient are they?
Payout Process
Withdrawals should be hassle-free and paid out in a timely fashion. Generally, if you choose an electronic method, your payout should be available a few days after approval. Some sites allow you to track the status of your withdrawal.
Security at Online Sportsbooks in Arizona
Bettors should be able to wager with confidence, knowing their bets are safe and their personal information secure. Your Arizona online sportsbook should be using the same security measures and encryption technology that is available to lead financial institutions to protect your funds and account.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Arizona?
Online sports betting in Arizona was legalized on April 15, 2021, when Gov. Doug Ducey signed sports wagering legislation into law.
The swiftness and margin in which state lawmakers approved sports betting were surprising. Attempts in previous years to legalize sports betting in Arizona were met mostly with resistance from lawmakers and the state’s Native American tribes, who have a monopoly on casino gambling in the state.
This time, Ducey quietly struck an updated gaming compact with the tribes, which expands their gaming options and authorizes up to four new tribal casinos in the Phoenix area. Lawmakers, seeking additional revenue for the state and sensing the momentum of legalized sports betting in other states, approved HB 2772 by a 23-6 margin.
The sports betting legalization bill allows for online and retail sports betting and legalizes wagering on daily fantasy sports. Up to 20 sports betting licenses will be available, split between the tribes and the state’s pro sports teams. The Phoenix Suns (FanDuel), Arizona Diamondbacks (Caesars), and PGA Tour (DraftKings) have already announced sports betting partnerships, with more to come.
On June 15, the Arizona Department of Gaming released sports betting draft rules on its website. After allowing the public a period of time to comment on rules, the AGD will determine matters such as the number of skins, licensing fees and allocation. If the state is to meet its goal of going live by the start of the NFL season, it would need to approve of operators by July 11.
Benefits of Legal Online Sports Betting in AZ
Online wagering is both the present and future of U.S. sports betting. In states that offer both mobile and retail betting, online wagering generally accounts for 90% or more of total sports betting handle. In neighboring Colorado, about 97% of all sports bets were placed online during the first three months of 2021.
Sports betting online allows bettors access to wagering markets 24/7 from their smartphone, tablet, or another mobile device. Sports bettors will not need to drive to an Arizona casino or retail sportsbook to place a wager. All bettors, however, must be physically located inside Arizona state lines to place an online wager.
Arizona Online Sportsbooks
With Arizona sports gambling legal and soon to be live, the operators most likely to open online sportsbooks in AZ are:
DraftKings Sportsbook
National sports betting powerhouse already has a path to open to taking Arizona online bets through a deal with PGA Tour, which operates Waste Management Open at TPC Scottsdale. DraftKings sportsbook operates mobile and/or retail betting in more than a dozen states across the U.S. and is one of the country’s most popular brands.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Like DraftKings, daily fantasy sports operator has grown into a leading sports betting operator across the nation. Will seek Arizona online betting license through a partnership with NBA’s Phoenix Suns. FanDuel’s easy-to-navigate sports betting app is one of the most frequently downloaded in the U.S.
Caesars Sportsbook
Iconic gambling name continues to grow its online operations after the recent purchase of global sports betting giant William Hill. Combined companies already offer mobile sports betting in more than a dozen states. Caesars Sportsbook will enter Arizona through a partnership with Arizona Diamondbacks.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM, the online betting division of well-known gambling giant MGM Resorts continues to add new betting markets and partner with several pro sports franchises and leagues. Reportedly considering Arizona sports betting partnership with Gila River Indian Community, which operates three casinos in the Phoenix area.
PointsBet Sportsbook
Though not as well-known as industry leaders DraftKings and FanDuel, PointsBet continues to make significant online wagering inroads in legal sports betting states. Official sports betting partner of the NHL. Offers unique high-risk, high-reward PointsBetting format, in which wagers are not set at fixed odds.
WynnBet Sportsbook
The online gaming division of Wynn Resorts debuted its first mobile sports betting app in July 2020 and quickly expanded to five states, with license applications pending in several others. Official gaming operator of NASCAR could earn access into Arizona market through Phoenix Raceway.
Are Mobile Sports Betting Apps Available?
They will be. Arizona online sportsbooks will offer multi-functional apps that allow bettors to do anything on their smartphone or mobile device they can do on their computer. All the apps will be available for Android and iOS systems and free to download.
Bonuses & Promotions at AZ Sports Betting Sites.
Arizona will be a competitive online marketplace, so sports bettors can expect a variety of bonus offers and promotions. Bonus offers generally come in the form of a small welcome bonus, a deposit match of up to 100% or a risk-free first bet. The bonuses come in different amounts and generally include wagering restrictions before the bonus money can be fully redeemed.
Players can also take advantage of daily and weekly sports betting promotions, which vary by operator. These promotions include odds boosts, parlay insurance and free contest entry.
Types of Sports Bets Offered in Arizona
Sports bettors looking to bet at Arizona sports betting sites will have plenty of the typical options, including spread betting, moneyline bets, parlays, teasers, totals (over/under), team and player prop bets, futures bets and more. But there's an added bonus: Live betting.
