Sports betting is not currently legal in all US states. A burning question many Arizonians have been asking is, is sports betting legal in Arizona, and if not, when? Don’t throw in the towel yet!
So, what’s the status quo? If you are not familiar with the current legal status of sports betting in Arizona, we have some great news and invaluable information for all sports betting-loving Arizonians. Everything you need to know about sports betting in Arizona is right here, including when you can start, the editor’s pick for the best operator, and top tips for secure betting.
Who is this article suitable for? - All Arizonian betting fans!
If you are a resident of Arizona and an avid fan of sports betting or you are looking to start a new hobby in sports betting, you’ll find important information about sports betting in Arizona, its current legal status, your options as a prospective bettor, and how to choose your sports betting operators like a pro. Additionally, if you’ve recently asked yourself “can you bet on sports in Arizona?” then this is the place for you.
Or, let’s say you’re a seasoned sports bettor already and recently relocated to Arizona. You’re just waiting for the opportunity to get into the game again. Consider this: start smart by familiarizing yourself with Arizona’s regulations and identifying the best providers. It’s all in here in our betting reviews - just for you.
Place your first cash bet up to $1,000, and if the bet loses, you will have your wager refunded in Bonus Bets. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
The history of legalizing sports betting in Arizona - The story so far...
The journey to legalize sports betting didn’t happen without a few obstacles along the way — some expected and some not. Here’s how things went down:
The clash
Legislation to legalize sports betting was introduced in 2019, but the process didn’t move on due to little support and a large opposition from the tribes in Arizona. Even though there was some momentum at some point, negotiations between the tribes and the Governor dragged on while the legislature pushed toward the scheduled adjournment date — April 24th.
The main issue was that the tribes seemed content with their existing operations, and were thus against any competition in the form of gambling dollars.
The effect of the pandemic
However, things changed drastically when the pandemic hit, which devastated the state’s revenues. In Arizona, tourism and travel are significant for the state’s economic wellbeing. Workers in the hospitality industry, among others, were laid off which led to soaring unemployment.
Now, state leaders along with Governor Doug Ducey and tribal leaders, who were also struggling with low revenues at their casinos, searched for potential revenue streams, and sports betting started looking a lot more attractive as a new source of revenue for the state of Arizona.
Oh no, it’s the dreaded typo
Next came a rookie mistake. A typo in the new bill indicated that any “motorsports event” or “collector car auction” event with an average attendance of 150 individuals could qualify for a sports betting license.
Although this sounds fine, when you look at it technically, that would mean that any restaurant or bar could legally apply for their own sports betting license just by adhering to the above requirements. That, of course, is not what the bill sponsors intended, so back to the drawing board it was to fix a typo.
The unexpected resolution
The final bump in the road came when a Senator wanted to expand gambling opportunities for non-tribal interests, which, predictably, the tribes were opposed to. However, not all points were against the interest of the tribes, which led to the tribes recognizing some points for their own reasons; they also wanted to expand their own gambling opportunities to include additional casino games like roulette in their gambling facilities.
This gave each side leverage on the deal, which opened the door for conversations and negotiations. An unexpected agreement was ultimately made between the Senators that was supported both by the tribes and by the Governor. This agreement was signed into law on April 15, 2021, at an elaborate ceremony held for the occasion. Booking is to begin on or around September 9, 2021.
Editor’s pick - Here’s the best sports betting operator for users in Arizona
BetMGM is the sports betting division of MGM Resorts International and is widely known across the betting community. The Arizona Department of gaming recently confirmed that BetMGM has applied and been granted an online sportsbook license in the state.
BetMGM already holds sportsbook licenses in other states including New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, where they are not only well-known but also consistently receive high ratings from their customers. The company also has a highly-rated app that has the same functionalities as the desktop website, making for a smooth betting experience.
If you are looking forward to the grand opening of BetMGM’s platform on the 9th of September 2021, here’s another reason for you to be excited — BetMGM Arizona has a special $200 Bonus Bet Pre-Launch Promo waiting for all Arizonian sports bettors to get their hands on. Here’s the lowdown:
After just signing up, BetMGM will reward you with $200 in bonus bets. The best part? No deposit is required to get this bonus.
To activate this promo, register within the state of Arizona at BetMGM
After registering, your account will be funded with $200 in bonus bets
Take note: Users need to register before BetMGM goes live on September 9th, 2021
Sports Promo
4.5/5
Sports Promo
4.5/5
up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets
Risk-Free Bet
|
T&Cs apply, 21+
Copy
Claim Promo
The five top tips you need for a secure and fair gambling experience in Arizona - Keep these in mind
Look for a secure, encrypted connection
It is crucial to make sure you are choosing an operator whose website is secure and encrypted. This is one of the first things to look for when checking out your options.
Start by checking if the site is on a secure and encrypted connection. The refers to the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate that will protect all the data you provide including your banking/financial and personal information.
Look at your address bar where the URL is showing. The site should have a padlock symbol just before the URL. Also, ensure that the site address reads “https” and not “http”. If these details are missing, the site is most likely hackable and you should run in the opposite direction.
Make sure your sportsbook of choice is registered and legal
It’s just as important to make sure the operator is legal. For a sports betting operator to be legal and have the authority to run its business, it needs to be registered with the relevant regulatory body or authority. You can look for this information on the site itself or if you can’t find any such information, contact customer service.
Double-checking registration and legal status are especially relevant now with sports betting taking off in Arizona. Make sure that yours is authorized and legal.
