Arizona Sports Betting Sites: Laws, Licensed Sportsbooks & How It Works in 2026
Professional Player & Author
About
Kim Birch is a professional poker and blackjack player from Denmark and the author of several gambling books. With more than 15 years of experience as a Texas Hold’em professional, he shares expert insights into casino strategy, poker theory, and responsible gambling.
Arizona sports betting became legal on April 15, 2021, when Governor Ducey signed House Bill 2772 into law. The market opened September 9 of that year, and it hasn’t slowed down since — Arizonans wagered $965.2 million in November 2025 alone, an 8% jump from the year before.
Today, the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) oversees 13 licensed online sportsbook apps and several retail locations across the state. If you’re 21 or older and physically inside Arizona’s borders, you can legally place a bet on your phone in about five minutes.
This page covers everything you need to know: how Arizona’s sports betting law works, who regulates it, which sportsbooks hold ADG licenses, what you can and can’t bet on, how the tax situation works, and where to get help if gambling becomes a problem. I’ve also included my honest take on each sportsbook after testing them since launch day.
| Rank | Rating | Bonus | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |
Fanduel 5 ★★★★★ |
Get up to $300 Back in Bonus Bets Every Day For 10 Days! New Customers – Welcome Bonus |
CLAIM BONUS |
| #2 |
Draftkings 4.8 ★★★★★ |
Bet $5+ Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly New Customers – Welcome Bonus |
CLAIM BONUS |
| #3 |
BetMgm 4.8 ★★★★★ |
Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses New Customers – Welcome Bonus |
CLAIM BONUS |
| #4 |
Bet365 4.7 ★★★★★ |
Bet $10+ Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose New Customers – Welcome Bonus |
CLAIM BONUS |
| #5 |
Hard Rock Bet 4.6 ★★★★★ |
200 Bonus Spins + Up to $1,000 Lossback New Customers – Welcome Bonus |
CLAIM BONUS |
Arizona Sports Betting at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
| Legal status | Fully legal since April 15, 2021 (HB 2772) |
| Market launch date | September 9, 2021 (online + retail) |
| Minimum age | 21 years old — strictly enforced |
| Regulator | Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) — gaming.az.gov |
| Licensed online sportsbooks | 13 active as of March 2026 |
| License structure | 20 total (10 pro sports franchises, 10 tribal) |
| Residency required? | No — visitors welcome. Must be physically in AZ (geolocation verified) |
| College sports betting | Allowed, but player props on in-state teams (ASU, U of A, NAU, GCU) are banned |
| Operator tax rate | 10% on online revenue, 8% on retail revenue |
| Nov 2025 handle | $965.2 million wagered (+8% year-over-year) |
| Retail sportsbook locations | State Farm Stadium (BetMGM), Chase Field (Caesars), TPC Scottsdale (DraftKings), tribal casinos |
| Problem gambling helpline | 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 |
How Arizona Sports Betting Law Works
I get a lot of questions about what’s actually legal in Arizona and what isn’t, so let me break down the framework in plain language.
HB 2772 created a licensing system managed by the Arizona Department of Gaming. The law authorized 20 sports betting licenses total: 10 allocated to professional sports organizations with Arizona venues, and 10 to tribal gaming operators. Each license allows both a physical retail sportsbook and a branded mobile app, which is why you see partnerships like BetMGM with the Arizona Cardinals and FanDuel with the Phoenix Suns.
Who Can Bet
You must be at least 21 years old. There is no residency requirement — tourists, business travelers, and out-of-state visitors can all place bets as long as they’re physically inside Arizona when the wager is placed. Every sportsbook app uses GPS-based geolocation to verify your location in real time. If you cross state lines into Nevada or California, you’ll be locked out until you return.