Unlike brick-and-mortar facilities, Arizona online sportsbooks will offer live (in-play) wagering, in which wagers are placed after a game or event has started, with odds updated in real-time. Arizona sports betting sites will use computer algorithms to update moneyline, spread, totals, and even props, providing bettors with non-stop options to wager.
What Sports Leagues Can I Bet On in Arizona?
Bettors in Arizona will be able to wager on all the major sports leagues along with several less popular ones. Among them:
Football: NFL, CFL
Basketball: NBA, WNBA, European and other international leagues
Baseball: MLB
Hockey: NHL, international leagues
Soccer: MLS, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, etc.
College sports: NCAA football and basketball, other NCAA sports
Golf: PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA European Tour
Auto Racing: NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula One
Other sports include mixed martial arts, boxing, tennis and a variety of international sports, such as Aussie Rules football, rugby, cycling, table tennis and badminton.
When Can I Play Daily Fantasy Sports in Arizona?
The Arizona Department of Gaming is in the process of writing rules and regulations for daily fantasy sports (DFS), which was legalized as part of sports betting legislation. There is also a license application process. It seems likely that Arizona players will be able to play DFS at about the same time legal sports betting begins, possibly before the fall of 2021.
Until the passage of House Bill 2772, Arizona was one of the few states that prohibited DFS contests. Popular fantasy sports operators DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo, among others, are expected to join the marketplace.
How to Sign up and Place a Sports Bet in Arizona
Bettors must be 21 or older to wager on sports in Arizona. The sign-up process will be simple and quick. Here's how to bet on sports in Arizona:
- Select your AZ online sportsbook of choice. Read our expert reviews and shop around for the best welcome offers.
- Register for an account. You will be asked to submit information such as name, address, email address, date of birth, contact number and last four digits of your Social Security number. You should also expect to show a government-issued ID either during the registration process or when making your first withdrawal.
- When your account is created, place a deposit to fund your account. You may also choose to claim a welcome bonus.
- Survey the odds, find a bet you like and make your first wager by clicking on the odds to add it to your betslip and hitting submit.
Top 5 Arizona Sports Teams to Bet On
Arizona is home to several pro sports teams. The most popular:
Arizona Cardinals
The NFL team moved from St. Louis to the Phoenix area in 1988. The Cardinals played in one Super Bowl (XLIII) but have yet to win one. The team competes in the NFC West and plays its home games at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, which has hosted two Super Bowls and will host another (Super Bowl LVII) on Feb. 5, 2023.
Phoenix Suns
Joined the NBA in 1968 and have won two conference championships, but never an NBA title. The team competes in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference and plays its home games at Phoenix Suns Arena.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Joined MLB as an expansion franchise before the 1998 season and won the World Series four years later in 2001, the fastest expansion team in MLB history to win a championship. The Diamondbacks compete in the National League West and play their home games at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Arizona Coyotes
Former Winnipeg Jets moved to the Phoenix area in 1996. The NHL franchise has won one division championship but never a Stanley Cup. The Coyotes compete in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference and play their home games at Gila River Arena in Glendale.
Phoenix Mercury
One of eight original WNBA franchises and one of the winningest, with three WNBA titles and 12 playoff appearances in the last 14 seasons. The Mercury compete in the Western Conference and play their home games at Phoenix Suns Arena.
Arizona Sports Betting History
2018: U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, giving all states the option to legalize sports betting.
2019: Bill to legalize retail-only sports betting is introduced in the legislature but fails to make meaningful progress due to resistance from the state’s Native American tribes, who have a monopoly on legal casino gambling in the state.
2020: Sports betting bills are re-introduced and fail to advance out of committee.
2021: Gov. Doug Ducey publicly announces support for sports betting and negotiates a new compact with Arizona tribes, which provides them with expanded casino gambling and half of the state’s 20 sports betting licenses. Several sports betting bills are subsequently introduced, with HB 2772 receiving the final approval by 23-6 vote. Ducey signs the bill into law three days later on April 15 to allow for Arizona legal sports betting.
Arizona Land-Based Sportsbooks & Locations
Here are some likely Arizona sportsbook locations:
Pro sports venues
Chase Field, Phoenix: Home of MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, who have a deal with Caesars to open a retail sportsbook outside the stadium. Arizona sports betting law allows sportsbooks both inside the sports facility and at a retail center within a five-block radius.
Phoenix Suns Arena: Home of NBA’s Phoenix Suns, who have announced a sports betting partnership with FanDuel.
TPC Scottsdale: Home of the Waste Management Open on the PGA Tour, which announced plans to open a sportsbook with DraftKings.
Phoenix Raceway: No deal announced yet, but the Avondale track is eligible for a license. WynnBet, which has a multi-year sports betting partnership with NASCAR, is a logical possibility.
