Arizona Online Casinos

As we step into 2023, Arizona has recently experienced a significant growth in its gambling landscape. The Grand Canyon state now offers an array of options for enthusiasts of both online and live gaming, with the possibility of more to come. Over two dozen tribal casinos are based in Arizona, predominantly concentrated in the southern and central regions of the state.

Currently, Arizona does not authorize or govern online casinos that deal with real money. The latest laws aimed at making the state more pro-gambling don’t contain any clauses for online casinos in Arizona. Nonetheless, there are numerous active social and sweepstakes sites in Arizona that can offer exciting online casino gaming experiences. It’s entirely legal to play on these sites. So, if you’re keen on enjoying your favorite casino games without the need to travel, you’re in the right place.

In the meantime, we are keeping a close eye on potential developments with online casinos in Arizona. Be sure to revisit us occasionally for updates. As of now, this is the current status of online casinos in Arizona.

Are online casinos legal in Arizona?

Currently, Arizona law does not permit the types of websites and applications you might find in states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Any information suggesting otherwise is either a misunderstanding or a misrepresentation of the truth.

Online casino play sites targeting Arizonans are usually based outside the U.S. and don’t adhere to U.S. legal standards. These sites carry significant risk due to their imperfect track record in securely and honestly managing cash transactions. Alternatively, Arizona residents and visitors can safely enjoy social and sweepstakes casino sites.

Will Arizona regulate online casinos?

It could be possible. Now that Arizona has live online sports betting, it seems to have sparked an interest in expanded online gambling among the public and some lawmakers. Furthermore, revised agreements between the state and the Native American tribes who own casinos will allow for a wider variety of casino games. Therefore, it seems that the public’s views on expanding gambling are currently positive in the state.

In conclusion, there has been no legislative progress concerning online casinos. At the moment, lawmakers and regulators are more concerned with sports betting and new compacts, thus online casinos are not a priority. Consequently, we are unable to provide an estimated timeline for the introduction of online casinos in Arizona. Indeed, it is mere speculation to assume they would be introduced at all.

Legal online casino sites in Arizona

If you’ve just read the previous section, you might feel slightly bewildered. After all, a straightforward web search in Arizona can lead you to numerous sites offering online casino games such as slots, blackjack, and roulette.

What might not be instantly apparent is the existence of various kinds of online casino play sites. These range from legal, illegal, to those that operate in a somewhat legal gray area. Let’s explore the four categories of online casino sites:

1. Online casinos that are licensed, such as DraftKings online casino or BetMGM online casino, can be found in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These are legal enterprises that are strictly regulated by the gaming commissions within their respective states, often displaying the state gaming commission seal on their websites as proof of their legality and licensure. However, such websites are currently not legal in Arizona.
2. Online casinos based offshore may seem legitimate and offer real money play to Arizonans. However, since these sites operate outside the US, they are not obliged to adhere to US or Arizona laws, regulations, or business practices. These sites pose a significant security and reliability risk for US players, including those in Arizona, and we advise against playing on them.
3. Social casinos are typically found on social media platforms such as Facebook or as independent gaming sites. You’ve probably seen ads for these from brands such as Zynga, Big Fish, Slotomania, and Double Down Casino. These sites always offer free play with no actual monetary value attached to their games. However, they might provide in-game purchases, like additional play money or avatar enhancements, to extend your playing opportunities.
4. Sweepstakes casinos model their websites and business strategies after the sweepstakes law observed in most states, including the law followed by entities like Publisher's Clearing House. Regardless of their structure, these sweepstakes sites are required to be free to play, distribute the prizes they advertise, and ensure that winning conditions are not linked to the amount a player has spent. We advise you to patronize this type of online casino if you are in Arizona.

Social and sweepstakes casinos in Arizona

Both social and sweepstakes casinos utilize virtual currencies instead of real money, with some even allowing players to exchange their winnings for actual cash prizes. Below are some of the most frequented social and sweepstakes casinos in the country, all of which can be accessed in Arizona.

Pulsz

Pulsz, a social casino managed by Yellow Social Interactive, offers a vast range of over 200 unique slot games. Additionally, table games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette are also available on Pulsz.

Chumba Casino

Chumba Casino, a premier site within the family of sweepstakes sites owned and managed by VGW Holdings, offers a wide range of slot titles, including progressive jackpot slots. Additionally, it presents a variety of table games for you to enjoy.

Luckyland Slots

Luckyland Slots, a subsidiary of the VGW Holdings group, specializes in slot titles as suggested by its name. Although it does not offer as many game choices as Chumba, the games it does provide are more intricately designed and detailed. It also features a variety of instant win and scratch-off games for players to explore.

Funzpoints

Funzpoints, a Canadian sweepstakes site, functions similarly to Luckyland Slots. It offers a variety of slot titles and also provides options for keno.

What games do Arizona casinos offer?

