Here’s a rundown of the legal aspects of the gambling landscape in Аrizona. Poker, e-sports, and other forms are not lawful. Unfortunately, nor are Arizona online casinos.
More on the allowed by the state authorities gambling options you can read below.
Online casinos –Not Legal
Currently, they are not allowed in Arizona. The only states with local Internet gaming websites and apps are New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and West Virginia. Residents are recommended to avoid online casinos in AZ, as these are not allowed. The residents of the Copper State looking for trusted and legal Arizona online casinos should move to another state if they want to play by the law. You cannot not do that in AZ just yet but aren’t restricted to gambling from another state when within its borders. Whether you are visiting relatives or friends, or going on a holiday, you can bet and wager on the games, teams, and the sports you love. These operators are secure and ensure safe deposits and gambling.
Online poker –Not Legal
Live and video poker for real money on the Internet is not allowed in AZ. If you love this game, you can play it in person at a land-based gambling venue. Fans of Texas Hold’em and Omaha variants can look for video poker and live versions at legal sites in other states, when they are visiting them. You can play online poker legally only for fun at social gaming websites.
In the past, there have been discussions over legalizing online gambling in Arizona. But, by now, no bills have been passed to make Internet poker or any other online casino forms lawful. The focus has been on expanding tribal wagering and sports betting. The latter has been legal since April 2021. The most recent changes to poker laws in AZ have all been on loosening the rigid poker wagering limitations in tribal-run casinos.
Land-based casinos –Legal
Brick-and-mortar facilities are legal in Arizona, and since the passing of the expanded gaming laws in 2021, 11 new operators may see the green light.
- In the Canyon State operate 26 land-based casinos, including 24 Class III venues
- All these gaming venues are owned and run by 16 state tribes
- The operators offer a mixture of Class II and Class III gambling
- Laws permit land-based gaming houses to expand their slots and table games
Currently, 16 Native American tribes run 26 tribal casinos, which operate in AZ. Some of the tribes run several physical venues. The Tohono O’odham Nation, for example, runs four Desert Diamond gaming facilities. The Gila River Indian Community has three popular venues. Land-based bookies are also present at certain tribal casinos and professional sports arenas. So, gambling in Arizona is allowed in land-based bookmakers and casinos.
Here is a short presentation of the five top physical casinos in the state:
Talking Stick Resort Casino logo
Talking Stick Resort Casino
Talking Stick Resort, located in Scottsdale, is one of the top local casinos in Arizona, offering Class II/Class III gaming. You can choose from 800 slots, 50 table variants, and almost all kinds of tables with poker games. The 500-room hotel is attractive with the great diversity of entertainment options it offers.
Address: 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ
Owner: Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Date of opening: April 15, 2010
Casino Del Sol logo
Casino Del Sol
This is another oasis of gambling fun that provides Class II/Class III gaming. Players can use 1,300 slot machines, 20+ table games, and over a dozen poker tables. The maximum bet limit should suit high rollers as it is $1,000! The casino resort has luxurious accommodations and a wide range of dining options.
Address: 5655 West Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85757
Owner: Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Date of opening: November 11, 2011
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley logo
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley is one of the top choices for gamblers in Phoenix, Arizona. It was recently extended, offering 1,400+ slot machines, poker, and live table games. The casino resort claims to reward a big payout to one lucky winner every 5 minutes on average. It offers lots of other entertainments.
Address: 9431 W. Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
Owner: Tohono O’odham Nation
Date of opening: February 19, 2020
Casino Arizona logo
Casino Arizona
Spreading over 100,000 square feet of gambling floor, you have enough space to relish the immersive activities at Casino Arizona. Nearly 1,000 slots await you, almost 100 video poker options, about 50 table games, and a great selection of poker tables. An added extra is the 1000-seat bingo hall in the casino resort.
Address: 524 N. 92nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Owner: Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Date of opening: June 1998
Cliff Castle Casino logo
Cliff Castle Casino
Cliff Castle Casino is another popular gambling hub in Phoenix, Arizona that has over 660 slot machines but a limited number of table games and poker tables. Similarly to other casinos within the state, it offers a sportsbook where those keen on this activity can place bets and watch their favorite games.
Address: 555 W Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Owner: Yavapai Apache Nation
Date of opening: June 14, 1995
Sports betting –Legal
Sports wagering is the only legal form of online casino gambling in the Copper State. This has been so since April 2021 when Arizona passed House Bill 2772 legalizing both retail and mobile sports betting. The state’s first regulated bookmakers went live just in time for the beginning of the NFL season – in September 2021. Residents can choose from diverse and many legit digital bookies.
The Arizona Department of Gaming licenses some of the best AZ online gambling sites in the state. They adhere to stringent standards set by this regulatory authority.
The Arizona Lottery –Legal
The Copper State’s lottery has been operating since 1981. It is the first state west of Mississippi to approve the lottery as a legal gambling form. Powerball was launched in The Grand Canyon State in 1994.
AZ Interstate Lotto Games:
Arizona Intrastate Lotto Games:
- Fantasy 5
- The Pick
- Pick 3
- Triple Twist
Arizona has had 14 lucky winners of large cash prizes since its opening, such as the $473 million jackpot in April 2022. Mega Millions arrived in 2010. The Pick State lottery has a jackpot that starts at $1 million, with games such as Pick 3, Fantasy 5, and Triple Twist.
Daily Fantasy Sports –Legal
House Bill 2772 passed legalizing sports betting and officially classifying DFS contests as a legal gambling form you can apply for real money in Arizona. The state gaming authority began to issue licenses to operators. The first authorized DFS sites went live in August 2021.
The leading daily fantasy sports platforms in the Desert State offer contests for NFL, baseball, college football, and other activities. Thanks to the Arizona Department of Gaming regulation, users can sign up and play confidently with protected personal data and payment transactions. Users must be 21 or above to engage in online daily fantasy contests in AZ.
Horse betting –Not Legal
The Desert State has three permanent horse racing tracks. Their locations are:
- Turf Paradise
- Rialto Park
- Arizona Downs
Each of the above has an off-track parlor. County fairs often run sanctioned races. Additionally, around 50 off-track wagering parlors operate throughout the state. Arizona does not have horse betting apps, as online wagering on such races is illegal. You can place bets on competitions with horses in person or by phone if you are at least 21 years old.