What You Can (and Can’t) Bet On
Arizona allows betting on professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, UFC/MMA, PGA, NASCAR, tennis, soccer, and more), college sports, international leagues, and esports. The major restriction: you cannot place individual player prop bets on athletes at Arizona’s own colleges and universities. That means if ASU is playing, you can bet the spread, total, or moneyline, but you can’t wager on a specific Sun Devil’s rushing yards or points scored. This restriction exists to protect college athletes from potential harassment and corruption. Team props on in-state games are allowed. High school sports betting is completely prohibited.
The Role of the Arizona Department of Gaming
The ADG is your protection as a bettor. They license every operator, audit their systems for fairness, investigate complaints, enforce responsible gambling requirements, and collect tax revenue. If a sportsbook treats you unfairly or won’t process a legitimate withdrawal, you can file a formal complaint with the ADG at gaming.az.gov. This is the core difference between licensed and unlicensed operators — with an ADG-licensed sportsbook, you have state-backed legal recourse.
Recent Legislative Developments (2025–2026)
Arizona’s sports betting landscape continues to evolve. In early 2026, Governor Katie Hobbs proposed increasing the operator tax rate from 10% to as high as 45% for the state’s largest sportsbooks. A separate bill, SB 1765, would establish a “Problem Gambling Fund” paid for by operator contributions. Meanwhile, ESPN BET ceased operations in late 2025 after PENN Entertainment ended its ESPN licensing deal, and the license transitioned to theScore Bet in December 2025. The ADG also issued cease-and-desist orders against several offshore operators, including Bovada, for operating illegally within Arizona.
Arizona Sports Betting by the Numbers
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing legal sports betting markets in the U.S. Here’s how the market has performed:
| Metric | Nov 2025 | Nov 2025 | Change |
| Total handle (wagered) | $965.2 million | $893.7 million | +8.0% YoY |
| Operator revenue | $87 million (record) | $72.4 million | +20.2% YoY |
| Tax revenue (state) | ~$8.7M (online) | ~$7.2M | +20.8% YoY |
| Active operators | 13 online | 14 online | −1 (ESPN BET → theScore) |
Whether you’re interested in Arizona sports betting laws, comparing licensed sportsbooks, or learning how to place your first wager, this guide covers everything Arizonans need to know about legal sports wagering in 2026.
All Licensed Arizona Sportsbooks (Complete List)
Every sportsbook listed below holds an active license from the Arizona Department of Gaming. This is the complete list as of March 2026 — no offshore or unlicensed operators are included.
| Sportsbook | License Partner | App Available | Retail Location | Loyalty Program |
| FanDuel | Phoenix Suns | iOS + Android | — | FanDuel Rewards |
| DraftKings | TPC Scottsdale / ADG | iOS + Android | TPC Scottsdale | DK Crowns |
| BetMGM | Arizona Cardinals | iOS + Android | State Farm Stadium | MGM Rewards |
| Caesars | AZ Diamondbacks | iOS + Android | Chase Field | Caesars Rewards |
| bet365 | ADG Licensed | iOS + Android | — | bet365 Club |
| Fanatics | ADG Licensed | iOS + Android | — | FanCash |
| Hard Rock Bet | Seminole/Tribal | iOS + Android | — | Hard Rock Rewards |
| theScore Bet | Phoenix Raceway | iOS + Android | Phoenix Raceway | — |
| Desert Diamond | Tohono O’odham Nation | iOS + Android | Desert Diamond Casinos | DD Rewards |
| BetRivers | ADG Licensed | iOS + Android | — | iRush Rewards |
| Bally Bet | ADG Licensed | iOS + Android | — | — |
| Golden Nugget | DraftKings family | iOS + Android | — | 24K Select |
| Sporttrade | ADG Licensed | iOS + Android | — | — |
Which Arizona Sports Betting Apps Are Worth Your Time? (My Honest Take)
I’ve been using Arizona sportsbooks since launch day in September 2021 — placing real bets, depositing my own money, timing withdrawals, and dealing with customer support when things go wrong. Here are the ones I think are genuinely good, why, and what to watch out for. I’ve included current welcome offers, but I want to be upfront: bonuses change frequently, and they shouldn’t be the only reason you pick a sportsbook. App quality, odds, and payout speed matter more long-term.