Understand the T’s & C’s
The T’s & C’s are the small print of your betting agreement with your chosen sports betting operator. Different operators may have slightly different terms and conditions, so it is important to familiarize yourself with these points at the beginning of your betting journey and every time you are notified of any changes. Educating yourself can ultimately lead you on the path to victory.
Learn from those who have spoken
Want to know the good and bad about sports betting operators? All you have to do is draw up some online reviews. These can be reviews from CaptainGambling.com, but other valuable feedback comes from customers themselves.
Information you’ll find on CaptainGambling.com is the latest news, professional reviews on the best deals and specials, ratings, and other useful tips to help you make the best betting choices. However, if you want to make a big-picture decision, especially when choosing your first sports betting operator, customer reviews are priceless.
Customers are not shy, and they will be unabashedly truthful whether they are insanely happy or completely disgusted. Look for reviews that are not too emotional and topics that come up regularly.
Learn the sportsbook lingo
There’s a whole new world out there in sports betting, and we’re talking verbally! Sports betting in Arizona is no different, and if you’re new at sports betting, learning the betting lingo will give you a massive confidence boost. Best of all, you can do this in the comfort of your own home on Google. Now, remember to use a staking plan, and always compare those odds and lines!
What do we look for when evaluating operators for Arizona residents? - Our criteria
The editors of CaptainGambling.com do a thorough comb-through when evaluating and rating sports betting operators in all states. The same applies to operators in the state of Arizona. Here are the main points of inspection and assessment:
Licenses and legitimacy
Is the operator a safe and reputable sports betting provider that abides by state and federal law? Does the operator have the required membership or registration with affiliated authoritative bodies?
Available sports markets
Does the operator cover international sports as well as US sports? Additionally, are major pro leagues, college ball, tennis, motor racing, golf, boxing, and MMA included? The wider the range, the better.
Current promotional offers
The more promo’s the better, and diversity is king. Examples can include Bet $20 Get $20, 1 Goal Ahead Early Payout, new customer promos or bonuses, loyalty programs, and incentives like VIP clubs.
Types of wagers
How can bettors play with their money? Are the types of bets offered by the operator diverse? There are standard wagers such as point spreads and money lines, over/under point totals, futures, parlays, teasers, and propositions. It’s also a plus if users can bet in-play on most major sports events.
Clarity of terms and conditions
The user or customer should be able to understand all agreements clearly, and if they don’t, there should be support provided to help them understand all aspects of their agreement — whether it be a new signup bonus or a bet. Terms and conditions should be void of misleading text and phrases.
Place your first cash bet up to $1,000, and if the bet loses, you will have your wager refunded in Bonus Bets. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Sports betting in Arizona - Find the right operator for you
If you don’t have a favorite yet, the first thing you’d want to do is look for an operator that fulfills your betting wants and needs. The top operators out there are in close competition when it comes to pros and perks, so looking at the operator reviews we provide can lead you to your long-term betting partner.
Availability
Betting at any time of the day or night shouldn’t be a luxury — it should be part and parcel of the betting experience. If you feel the same, you’ll probably want an operator that is available 24/7 to cater to your every whim. Nothing wrong with that.
Payment methods
Some operators are more limited with their payment methods than others. This is a great reason for reading comprehensive reviews. If you prefer all transactions going through PayPal but the operator requires you to use your credit card, we foresee some trouble in paradise.
Trust and support
A trust relationship with your operator goes a long way. After all, they are dealing with your money. If having super-fast customer service and a clear effort to maintain a sense of transparency is important to you, then you are looking for a provider that prides itself on trust and support.
Exclusivity
Looking for a top betting bonus? Some operators offer lucrative VIP experiences, and some bettors thrive on these experiences. Are you one of them? There’s nothing wrong with living the good life. If this is your thing, find out which operator caters to your exclusive needs.
Conclusion - Find the best betting sites in Arizona with us!
With the legalization of sports betting in Arizona on your doorstep, there are some key points to take note of, whether you are a seasoned bettor or thinking about just starting off. Everything you need to know, from the legal history to finding your perfect operator match is right here.
Make sure to read our reviews on the sports betting operators you can choose from in the state of Arizona, as well as considering that tasty $200 Bonus Bet Pre-Launch Promo from our editor’s pick, BetMGM. You are now well-prepped for sports betting in Arizona, so keep that betting cap close by because it’s almost time!
Place your first cash bet up to $1,000, and if the bet loses, you will have your wager refunded in Bonus Bets. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Sports betting is not currently legal in Arizona, but it will be in the near future. You can find all the information you need about sports betting in Arizona in our extensive review. We even cover other states in the US, including Montana sports betting.
👦How old do you have to be to be eligible for sports betting in Arizona?
Sports betting is not currently legal in Arizona, but it will be in the near future. You need to be 21 years old to be able to bet.
🏢Which companies are eligible to operate sports betting in Arizona?
When sports betting in Arizona becomes legal later this year, companies eligible to operate sports betting will include Barstool Sportsbook, Unibet, FanDuel, BetMGM, and WynnBet among others.
🏀Does sports betting in Arizona include betting on college sports?
Yes. When sports booking becomes legal in Arizona later this year, betting on college sports will be included as part of sports betting. To ensure that you stay on top of things, follow our reviews and articles covering all of these topics.
🎲Does Arizona have sports betting only or is gambling also legal?
Sports betting in Arizona will be legalized soon, but gambling is not legal in the state yet. With laws being passed regularly, situations change often, so the best thing to do is follow our reviews to stay up to date.
Place your first cash bet up to $1,000, and if the bet loses, you will have your wager refunded in Bonus Bets. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
