Legal Sports Betting is Coming to Arizona! Here’s What You Need to Know

Later this year, Arizona will join a growing list of states who have legalized mobile and in-person sports betting in recent years. The House passed bill 2772 48-12 on March 4th, the Senate passed it on April 12, and Governor Doug Ducey signed it into law on April 15th. Legal gambling is tentatively set to begin on September 9th.

Here’s everything you need to know about legalized betting in the Grand Canyon State including how it became legalized in the past few months, who the first available sportsbooks will likely be, when you can expect to place your first bets, and how to take advantage of introductory offers according to Arizona Casinos.

Arizona’s Legalization Efforts

Like many other states, Arizona encountered some political pushback and “bureaucratic red tape” standing in the way of legalized gambling. One of the most significant hurdles to overcome was the agreement to be signed between Governor Doug Ducey and Tribal Leaders from across the state. In short, it ensures that casinos on Tribal land will be able to apply for gaming licenses. There are 20 such licenses total, split evenly at 10 apiece between tribal casinos and other venues in Arizona. This deal was no small task and took over 5 years to negotiate and finalize, according to sources.

First Arizona Sports Betting Apps

Once betting launches, you’ll have the option to bet in-person at some of the biggest venues and Casinos in-state or to mobile bet via your phone or other location-verifiable devices. Here is where and how you can expect to do that.

 Based on other states who have legalized gambling in the past few years, we expect the major established sportsbooks to be among the first mobile betting options. Those include:

 ● FanDuel Sportsbook

● DraftKings Sportsbook

● BetRivers Sportsbook

● BetMGM Sportsbook

● William Hill Sportsbook

 DraftKings and FanDuel specifically are at an advantage. Both have highly popular DFS games, and although those have been illegal in Arizona so far, they will now become legal with the passing of the Bill. The DFS games integrate well into the overall mobile betting experience. In some cases, you can simply transfer your login and bank information to the mobile betting platform, and transfer funds back and forth to be used for either purpose, which is likely to bring in a wider audience than mobile betting alone.

 These companies also feature partnerships with major venues throughout the state, offering another betting channel in addition to mobile betting. TPC Scottsdale has partnered with DraftKings, FanDuel has partnered with the Phoenix Suns, and BetMGM has signed a partnership with Gila Rivers Hotels and Casinos. Those in attendance at these venues will be able to bet at kiosks right alongside the action.

Look for Incentives and Offers

With all of these new sportsbooks vying for customers and increased revenue and market share, be on the lookout for lucrative Arizona sports betting bonus offers. In other states, these have included referral bonuses of up to $100 per person, risk-free bets over $1,000, “on the house bets” that are basically guaranteed locks, and much more.

Open Just in Time for NFL Opening Week

Cardinals fans, get excited…sportsbooks are expected to open on September 9th, just in time for the start of the NFL Season. The Cardinals travel to Tennessee in week 1 to take on the Titans. Your Cardinals are 3 points underdogs and +132 on the Moneyline according to FanDuel. The over/under is set at 51.5 (-110 both ways).