Arizona Laws Regulating Gambling Overview: From 1912 till Today

What Types of Gambling are Legal in Arizona?

Arizona gambling laws have slowly progressed since the state’s formation and subsequent banning of all forms of gambling in 1912, with pretty much everything on offer if you’re willing to drive to your nearest tribal casino.

How is gambling defined in AZ?

Arizona legislation has a pretty strict definition of what they deem to be gambling, but the general definition of gambling in the context of casino gambling and sports betting is that it:

• Involves a device, game, or contest, such as a slot machine or football game;
• The outcome is not in the control of any person other than the player;
• Prizes are not offered as a lure; rules and prizes must be made reasonably clear.

It’s important that the definition of gambling is clear, as gambling must be regulated in accordance with the law, and all federal, state, and local taxes must be paid in connection with gambling.

Is land-based tribal gambling legal in AZ?

Coming from humble yet controversial beginnings after several tribes began housing slots in their casinos in the early 90s, there are now 24 casinos in the state which legally carry Class III casino games.

The latest major shift which allowed these new game and sports betting opportunities for casinos came in 2021, although there has been steady progress since the government first made agreements (Compacts) with 16 tribes between ’92 and ’94.

Which casino games are legal in AZ?

As there are 24 casinos in Arizona with Class III licenses, there are a plethora of land-based casino games available in the state.

These casinos offer Las Vegas-style gaming, with slot games, blackjack, craps, roulette, and pretty much every other casino staple a player may be interested in.

Does AZ have a state lottery?

The Arizona Lottery was founded to aid various public initiatives in 1981 and has been running ever since.

Interestingly, the lottery was used as an argument for the first tribal casinos to house their first slot machines. This was due to the fact that in 1988, US Congress passed an Act allowing Indian reservations to run gaming activities if such activities were being run off-reservation.

Arizona Gambling Regulatory Bodies and Documents

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) is the regulatory body responsible for all gambling regulations within the state. This includes indirect regulation of tribal gaming dictated through the Amended Tribal-State Gaming Compacts 2021.

That means while the state doesn’t directly regulate tribal casinos, the ADG is still responsible for enforcing the regulations and requirements set out in the Amended Tribal-State Gaming Compacts, the current gambling agreement to which tribes must comply.

Overall, the ADG is responsible for providing gambling licenses, licensing infrastructure and frameworks, taxation, and enforcing all of the above.

The current Compact, which was signed into law in 2021, allows for Class III gaming for 24 tribes within the state, which essentially allows for Vegas-style gambling and online sports betting. While this Compact is much more progressive than any other Compact signed into law, various tribes are in negotiations for further amendments to the Compact.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Arizona?

Since the Amended Tribal-State Gaming Compacts 2021 were signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey in 2021, Arizona online gambling laws have allowed online gambling in the form of sports betting.

There aren’t really any public discussions on the legalization of online casino gambling in The Grand Canyon State, but there are some interesting arguments to be made that fully-fledged online gaming might be on the horizon.

The first is that the current Compacts, amended last in 2021, made huge strides in the progress of gambling in the state. Not only did they allow for Class III casino games, but they also made way for a huge market of online sports betting and fantasy sports gambling.

Additionally, the tribes are still in negotiations to try to amend AZ gambling laws for further freedoms in the way gambling is regulated on their reservations, with the next logical step being the legalization of online gaming.

If and when fully-fledged AZ online gambling is legalized, it will come under the regulation of the ADG.

Responsible Gambling in Arizona

The ADG has guidelines in place to promote safe and responsible play across the board, with programs in place for those who are struggling with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, you may wish to contact a professional body such as Arizona’s Council on Problem Gambling, the ADG, or consider applying to the state’s self-exclusion list.

The ADG and Self-Exclusion

The ADG is chiefly responsible for regulating and providing problem gambling help for people in Arizona. One of the ADG’s primary problem gambling initiatives is the self-exclusion program, which allows a player to ban themself from all gambling services and privileges at all Class III tribal gaming facilities within Arizona.

The procedure is relatively simple but does require accurate details to be provided and notarized. The self-exclusion process is permanent and irrevocable, and no procedure currently exists to remove oneself from the list.

Tribal Casinos and the Responsible Gambling Agenda

Part of the tax revenue collected and deposited in the Arizona Benefits Fund goes towards responsible gaming programs such as Get To Know Gaming (G2KG).

Tribes must have an established process for advising players about the state’s self-exclusion list and how to enroll in it. This should be made clear with signage at entrances and exits, and the minimum AZ gambling age of 21 must be enforced and made clear.

In addition, tribes can’t serve complimentary alcoholic beverages and may not advertise gambling to minors or target anyone on the state’s self-exclusion list.

Other Problem Gambling Help

There are other services one can use to help control gambling issues.

The Everi STeP program excludes individuals from over 1,000 ATMs at gambling locations across the nation.

Next, Gamblock will prevent access to internet gambling sites, including sports betting sites in Arizona.

Finally, The Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling is a nonprofit charity dedicated to providing information and education on problem gambling issues.

Legal Gambling Timeline in Arizona

The legalization of gambling in Arizona has been a slow burn, but progress is steadily being made. So with that, here are the most important dates in the history of Arizona gambling:

Our Favorite Arizona Casinos

Are you looking for somewhere exciting to play in Arizona? With a worthy selection of Class III casinos to choose from that have everything from blackjack to bandits, here are our top five casinos in The Grand Canyon State.

Talking Stick Resort Casino

The 240,000-square-foot behemoth casino in Scottsdale is sure to tickle your fancy, with over 800 slot machines, 50 table games, and on-site live poker tournaments with prize pools topping a total of $1,000,000 every August. In addition, guests will find a range of bars and eateries, two golf courses, spas, swimming pools & 496 hotel rooms.

Harrah’s Ak-chin Casino

Home to over 1,100 slots, 23 table games, and six poker tables in their 40,000-square-foot casino, Harrah’s Ak-chin is the place for gaming and relaxation in Maricopa. Those looking to enjoy some time away from the gaming floor will find four restaurants, a spa, a nightlife entertainment center, and a massive hotel with 500 guestrooms; there truly is something for everyone!

Casino Del Sol

Players can really stretch their legs in the 161,000-square-foot Casino Del Sol, based in Tucson. With the casino housing almost 1,000 slots, 20 table games, 13 poker tables, and a live bingo hall, the choice is all yours. Foodies will appreciate the selection of six restaurants, while everyone can enjoy top-notch entertainment in the resort’s very own AVA Amphitheater while staying in one of 215 well-presented rooms.

Cliff Castle Casino

Those visiting Cliff Castle Casino will find over 650 slots to choose from, nine table games, and four poker tables, meaning Cliff Castle is the casino of choice for those around the Camp Verde area. Those staying for a while might be interested in the 122-room hotel or one of the eight bars and eateries located on the resort.

Twin Arrows Casino

If you’re looking for something to do in Flagstaff, checking out the enormous 267,000-square-foot gaming space at Twin Arrows Casino could be a great shout. Situated on the casino floor are over 1,100 slot machines with stakes from one cent to $25, 18 table games, and 12 poker tables. In addition, guests can chill out in one of the 90 hotel rooms and suites and enjoy a selection of six restaurants and bars.

References

1. Arizona Department of Gaming – Casinos & Tribal Gaming Offices, gaming.az.gov.
2. Arizona Department of Gaming – Tribal Gaming History, gaming.az.gov.
3. AGA Gaming – Regulatory Fact Sheet Arizona, americangaming.org.
4. Arizona Department of Gaming – Problem Gambling, problemgambling.az.gov.