Arizona, right on the doorstep of the country’s long-time gambling capital, Nevada, had plenty of reason to sign up for legal sports betting in April 2021 to usher a brave new world.
For decades ‘The Grand Canyon State’ has been helpless as residents had hopped across the border to Las Vegas to enjoy casinos, sports betting and plenty of other leisure pursuits, losing massive tax revenue in the process.
With a population of 7.421million (2020 data), there is plenty of mileage in going its own way now to capitalize on the Supreme Court ruling which struck down PASPA in 2018.
With many states nervously expecting big 2021 budget deficits, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is even more reason to look for new revenue streams.
The biggest stumbling block – as with several other states – had been the existing gambling rights enjoyed by local tribes.
While maybe not the biggest sports hotspot in the union, Arizona nevertheless has some pretty nice franchises and teams locally.
The Arizona Cardinals play in the NFL, while the Arizona Diamondbacks are an MLB franchise. The NBA meanwhile has the Phoenix Suns.
Is sports betting legal in Arizona?
Sports betting is now legal in Arizona after Governor Doug Ducey signed off on bill HB 2772 in April 2021.
The legislation allows for 10 sports betting licenses for sports organizations and 10 more for local tribes. There is also a new 20-year compact with the tribes, which was approved by the U.S. Department of Interior on May 24.
Crucially Arizona will allow online betting as well as retail locations, so locals will be able to install apps on their phones and wager from anywhere in-state. No requirement for in-person registration.
It’s a massive win for the state to somehow navigate a complex legal minefield and come out keeping everybody happy. The future now appears very bright with stellar revenue potential locally.
Both retail and online sportsbooks were up and running in time for the 2021 NFL season – which started on September 9.
Legal sports betting near Arizona
Arizona locals no longer have to cross state lines to bet legally – for years though they’ve had the best consolation prize around.
Gambing paradise Las Vegas is right on the doorstep, probably the best option to travel out of state and bet, anywhere in the Union.
Here are the current details on how you can cross state lines to bet:
Nevada: Once you cross the state line into Nevada, you can bet on your mobile phone. And Phoenix is just a one-hour plane ride from the sportsbooks on the Las Vegas Strip. To bet in Nevada – in person or online – you need to be aged 21 or over.
New Mexico: Hasn’t actually passed law to make sports betting legal. The good news? It’s not actually illegal at local casinos operated by tribal jurisdictions. So assuming you are 21 or older, you can head for one of a select list of locations to place your bets. Check out our NM guide.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Arizona?
No, offshore sportsbooks are definitely not legal in Arizona. And likely never will be.
These books have no license to operate in any U.S. state. This means you have zero consumer protection if you sign up with them.