1. FanDuel
FanDuel is the sportsbook I reach for most often, mainly because the app is fast. Placing a same-game parlay takes about four taps. Live betting odds update without lag during crunch time. They’re the official sports betting partner of the Phoenix Suns, which means you’ll occasionally see Suns-specific odds boosts during the NBA season.
Withdrawals to PayPal typically clear within 24 hours in my experience — faster than any competitor. The Bet Protect feature lets you cash out player prop bets early, which I’ve used to lock in profits more than once. On the downside, customer support can be slow during peak NFL hours, and the welcome bonus requires your first bet to actually win (bet $5, get $100 in bonus bets — but only on a win).
2. DraftKings
DraftKings earned the highest customer satisfaction score among U.S. sportsbooks in 2025 (78/100 ACSI), and the app experience reflects that. Where it really separates from FanDuel is NFL prop depth — during football season, you’ll find player props on third-string players that other apps don’t list. Their Ghost Leg parlay insurance gives you a safety net on multi-leg SGPs, which is a unique feature.
PayPal withdrawals have hit my account in under 12 hours. If you play DFS, DraftKings lets you use your sportsbook and daily fantasy balances interchangeably. The welcome offer mirrors FanDuel: bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins (offer expires March 15, 2026). One downside worth noting: DraftKings has been known to limit accounts of consistently winning bettors.
3. BetMGM
If you want the biggest safety net on your first wager, BetMGM offers up to $1,500 in first-bet insurance — if your first bet loses, you get the full stake back as bonus bets. No other Arizona sportsbook matches that dollar amount. They also operate the retail sportsbook inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, which was the first sportsbook ever built inside an NFL stadium.
The MGM Rewards program connects your betting activity to hotel stays, dinners, and entertainment at MGM properties in Las Vegas and beyond. That’s real value that FanDuel and DraftKings can’t replicate. The app itself can feel a bit cluttered compared to FanDuel, and the bonus bet rollover terms are more restrictive than competitors.
4. Bet365
Bet365 is the sportsbook I recommend when someone asks me “which bonus has the least risk?” Their welcome offer gives you $150 in bonus bets for placing a $5 wager, and it pays out whether your bet wins or loses. FanDuel and DraftKings require a win — bet365 doesn’t.
Beyond the bonus, bet365’s live betting platform is the best in Arizona. Odds update faster than any competitor, the interface shows more in-play data at a glance, and their Early Payout feature will settle your bet as a winner if your team builds a large enough lead — even if they blow it later. The app design feels more “European” and takes some adjustment if you’re used to American sportsbook interfaces.
5. Hard Rock Bet
Caesars shines if you take even one Vegas trip a year — the Caesars Rewards loyalty program connects your sportsbook activity to hotel upgrades, restaurant comps, and show tickets across every Caesars property. They operate the retail book at Chase Field. Welcome offer: $250 bet match with code BETAZ250BM.
Fanatics has a unique FanCash system where your bets earn credit toward actual sports merchandise — jerseys, hats, gear. Welcome offer: up to $1,000 in FanCash over five days. Hard Rock Bet, backed by the Seminole Tribe, has one of the cleanest app designs and offers 10 profit boost tokens at signup. Desert Diamond is Arizona’s only homegrown sportsbook, operated by the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Arizona Sportsbook Promos & Welcome Offers (March 2026)
Verified as of March 2, 2026. I update this table on the 1st of each month. Bonus terms change frequently — always read the T&Cs before signing up.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Offer | Code | Min Dep. | Win Req? | Offer Type |
| bet365 | Bet $5, Get $150 | BETAZ | $10 | No | Guaranteed bonus |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 Insurance | BETAZCOM | $10 | No | First-bet insurance |
| Fanatics | Up to $1,000 FanCash | — | $20 | No | Daily match (5 days) |
| Caesars | $250 Bet Match | BETAZ250BM | $20 | No | Bet match |
| theScore Bet | Up to $1,000 Reset | BETAZ | $10 | No | First-bet insurance |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $100 | — | $5 | Yes | Bet & get (if win) |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 | — | $5 | Yes | Bet & get (if win) |
| Hard Rock Bet | 10x Profit Boosts | — | $5 | N/A | Profit boost tokens |
| Desert Diamond | Bet $20, Get $100 | — | $10 | No | Bet & get |
| Sporttrade | 10% Cash Back ($100) | BETAZ | Varies | No | Cash back |
Editorial Note on Bonuses
Welcome offers are marketing tools. They can add value, but they shouldn’t drive your sportsbook choice. The best sportsbook for you depends on which sports you bet, how fast you need withdrawals, and whether you value features like live streaming or loyalty rewards. Every bonus comes with terms — rollover requirements, expiration dates, minimum odds, and wagering limits. Read them. A “$1,500 first-bet insurance” is not the same as $1,500 in free money.