Across the numerous casinos in Arizona, a wide variety of games awaits. Particularly popular are slots, alongside bingo and keno. A range of table games also feature prominently in the state’s gambling scene. The roster of games available at Arizona’s casinos is set to expand further. Many establishments host poker rooms, and with the recent legalization of AZ sportsbooks, an increasing number now also offer sports betting.

Simultaneously, numerous identical or similar games can be found online, either on social casino sites or sweepstakes sites. The exact range of games differs from one site to another, and the online versions don’t operate precisely as they do in an Arizona casino. Therefore, we will guide you through all the various games available in the Grand Canyon State, irrespective of whether they can be played online, live, or both.

Slots

Slots are the main attraction in casinos nationwide, featuring popular titles and numerous progressive jackpots. Additionally, visitors can often find video poker, video blackjack, and video keno among the available games.

With over 1,300 slot machines, Casino Del Sol holds the record for the highest number in Arizona. Nonetheless, several other casinos also boast more than 1,000 slots.

• Tucson’s Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment
• Desert Diamond West Valley Casino and Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino
• Twin Arrows Casino
• Hotel & Casino Vee Quiva
• We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
• Hotel & Casino at Wild Horse Pass

The 2003 state compact allowed Arizona tribes to provide a maximum of 20,500 machines. These compacts also capped the maximum bet at $25. The 2021 update increased the maximum number of machines tribal groups could offer by 6,300. However, there are currently only about 15,300 machines in the state. The new compact also proposes the establishment of additional casino properties.

In addition to slots, jackpot slots, and video poker, social and sweepstakes sites like Chumba Casino, Funzpoints, Global Poker, and Luckyland Slots offer a variety of gaming options. The slots on these platforms operate similarly to traditional video slots, making it difficult to discern any difference. Although popular games such as Wheel of Fortune, Starburst, and Gonzo's Quest are not available on these sites, there is a wide array of high-quality slot titles and table games to choose from.

Blackjack and other table games

Arizona boasts numerous locations for table games, with blackjack being the most popular and prevalent. Virtually any casino offering table games will feature blackjack primarily. It’s also not rare to find blackjack games with essential format variations or side bets.

In the Grand Canyon State, popular card games on offer include Three-Card Poker, Let It Ride, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Casino War, High Card Flush, and Pai Gow poker. A significant change from the 2021 compact update allows Arizona casinos to expand their range of table games. Casinos within the state are now allowed a maximum of 100 games, with some near larger population areas accommodating up to 150 games. Alongside the games previously mentioned, the expanded table capacity allows tribes to offer additional games such as:

• Baccarat
• Craps
• Pai Gow (tiles)
• Roulette
• Sic Bo

Finding table games to play within online offerings can be somewhat tricky. Certain sites, such as Luckyland and Funzpoints, do not provide table games at all. Those that do typically offer games like blackjack and roulette. However, other games are considerably more difficult to locate. For instance, Caribbean Stud, also known as “Caribbean Poker”, can be found on Global Poker.

Poker

Approximately twelve casinos in Arizona run poker rooms. These establishments provide cash games and tournaments. Generally, these rooms are compact with less than 10 tables. In these settings, typically only one or two tables are in use, primarily for no-limit hold’em games.

However, some of the bigger rooms such as the Arena at Talking Stick, the room at Lone Butte, and the room at Desert Diamond – Western Valley, host more than 30 tables and are known to host major tournaments like the Arizona State Poker Championship at Talking Stick.

Arizonans looking for online gaming options should consider Global Poker’s sweepstakes poker. Global Poker provides a range of options including cash games, tournaments, sit-n-go’s, and jackpot sit-n-go’s with a wide selection of blind levels and buy-ins. Besides standard no-limit hold’em games, there are also regular opportunities to play pot-limit Omaha.

Bingo

Bingo halls were the originating point for many tribal casinos in Arizona, and the game remains a popular feature in numerous state casinos today. Many of these casinos, including Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, boast bingo halls with hundreds of seats, even up to 1,000 in some instances. Besides casinos, Arizona also hosts charitable bingo halls and other venues dedicated to the game. Therefore, bingo enthusiasts in Arizona should experience no real difficulties in finding a place to play.

Keno

Keno is a common feature in Arizona casinos, similar to slots, some even offer progressive jackpots. Numerous casinos across the state provide dedicated keno lounges or parlors, allowing players to choose their numbers while enjoying a meal, watching sports, or socializing.

We mentioned several sweepstakes sites offering online keno options. Notably, Funzpoints provides a few innovative and entertaining keno variations. If you wish to take a breather from playing slots, you might enjoy games like Paintball Keno or Four Seasons Keno.

FAQ on Arizona gambling

Is online gambling legal in Arizona?

Numerous forms of online gambling are legal in Arizona. However, online casinos and poker sites are not currently supported by legal measures. Despite this, Arizona recently legalized several types of online gambling, including sports betting, horse betting, and daily fantasy sports. In addition, you can participate in casino and poker games offered by sweepstakes sites in the state.