Other pro sports venues: With 10 licenses available, expect other Arizona pro sports teams to announce sports betting deals soon. One to watch is the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, who will host the 2023 Super Bowl (LVII) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
Possible Arizona Casino Sportsbook Locations
Arizona is home to more than two dozen Native American tribal casinos. Most offer a combination of slot machines, electronic table games and poker. Up to 10 of the tribes will be eligible to receive a sports betting license. Arizona counties with multiple tribal casinos:
Maricopa (Phoenix area)
| Name | City | Operating Tribe | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Arizona | Scottsdale | Salt River Pima | 1998 |
| Desert Diamond Casino | Glendale | Tohono O’odham | 2015 |
| Fort McDowell Casino | Fountain Hills | Fort McDowell Yavapai | 1992 |
| Lone Butte Casino | Chandler | Gila River Indian Community | 1994 |
| Talking Stick Resort | Scottsdale | Salt River Pima | 2010 |
| Vee Quiva Casino | Laveen | Gila River Indian Community | 1997 |
| Wild Horse Pass Casino | Chandler | Gila River Indian Community | 1995 |
Pima (Tucson area)
| Name | City | Operating Tribe | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino Del Sol Resort | Tucson | Pascua Yaqui | 2011 |
| Desert Diamond Casino | Sahuarita | Tohono O’odham | 2001 |
| Desert Diamond Casino | Tucson | Tohono O’odham | 1993 |
| Desert Diamond Casino | Why | Tohono O’odham | 1990 |
| Casino of the Sun | Tucson | Pascua Yaqui | 1994 |
Yavapai (Prescott area)
| Name | City | Operating Tribe | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucky’s Casino | Prescott | Yavapai-Prescott | 1995 |
| Cliff Castle Casino | Camp Verde | Yavapai-Apache | 1995 |
| Yavapai Casino | Prescott | Yavapai-Prescott | 1992 |
Gila (central part of the state)
| Name | City | Operating Tribe | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache Gold Casino | San Carlos | San Carlos Apache | 1994 |
| Mazatzal Casino | Payson | Tonto Apache | 1993 |
Pinal (south of Phoenix area)
| Name | City | Operating Tribe | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache Sky Casino | Winkelman | San Carlos Apache | 2017 |
| Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino | Maricopa | Ak-Chin | 1994 |
Yuma (Yuma area)
| Name | City | Operating Tribe | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocopah Resort Casino | Somerton | Cocopah | 1993 |
| Paradise Casino | Yuma | Quechan | 1996 |
Responsible Gambling
In states with legal sports betting, both regulatory agencies and licensed sportsbooks provide resources to help players identify and address signs of problem gambling. Each state is different, but responsible gambling options generally include:
Setting limits: Bettors can set specific daily or weekly limits for the amount of money deposited and/or wagered. Limitations may also be placed on time spent on the website.
Self-exclusion: Players can enroll in a self-exclusion program to ban themselves from participating in sports betting for a specific period of time or permanently.
Support groups: Players can access contact information for local and national problem gambling organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Sports Betting Arizona FAQs
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Arizona?
Yes. Online and retail sports betting in Arizona became law in April 2021.
When will Online Sports Betting be available in Arizona?
No specific date has been announced for when Arizona sports betting will launch. The Arizona Department of Gaming is in the process of writing Arizona sports betting rules and regulations, which will be subject to public comment and amendments. In addition, the state’s amended gaming compacts must be formally approved by the Office of Indian Gaming and then published in the Federal Register. Lawmakers are hopeful that online sports wagering will launch by fall 2021, possibly in time for the start of the NFL season.
Will I need to be an Arizona resident to bet online?
No. There is no state residency requirement. However, bettors will need to be physically located in Arizona when placing a legal wager.
How will an online sportsbook know my location?
Through geofencing technology, which online sportsbooks use to track the location of bettors for regulatory compliance purposes. Players attempting to bet from outside state lines are automatically denied wagering access.
Are DraftKings and FanDuel legal in Arizona?
The two well-known brands are both expected to apply for sports betting and daily fantasy sports operating licenses in Arizona. DraftKings already has a sports betting partnership in place with the PGA Tour and TPC Scottsdale; FanDuel announced a sports betting deal with the Phoenix Suns.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports legal in Arizona?
Yes. The bill that legalized sports betting in Arizona did the same for daily fantasy sports.
Are Arizona sports betting sites safe?
Yes, Arizona sports betting sites will be safe as long as they are licensed and regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming, which oversees all sports betting in the state. Offshore sportsbooks, which operate with minimal or no oversight and work around federal and state laws, are not safe and should be avoided.
What do I need to create an online sports betting account in Arizona?
Just some basic information, such as your name, address, e-mail address, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security number. Once your Arizona account is created, make an initial deposit and you are ready to wager.
Do Arizona online casinos have sports betting?
Arizona law does not allow online casinos.
About the Author
Chet Fussman
Chet Fussman is a writer for Bookies.com. Fussman is a former horse racing writer and longtime sports editor of the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. He's a poker and blackjack player and frequent sports bettor, who plans to send the U.S. Supreme Court a thank-you card for clearing the way for states to adopt sports wagering. Fussman's philosophy: Don't let the bad beats overshadow your winning ones.
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