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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Free Bet Pre-Launch Promo waiting for all Arizonian sports bettors to get their hands on. Here’s the lowdown:
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:
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for a top 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.
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 Free 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!
Curious about the legislation elsewhere in the states? We also cover topics on legal sports betting in Pennsylvania as well as finding you the best New Jersey betting sites, so be sure keep us bookmarked!