Can you play online slot games in Arizona?

The answer to your question varies based on your specific meaning. If you’re searching for online versions of popular retail slot machines, then the likely answer is “no”. There are no legally regulated online casinos in Arizona, and any claims to the contrary are incorrect. However, if you’re open to playing games other than Divine Fortune or Siberian Storm, there are multiple excellent alternatives available on the aforementioned sweepstakes sites.

How many casinos are there in Arizona?

Approximately 25 properties are currently open, but under the previous agreement, tribes could open up to 44 properties. The updated compact permits even more. In fact, under the law, as many as 55 casinos could potentially be established in Arizona. However, it is doubtful that the maximum allowable number will ever be reached.

What is the legal gambling age in Arizona?

The legal gambling age in Arizona is uniform for all forms of gambling, whether it’s horseracing, lottery, or any other type. This standardization in the law, implemented in 2003, is quite consistent and is unlikely to change in the near future.

Who oversees Arizona casinos and gambling?

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) is the regulatory body responsible for monitoring all forms of gambling in Arizona, including horse racing, tribal gambling, and the management of MMA and boxing matches. The Tribal Gaming Authority also plays a role in managing tribal casinos, specifically those owned by their respective tribes.

History of Arizona casino gambling

Arizona, known for iconic Old West locations like Tombstone, has a long-standing association with gambling. The 19th-century saloons and gaming dens have been supplanted by casinos, which are now a significant industry in the Grand Canyon State.

Actually, the numerous Native American-owned casinos in Arizona generate around $2 billion in gross gaming revenue every year. This ranks Arizona as the fifth highest state in the US for tribal gaming, surpassed only by California, Oklahoma, Florida, and Washington. A few years post the enactment of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, Arizona began establishing tribal-state compacts, allowing its various tribes to run Class III casino-style gaming on their territories. The We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, initially a bingo hall, was the first tribal casino to commence operations in Arizona in 1992.

Presently, Arizona is home to over two dozen tribal casinos. When it comes to online casinos, there’s not much to say as there haven’t been any significant legislative efforts to introduce online casino gaming in the state. However, the recent introduction of online sportsbooks could potentially pave the way for online casino play in Arizona. But how did gambling in Arizona begin? Let’s delve into some critical dates in Arizona’s gambling history.

• In 1949, despite Arizona’s historical connection to gambling in its Wild West past, the state had outlawed wagering for most of its existence in the earlier half of the 20th century. This began to shift with the establishment of the Arizona Racing Commission in 1949. The state had been hosting live racing at the Rillito Park Race Track in Tucson for six years, and the newly-formed commission was tasked with overseeing the recently-legalized pari-mutuel betting at the state’s racetracks. Rillito Park continues to operate today and is one of three live racing venues in Arizona. Additionally, there are approximately 60 off-track betting locations available to Arizona residents.
• In 1980, the lottery became the next major form of gambling to be legalized in Arizona, made possible by the Arizona State Lottery Statute, also known as Proposition 200. This was passed by a slim margin of 51-49 in a November 1980 vote. The first ticket, a scratcher, was sold in July 1981. Over the years, the lottery has expanded to include multi-state and intrastate draw games, and the commission is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association. Unlike other states, Arizona does not offer an online or iLottery option and lottery games can only be purchased from retailers. Moreover, the state requires lottery players to be 21, as opposed to the usual 18 in most other states.
• In 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) became a federal law, allowing casinos to be established on tribal lands throughout the US. This gave states with federally recognized tribes the option to negotiate compacts with these tribes to permit Class III gaming on their land. Many of Arizona’s tribes, however, preemptively placed slot machines on their properties before reaching an agreement with the state. Consequently, Gov. Fife Symington declared these games illegal and ordered raids on the implicated casinos. This led to a heated three-week standoff between tribal members and authorities at the Fort McDowell Casino in 1992.
• In 1992, a standoff successfully drew national attention to a conflict, compelling Symington to engage in negotiations. Between 1992 and 1994, he was able to establish agreements with 16 Arizona tribes, including the Yavapai at Fort McDowell. Consequently, the Fort McDowell Casino became the first legally established tribal casino in Arizona in 1992. The casino, which changed its name to the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in 2020, is still operational. By 2003, 22 federally recognized tribes had reached agreement with the state on their compacts. Currently, most tribes possess at least one casino, with some owning multiple locations.
• 2021: It’s undeniable that Arizona’s gambling expansion in April 2021 was a momentous event. Practically every facet of gaming in Arizona, from the number of games and tables permitted to the number of authorized casino venues, saw an increase as a result of the new legislation and agreements. Furthermore, Governor Doug Ducey mapped out a plan for Arizona to transition into a state with online and live sports betting, signing the new agreements on the very same day.