Live Sports Betting in Arizona

Since its legalization in 2021, the Grand Canyon State has quickly risen to become one of the most dynamic and accessible sports wagering markets in the U.S. With a unique combination of tribal partnerships, tech-forward sportsbooks, and passionate local fans, Arizona continues to lead the way in mobile and live in-game betting experiences.

Whether you’re placing bets on the Cardinals, backing the Suns during a tight playoff run, or wagering on college rivalries, Arizona offers bettors a diverse and increasingly competitive environment. According to Betting AZ, Arizona is on track to solidify its place as a top-tier live betting hub in the country.

A Brief History of Arizona Sports Betting Legislation

Arizona’s sports betting journey began in earnest with the passage of House Bill 2772, signed into law by former Governor Doug Ducey in April 2021. The bill opened the door for both tribal casinos and professional sports franchises to partner with online sportsbook operators. On September 9, 2021, Arizona officially launched sports betting, coinciding with the NFL season kickoff.

The legislation allowed up to 20 sports betting licenses—10 for tribal nations and 10 for professional sports teams—ensuring a blend of commercial and tribal involvement. This inclusive structure has become a model for other states, striking a balance between market competition and respecting tribal sovereignty.

Since then, the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has acted as the regulatory body, providing transparency through regular reports and pushing forward responsible gambling initiatives, including March’s designation as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Explosive Growth in 2024: A Market on the Rise

Arizona’s sports betting market experienced impressive growth in 2024, with projections suggesting over 20% year-over-year growth, according to an analysis by the Phoenix Business Journal. In October 2024 alone, Arizonans wagered more than $791 million, with over $53.8 million in sportsbook earnings and $2.4 million returned to the state in taxes and fees.

This surge has been fueled by increasing user adoption, the introduction of new platforms like bet365 and Sporttrade, and the popularity of mobile betting. Arizona now boasts 14 active online sportsbooks and multiple retail locations, making it one of the most open and competitive betting markets nationwide.

The state’s tax rates remain competitive, with online revenue taxed at 10% and retail sportsbooks at 8%, attracting both operators and bettors alike.

Market Turnover and Operator Shake-ups

While Arizona saw growth in total handle and participation, 2024 was also a year of major shake-ups in the operator landscape. In total, four sportsbooks exited the state, while three new ones launched, according to a year-end report from Covers.com.

Exits included:

• Unibet (June 2024) – Part of a wider U.S. market exit by Kindred Group.
  
• SaharaBets (July 2024) – Closed amid organizational shifts tied to the Arizona Coyotes’ relocation.
  
• SuperBook Sports (July 2024) – Abruptly ceased operations with minimal notice to users.
  
• Betway (August 2024) – Pulled out of Arizona and other U.S. markets citing tough competition.
  

New arrivals included:

• bet365 – Partnered with the Ak-Chin Indian Community and made a $1 million tribal donation.
  
• Fanatics Sportsbook – Teamed up with the Tonto Apache Tribe.
  
• Sporttrade – A betting exchange platform launched with support from the Quechan Tribe of Ft. Yuma.
  

Despite this turnover, the Arizona market remains robust. As of late 2024, 13 sportsbooks remain licensed and active, with platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars continuing to dominate market share.

Key Players in Arizona’s Live Sports Betting Scene

Arizona’s live sports betting market is home to a wide range of top-tier operators, offering competitive odds, live in-play betting, and custom promotions tailored to local sports fans. As of the end of 2024, 13 active sportsbooks operate in the state, including some of the biggest names in the industry:

• DraftKings
  
• FanDuel
  
• Caesars Sportsbook
  
• BetMGM
  
• ESPN BET
  
• Fanatics Sportsbook
  
• BetRivers
  
• Hard Rock Bet
  
• Desert Diamond
  
• bet365
  
• Sporttrade
  
• Golden Nugget
  
• Bally Bet
  

FanDuel and DraftKings continue to lead the Arizona market in total handle. For instance, in October 2024, DraftKings processed more than $261 million in wagers, closely followed by FanDuel with $252 million, largely through their mobile platforms.

The addition of new players like bet365 and Sporttrade has introduced fresh competition and innovation, particularly around in-play betting interfaces and market variety.

Tribal Partnerships and Community Impact

Arizona’s sports betting framework is unique in that it allows for deep tribal involvement, not just in casino operations but also in digital sportsbooks. Several tribes have leveraged their licenses to partner with major operators, combining tradition and innovation to build long-term economic sustainability.

Some notable tribal partnerships include:

• Ak-Chin Indian Community & bet365 – A high-profile deal that also involved a $1 million donation to tribal initiatives.
  
• Tonto Apache Tribe & Fanatics Sportsbook – Opened doors to mobile betting opportunities in tribal territories.
  
• Quechan Tribe of the Ft. Yuma Reservation & Sporttrade – Brought a unique betting exchange model to Arizona bettors.
  

These collaborations ensure that tribes are not left behind in the digital shift and benefit meaningfully from tax revenues, employment, and technological development. According to the Arizona Department of Gaming, tribal gaming contributions totaled $30.8 million in the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 alone.

Revenue Performance and Tax Contributions

Arizona’s sports betting market has proven not only popular but profitable—for operators and the state alike. In 2024, the total betting handle surpassed $5.4 billion through September, with a hold rate of 9.5%, based on Covers.com reporting.

