Arizona has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports betting markets in the United States. Since legalizing sports betting in 2021, the state has quickly become a hub for both retail and online sportsbooks, attracting major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. The Grand Canyon State’s vibrant sports culture—home to the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Diamondbacks—has fueled the industry’s growth, making it an exciting market for bettors.
According to Betting AZ, Arizona offers 12 licensed online sportsbooks, each providing competitive odds, promotions, and diverse betting options. With new operators entering the market and record-breaking handle figures, Arizona continues to solidify its reputation as a premier sports betting destination.
The Legal Landscape: How Arizona Sports Betting Became a Reality
The legalization of sports betting in Arizona was made possible by House Bill 2772, signed into law by former Governor Doug Ducey in April 2021. The bill allowed both professional sports teams and Native American tribes to obtain licenses, paving the way for legal wagering across the state. The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) oversees all betting activities, ensuring compliance with state laws and responsible gaming practices.
Arizona officially launched its sports betting market on September 9, 2021, coinciding with the NFL season kickoff. The law permits online and in-person betting at licensed sportsbooks, casinos, and sports venues like Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks), State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals), and Footprint Center (Phoenix Suns).
The regulatory framework ensures a fair and transparent betting environment, with taxation rates set at 8% for retail sportsbooks and 10% for online betting revenue. These funds contribute to the state’s general fund, tribal communities, and various public services.
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Top Arizona Sportsbooks: Who’s Leading the Market?
Arizona offers a competitive betting landscape, with several major sportsbooks operating both online and at retail locations. Here are some of the top operators:
- DraftKings Arizona– Partnered with the PGA Tour, DraftKings operates a sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale and remains one of the most popular platforms in the state.
- FanDuel Arizona– With a retail sportsbook at Footprint Center, FanDuel consistently ranks among the top sportsbooks in terms of betting handle.
- BetMGM Arizona– Partnered with the Arizona Cardinals, BetMGM offers retail betting at State Farm Stadium and online betting statewide.
- Caesars Sportsbook– As the official partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Caesars operates a retail sportsbook at Chase Field and a top-tier online platform.
- Bet365 Arizona– Entered the market in February 2024 and quickly gained traction due to its user-friendly platform, live betting options, and promotions.
- Fanatics Sportsbook– Launched in April 2024, this new player partnered with the Tonto Apache Tribe to establish itself in the Arizona market.
In 2024 alone, Arizona sportsbooks handled over $5.4 billion in total bets, setting new records. The market is expected to grow even further in 2025, with more operators vying for a share of Arizona’s booming sports betting industry.
2024 Recap
The year 2024 was a rollercoaster for Arizona’s sports betting industry, marked by new sportsbook launches, major exits, and record-breaking betting figures. The state continued to solidify its position as one of the most dynamic sports betting markets in the U.S., with both growth and shakeups shaping the industry.
Major Sportsbook Entries & Exits
- New Market Entrants:
- Bet365 entered the Arizona market in February 2024, partnering with the Ak-Chin Indian Community and making a $1 million donation to the tribe as part of the deal.
- Fanatics Sportsbook launched in April 2024, securing a partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe and introducing its betting app.
- Sporttrade, a sports betting exchange platform, officially went live in September 2024 through a partnership with the Quechan Tribe of the Ft. Yuma Indian Reservation.
- Notable Sportsbook Exits:
- Unibet shut down its Arizona operations in June 2024, as part of its parent company Kindred Group’s decision to exit the U.S. market.
- SaharaBets, backed by Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo, ceased operations in July 2024 after the NHL team was sold and relocated.
- SuperBook Sports and Betway also exited the Arizona market due to struggles in competing with larger operators.
Record-Breaking Betting Handle
Despite some sportsbooks leaving, Arizona’s betting handle reached an all-time high in 2024. The October 2024 report from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) revealed that bettors wagered $791.2 million in that month alone. This surge was driven by:
- The popularity of NFL and college football betting
- The success of Arizona’s professional sports teams
- The convenience of online betting, which accounts for the majority of wagers
Betting Trends and Market Growth: A Look at the Numbers
The Arizona sports betting market grew by over 20% in 2024, according to data from the Arizona Department of Gaming. This growth is fueled by:
- The expansion of live and in-game betting options
- Increasing popularity of parlay bets and same-game parlays
- Competitive promotions offered by top sportsbooks
- More sports betting education and awareness among Arizona residents
Top Sportsbooks by Market Share
According to reports, the leading sportsbooks in Arizona by betting handle in 2024 were:
- DraftKings– $261 million in October 2024
- FanDuel– $252 million in October 2024
- BetMGM– Estimated $120+ million monthly handle
- Caesars Sportsbook– Strong presence due to its Arizona Diamondbacks partnership
Tax Revenue and Economic Contributions
Arizona’s tax structure on sports betting includes:
- 8% tax rate on retail sportsbook revenue
- 10% tax on online sports betting revenue
From January to September 2024, sportsbooks in Arizona reported $5.4 billion in total bets, with an average hold percentage of 9.5%. This generated millions in tax revenue for the state, funding public programs, infrastructure, and tribal gaming contributions.
Regulations and Responsible Gambling Initiatives
As the Arizona sports betting industry grows, state regulators are emphasizing responsible gambling. The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has implemented several measures to ensure player protection and maintain the integrity of sports betting.
Key Regulations in Arizona
- Age Restriction: Bettors must be 21 years or older to place bets.
- Self-Exclusion Program: The ADG offers voluntary self-exclusion options for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- Prohibited Bets: Arizona does not allow betting on high school sports, politics, or award shows (e.g., the Oscars).
- Strict Licensing: All operators must be licensed through the ADG and tribal gaming authorities.
Promoting Responsible Gaming
In January 2025, the ADG launched a new campaign to promote responsible gaming, encouraging bettors to:
- Set betting limits
- Recognize signs of problem gambling
- Seek help from Arizona’s problem gambling resources, including helplines and self-exclusion programs
Arizona’s regulatory framework ensures a safe and transparent betting environment, balancing industry growth with responsible gaming measures.
What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
Arizona’s sports betting market is already one of the most successful and competitive in the U.S., but industry analysts predict even more growth in 2025 and beyond. With increased consumer engagement, evolving regulations, and new technology, the future looks bright for Arizona sports betting.
What’s Next for Arizona Sports Betting?
- Continued Market Expansion:With the recent entry of Bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook, and Sporttrade, competition among sportsbooks is intensifying. More operators could enter the Arizona market, offering bettors additional options and promotions.
- Advancements in Live Betting & Micro-Betting:In-game betting, including micro-betting (wagering on small events within a game), is becoming more popular, and sportsbooks are expected to expand their live-betting features.
- Potential Adjustments to Taxation & Regulations:While Arizona’s tax structure has remained stable, other states have begun adjusting their policies. Some lawmakers may revisit Arizona’s tax rates or introduce new rules to ensure the state remains competitive.
- More Partnerships with Local Sports Teams:As seen with DraftKings’ partnership with the PGA Tour and BetMGM’s deal with the Arizona Cardinals, sportsbooks are likely to continue collaborating with professional teams to enhance the betting experience.
Challenges and Considerations
While growth is promising, Arizona regulators and sportsbooks must navigate several challenges, including:
- Responsible Gaming Measures:As betting expands, so does the need for stronger problem gambling prevention programs.
- Market Saturation:With more sportsbooks entering Arizona, operators must differentiate themselves to avoid oversaturation and customer fatigue.
- Federal and State-Level Regulatory Changes:Any adjustments to federal sports betting laws could impact Arizona’s market, particularly in areas like taxation and advertising.
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