How to Sign Up for an Arizona Sportsbook
The registration process is required by Arizona law and is the same at every licensed operator. It takes about five minutes:
- Choose a sportsbook and download the app from the iOS App Store or Google Play (or visit the mobile website).
- Register with your real information. You’ll provide your full name, date of birth, home address, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your SSN. This is federally mandated for identity verification under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and Arizona state law — every single legal sportsbook requires it.
- Identity and location verification happens automatically. The app will verify your age against public records and use your phone’s GPS to confirm you’re physically in Arizona. This check happens every time you open the app.
- Deposit funds. Most apps accept debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, bank transfers (ACH), and Play+ prepaid cards. Important note: as of March 2026, credit card deposits are no longer accepted at Arizona sportsbooks. Minimum deposits are typically $5–20.
- Place your first bet. If claiming a welcome offer, check the terms: some require minimum odds (usually -500 or longer), some require your bet to win, and some pay out regardless. Your bonus bets will appear in your account after your qualifying wager settles.
Deposit & Withdrawal Methods
| Method | Deposit | Withdraw | Withdrawal Speed | Notes |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes | 24–48 hours | Most popular e-wallet among AZ bettors. Widely accepted. |
| Venmo | Yes | Yes | 24–48 hours | Growing in popularity. Same speed as PayPal. |
| Apple Pay | Yes | No | — | Deposit only. Cannot withdraw to Apple Pay. |
| Debit Card | Yes | Yes | 3–5 business days | Credit cards no longer accepted for deposits (March 2026). |
| Bank Transfer | Yes | Yes | 2–5 business days | ACH/online banking. Reliable but slower. |
| Play+ | Yes | Yes | Same day | Prepaid card option. Fastest for non-PayPal users. |
| Cash (retail) | Yes | Yes | Instant | At tribal casinos, State Farm Stadium, Chase Field. |
Arizona Sports Betting Taxes: What You Owe
This is the part nobody wants to think about, but it matters. Gambling winnings are taxable income under both federal and Arizona state law. Here’s what you need to know:
- Federal tax: Gambling winnings are reported as “Other Income” on your federal return. If you win $5,000+ on a single bet at 300:1 odds or greater, the sportsbook is required to withhold 24% and issue you a W-2G. Below that threshold, you’re still responsible for reporting winnings.
- Arizona state tax: Arizona’s income tax rate is currently a flat 2.5%. Gambling winnings are included in your taxable income.
- Can you deduct losses? Yes, but only up to the amount of your winnings, and only if you itemize deductions on your federal return. Keep detailed records of every bet — most sportsbook apps have a transaction history you can download.
- Operator taxes: Sportsbooks pay 10% tax on online wagering revenue and 8% on retail. These taxes fund state programs. Governor Hobbs has proposed raising the online rate to 45% for the largest operators, which is still under legislative review.
What Sports Can You Bet On in Arizona?