In October 2024, the state saw record-breaking numbers:

• $791.2 million in total wagers
  
• $53.8 million in adjusted gross revenue
  
• $2.4 million in taxes and fees paid to the state
  

Revenue is generated through:

• 10% tax on online sportsbook revenue
  
• 8% tax on retail sportsbook revenue
  

These figures help fund state initiatives and tribal community programs. According to the Arizona Department of Gaming, consistent monthly reports and audits ensure transparency and proper regulatory compliance across the industry.

Why Arizona Is a Hotbed for Sports Bettors

Several factors contribute to Arizona’s emergence as a go-to destination for live sports betting:

• Passionate Fanbase: From the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals to Arizona State University athletics, local sports draw high engagement and betting activity.
  
• Mobile-First Market: The vast majority of bets—over 99%—are placed online, giving bettors unmatched convenience.
  
• Mild Regulatory Environment: Unlike states with restricted betting markets, Arizona allows for a wide range of sports and betting types, with few limitations outside of college player props and political wagers.
  
• Operator Diversity: With over a dozen sportsbooks, bettors can shop for the best odds, enjoy unique promotions, and access a variety of betting interfaces.
  

According to Betting AZ, Arizona continues to attract major sportsbook brands because of its business-friendly policies and rapidly growing user base. The combination of state-level support, tribal involvement, and tech-savvy consumers makes Arizona one of the most vibrant live sports betting markets in the U.S.

Mobile Betting Dominance and Popular Platforms

Mobile betting reigns supreme in Arizona, accounting for the overwhelming majority of wagers placed in the state. From fast-paced NFL games to NBA buzzer-beaters, Arizona bettors prefer the speed, convenience, and in-play options that mobile apps provide.

As of the end of 2024, Arizona hosts 14 online sportsbooks, each offering their own suite of mobile apps with features like live betting, instant cashouts, and same-game parlays. The most widely used mobile platforms include:

• DraftKings Sportsbook – Known for its clean interface and expansive live betting markets.
  
• FanDuel Sportsbook – Popular for its speed, real-time stat integration, and risk-free bet offers.
  
• Caesars Sportsbook – Offers exclusive rewards through Caesars Rewards integration.
  
• bet365 – A recent entrant with global reach and one of the deepest live betting menus in the industry.
  
• Fanatics Sportsbook – New but promising, leveraging deep sports merchandising data to personalize betting.
  

Arizona’s regulatory structure has allowed mobile operators to thrive without excessive restrictions. Bettors aged 21 and up can register, deposit, and place bets entirely online, with geolocation technology ensuring compliance with state borders.

Regulatory Oversight by the Arizona Department of Gaming

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) is responsible for regulating the state’s sports betting industry. Since legalization, ADG has played a pivotal role in licensing operators, monitoring compliance, and ensuring consumer protection.

Key responsibilities of the ADG include:

• Issuing operator and vendor licenses
  
• Publishing monthly revenue and handle reports
  
• Enforcing responsible gambling initiatives
  
• Managing self-exclusion programs
  
• Partnering with tribes and professional sports franchises
  

The ADG has also actively promoted responsible gambling, especially during high-activity seasons like March Madness. Campaigns like “Check Before You Bet” have been used to encourage responsible behavior and awareness of gambling risks.

With increasing participation in mobile betting, ADG continues to improve its digital tools and compliance mechanisms, keeping Arizona’s betting ecosystem both fair and consumer-focused.

Challenges and Exits: Why Some Operators Left

While Arizona’s betting market is booming, not all sportsbooks have found long-term success in the state. In 2024, four operators shut down their Arizona operations, pointing to high competition and tough U.S. market conditions.

Notable exits in 2024:

• Unibet – Closed operations in June, citing a broader exit from the U.S. market by its parent company, Kindred Group.
  
• SaharaBets – Shut down in July amid turmoil involving its owner and the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes NHL team.
  
• SuperBook Sports – Left the market with short notice, blaming operational difficulties.
  
• Betway – Ceased operations in late summer after struggling to establish a foothold in Arizona and other states.
  

Despite these exits, the state remains stable. According to Covers.com, many of the operators who left were smaller brands with limited national exposure. Their departure has made room for more well-resourced players like Fanatics and Sporttrade, who continue to invest heavily in the Arizona marke

Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

Looking ahead, Arizona’s sports betting market is expected to stabilize after a volatile 2024. Analysts from iGaming Business and Betting AZ project continued growth in total handle, with a focus on platform innovation, responsible gaming tech, and localized promotions tied to Arizona’s professional teams.

Trends to watch in 2025:

• Emergence of peer-to-peer betting platforms like Sporttrade.
  
• Increased use of data and AI to personalize betting experiences.
  
• Greater emphasis on live, in-game betting, particularly during marquee events like the Super Bowl and NCAA tournament.
  
• More tribal partnerships as technology and infrastructure continue to expand across tribal territories.
  

Importantly, the Arizona Department of Gaming is not expected to introduce major regulatory changes in 2025. The existing framework, praised for its balance and accessibility, is likely to remain intact.

With over $5.4 billion in wagers through September 2024, Arizona is poised to climb even higher among top sports betting states—and live betting will be at the heart of that momentum.