Online Casinos for Arizona Players 2024

Introduction

When you say Arizona, almost every person thinks of the famous Grand Canyon - one of the seven Natural Wonders! That's why it comes as no surprise that this US state is often called the Grand Canyon State, though it also boasts another nickname!

Namely, the land is relatively rich in copper, which is why it is referred to as the Copper State, while the word Arizona derives from the Aztec Indian word 'arizuma,' meaning silver-bearing.

In addition to the abundance of this mineral, the 48th state admitted to the Union also boasts a fantastic percentage of national parks, forests, recreation and wilderness areas, as well as Indian reservations, waterfalls, and wildlife preserves.

Thanks to a high number of sunny days, Arizona represents a year-round destination, while the famous sky islands – mountains surrounded by valleys with a stunning variety of plants and animals – are just another reason why people enjoy visiting this state!

Even though Arizona has many activities and places to explore, the adventure wouldn't be complete without some gambling experience!

Here, we will examine whether gaming is allowed in the Grand Canyon State!

All casino and overall betting and gambling enthusiasts will be glad to know that Arizona allows numerous gambling methods.

One of the first bills that started legalizing gambling on Native American land was the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, which was to be expected since Arizona is a state with more tribal land than any other US state!

Namely, the state is home to twenty-two Native American Tribes, whose lands comprise around 27% of its land base.

Consequently, the state has a large number of tribal casinos. While in-person and online sports betting, as well as daily fantasy games, were only legalized in 2021, iGaming, or online casino gaming, remains illegal.

A total of 24 class III casinos are currently operated by 16 tribes in Arizona. While six tribes do not have casinos, they lease slot machine rights to other tribes with casinos.

In addition to slots parlors and local poker rooms, players can also find full-fledged Las Vegas-style gaming resorts offering blackjack, roulette, and other table games.

Arizona Recommended Online Casinos View All

History of Gambling and Current Regulations in Arizona

The history of gambling in Arizona began in 1987, when the State Legislature updated the Arizona gambling statutes by legalizing social gambling, thus allowing friends to bet among themselves on sporting events or play poker.

Blackjack was soon introduced, where a player's "twenty-one" could rotate the deal, making the game "equal terms" as required by law.

With 13 blackjack tables, a 14-foot craps table, 2 hold'em poker tables, 6 poker tables, and a 20-foot double roulette table, Tommy's Full House revolutionized social gambling in 1988.

In the years to follow, however, there was no certainty as to whether this activity was legal or illegal, which did not stop the industry from continuing to grow rapidly. 

A significant event in 1988 was the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which allowed numerous tribes to open casinos, so Arizona gambling is now restricted to tribal casinos, horse racing, and the state lottery.

Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts govern all casino gambling activities in the state, which are agreements between 21 Native American tribes and the Arizona state government.

But this is nothing new regarding gambling in the Grand Canyon State!

Ever since World War II, pari-mutuel betting on dogs and racehorses has been popular in Arizona, while in the 1990s, the state joined others in the Tribal casino boom!

However, in 2016, Arizona decided to ban greyhound racing and thus end the legacy that lasted over 70 years!

And we have finally come to 2021!

This is the year when the legalization of sports betting and online fantasy sports arrived in Arizona!

Arizona has topped $11 billion in total wagers since then, with $3.2 billion wagered through the first half of 2023, according to an August report by the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Nowadays, there are almost 20 online sportsbooks in the state, which are administered by the above-mentioned Arizona Department of Gaming.

Interestingly, the ADG has no jurisdiction over the state's tribal casinos. Each is regulated by the tribe that owns it, and the National Indian Gaming Commission oversees it.

Arizona Recommended Online Poker Rooms

What Legal Gambling Options in Arizona Are Available Now?

Before we list all the legal options for gambling in Arizona, we should note that online casinos are illegal, and only the Arizona gambling laws will decide whether that will change in the future.

Speaking of online gambling, the only form allowed is online sports betting and daily fantasy sports betting!

Arizona is now popular for its two dozen land-based casinos, which offer various table games, including blackjack, roulette, live poker games and tournaments, slot machines, video keno, and more.

As already mentioned, greyhound racing, though extremely popular at one point, became illegal in 2016. Luckily, horse racing remains legal in the state of Arizona.

Lastly, if you are into jackpot games and scratch-off tickets, the Arizona State Lottery is the one for you! In addition, there are various major draw games like Mega Millions and Powerball to participate in; only you have to be 21 years of age!

Arizona Recommended Online Sports Books

Depositing and Withdrawing when in AZ

Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.

US-AZ Online Casinos Deposit & Withdrawal Grades View All

Most Popular Slots for Players from Arizona

Conclusion 

So, let's recap! Arizona might be famous for its stunning landscapes and rich history, but it also has a dynamic gambling scene that's worth exploring. While online casinos aren't on the menu yet, the state's land-based tribal casinos offer a full range of gaming options, from slots to poker and blackjack. Plus, with sports betting and daily fantasy sports now legal, there are plenty of ways to get in on the action, whether you prefer placing bets in person or online. And if you do your homework and stick to reputable offshore casinos, you can enjoy pretty much any form of gambling online in the state, including US-friendly online slots, table games and even live dealers!

The legality of online gambling in the US is tricky - if you're hoping for the legalization of online casinos in Arizona, it’s something that could change in the future, but for now, your best bet is to stick with the state's legal options and regulated and reputable offshore casinos. To stay safe, always make sure you're playing at licensed and regulated venues. While playing online is not science, the industry has grown immensely in recent years and now you do need a solid understanding of how online casinos work. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry - we’ve covered all the basics in our comprehensive guide, Online Gambling Basics, so check it out.

Below is an up-to-date list of all online casinos welcoming players in Arizona. Each casino has been thoroughly reviewed in full detail, taking into consideration all aspects of the service: reputation, license, software and games, verification, US deposit and withdrawal options, and more. The search filters will help you choose a favorite gaming site to suit your needs. 

Just remember to play responsibly and stay informed about the legal landscape. The state has come a long way in recent years, and who knows? There could be even more opportunities down the road for Arizona gamblers. Stay tuned and enjoy your gaming adventures in the Grand Canyon State!

Realmoneyaction.com is an excellent source of information on the latest legal changes and regulation updates in the US. 

Arizona Department of Gaming is the state’s official regulatory body - here, you can stay updated on legalized tribal gambling, racing, sports wagering, and fantasy sports. 

Written by: Michael Shackleford