Sport | AZ Team(s) | Available Bet Types | AZ-Specific Notes |
| NFL | Cardinals | Spreads, moneylines, totals, player props, futures, live betting, SGP | BetMGM operates in-stadium book at State Farm Stadium |
| NBA | Suns, Mercury | Game lines, quarter bets, player props, futures, live betting | FanDuel is official Suns betting partner |
| MLB | Diamondbacks | Run lines, totals, pitcher props, inning bets, futures | Caesars operates retail book at Chase Field |
| College | ASU, U of A, NAU, GCU | Spreads, totals, team props, futures | NO individual player props on in-state teams |
| Golf | WM Phoenix Open | Outright winner, top-5/10/20, matchups, round scores | DraftKings is TPC Scottsdale partner |
| UFC/MMA | — | Moneylines, method of victory, round props, fight totals | Available at all AZ sportsbooks |
| NASCAR | Phoenix Raceway | Race winner, top-3, matchups | theScore Bet is Phoenix Raceway partner |
| Soccer | — | Moneylines, spreads, totals, props, futures | EPL, Champions League, MLS, Liga MX |
| Tennis | — | Match winner, set betting, game totals, live betting | Grand Slams through Challenger events |
Responsible Gambling Resources in Arizona
I’m including this section near the end of the page, but it’s arguably the most important part. Arizona’s legal betting framework was specifically designed with player protections built in — here’s what’s available to you:
- Every licensed sportsbook is required by the ADG to offer these tools: deposit limits (daily/weekly/monthly), wager limits, loss limits, session time limits, cool-off periods (24 hours to 30 days), and full self-exclusion. Set these before you start betting, not after you need them.
- Arizona’s statewide self-exclusion program lets you ban yourself from all licensed sportsbooks and casinos simultaneously through problemgambling.az.gov. The exclusion applies to both online and retail venues. Once enrolled, sportsbooks are legally required to close your account and refuse your bets.
- SB 1765 (2026): A proposed bill would create a dedicated “Problem Gambling Fund” financed by operator contributions, expanding treatment and prevention services statewide. This bill is currently under legislative review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona legalized sports betting on April 15, 2021, through HB 2772. The market launched September 9, 2021. There are currently 13 licensed online sportsbooks regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming.
Can I bet on ASU and University of Arizona games?
Yes, but with a restriction. You can bet on game outcomes (spreads, totals, moneylines) and team props, but you cannot place individual player prop bets on athletes at in-state colleges and universities. This applies to ASU, U of A, NAU, and GCU.
Can I use FanDuel and DraftKings in Arizona?
Yes. Both are fully licensed by the ADG and have been operating legally in Arizona since the market launched in 2021.
What happened to ESPN BET in Arizona?
PENN Entertainment ended its ESPN licensing agreement in late 2025. The Arizona license formerly held by ESPN BET transitioned to theScore Bet in December 2025. If you had an ESPN BET account, your funds were transferred to theScore Bet.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings?
Yes. Gambling winnings are taxable income. Federal tax is 24% (withheld automatically on wins of $5,000+ at 300:1 odds). Arizona state income tax is a flat 2.5%. You can deduct losses up to the amount of winnings if you itemize.
Which sportsbook has the best odds?
Odds vary by game and market. No single sportsbook consistently offers the best line on every event. Experienced bettors use 2–3 apps and compare odds before placing a wager. Line-shopping tools like OddsJam or DarkHorse Odds can help.
Is it safe to bet on offshore sites like Bovada in Arizona?
Offshore sportsbooks operate outside Arizona law. They are not licensed by the ADG, your deposits are not protected by state regulation, and you have no legal recourse if something goes wrong. The ADG has issued cease-and-desist orders against offshore operators, including Bovada. We only cover ADG-licensed sportsbooks on this site.
Are offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline legal in Arizona in 2026?
Not regulated by the state, but no laws that prosecute individual bettors under the licensing body.
How old do you have to be to use offshore betting sites in Arizona?
The age limit is set at 21, aligning with state rules, and it is even for offshore players to play it safe.