Arizona online casinos: The best AZ casino sites in September 2024

If you’re looking for an Arizona online casino for specific games or purposes, the data below will give you some clues about what to expect. Some brands have more appealing bonus offers. Others offer an excellent selection of certain types of games, exceptional customer service, or other features. Check them out!

Who can play online casino games for real money in Arizona? Is it legal?

The options for legal online gambling are limited for now. Residents can use social, tribal, and sweepstakes casinos for:

• Slots
• Daily fantasy sports
• Bingo
• Offline and online sports betting

The legal gambling age for AZ residents is 21 for online games of chance and sprots betting, land-based casinos, poker rooms and the lottery. Bingo fans can play from the age of 18 and above. For using the state lottery of Arizona and playing charity games it’s also enough to be 18 or older.

Arizona legal gambling age

Timeline of casino legislation in AZ

The Arizonan legislation surrounding casino activities and games of chance has undergone several significant changes and developments over the years. Starting in 1912, when all forms of casino gambling and betting were outlawed in the state. In 1980, with the enacting of the Arizona Lottery Act, the state lottery was established to fund public programs and initiatives.

A major turning point came in 1988 with the passing of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. IGRA allowed state tribes to open their own casinos. Subsequently, in the 1990s, Governor Fife signed compacts with 16 tribes, granting them exclusive rights to operate slot machines and casino gaming. In 2002, Proposition 202 further expanded the number of tribal casinos and the types of games permitted in Arizona. This marked a significant shift in the state’s stance on gambling.

More recent developments include the legalization and regulation of sports betting, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and certain games in April 2021. This change allowed non-tribal operators to offer their services. Furthermore, in June 2022, the Arizona Department of Gaming initiated the licensing process for online sportsbooks, opening opportunities for online gambling. Worth noting is that as of May 2023, there have been no further efforts to legalize land-based casinos and online gambling in Arizona. The current 10-year compact with all 22 state tribes is set to expire in May 2031.

1800s – The early days of casinos in Arizona

In the 1800s, even before Arizona became a state, gambling was already a part of life in the territory. Towns like Prescott, Tombstone, and Bisbee were known for their lively gambling halls and saloons, where games like poker, roulette, and faro could be found. The notorious gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881, which originated from a dispute over gambling debts, serves as a testament to the prevalence of these games of chance during that time.

Early 1980s – Introducing the Arizona Lottery

Fast forward to the early 1980s, when Arizona outlawed all gambling forms. But, in 1980, the Arizona Lottery Act was passed, allowing the state to establish a lottery to fund various programs, including public education. The first lottery ticket was sold in 1981, and three lucky Arizonans claimed $10,000 cash prizes.

1988 – Tribal casinos enter the scene

In 1988, a significant change occurred with the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) by the US Federal government. This act granted tribes in Arizona the freedom to operate their own casinos on their reservation, marking the beginning of tribal casinos in the state.

1990s – Reaching compacts with the Arizonan tribes

In the 1990s, the U.S. Attorney in Phoenix conducted raids on tribal casinos with slot machines, leading to their shutdown. The National Indian Gaming Commission ruled that tribes must have compacts to operate functioning casinos. Over the following 18 months, Governor Fife Symington signed compacts with 16 tribes, giving them exclusive rights to offer slots and casino gaming.

November 2002 – Tribal casino gaming expansion

November 2002 saw the expansion of tribal casino gaming in Arizona. The passing of Proposition 202 not only expanded the number of tribal casinos but also allowed for a wider range of games to be offered. The gambling compacts between the government and local tribes were extended for another ten years, ensuring stability and increased profits for both parties.

2010-2020 – Lottery extension and legalizing sports betting

Between 2010 and 2020, the Arizona State Lottery Commission extended the lottery’s contract until 2035. Additionally, efforts were made to legalize and regulate sports betting. In 2020, the HB 2813 bill was passed, allowing for legalized sports betting at Arizona casinos and racetracks. The Arizonan tribes objected to the bill as it required them to seek special permission to open retail sports books. The SB 1525 bill was introduced to address these concerns, granting tribal casinos the ability to operate retail sportsbooks without permission. However, mobile playing and online sports betting remained prohibited.

April 2021 – The regulation of sport betting, DFS, and other games

In April 2021, Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2772 into law, legalizing and regulating sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and some online games in Arizona. This allowed both tribal and non-tribal organizations to apply for licenses to operate retail sportsbooks and online betting platforms. Non-tribal operators could now offer their services as well. The new laws also relaxed restrictions on Native American casinos, allowing them to expand and introduce more slots and table games.

With the legalization of online and mobile sports betting, as well as daily fantasy sports, Arizona’s gambling landscape has undergone a significant transformation. The introduction of regulated online casinos has provided residents with more convenient options for enjoying games of chance. As the industry continues to evolve, Arizona remains at the forefront of the gambling world, offering a vibrant and exciting experience for both casino enthusiasts and online gamers alike.

May 2022 – Online sportsbook licensing reopening

In April 2022, an Arizona player won a whopping $473 million Powerball jackpot, highlighting the excitement of gambling in the state. In June of the same year, the Arizona Department of Gaming reopened the licensing process for online sportsbooks. Currently, there are 17 regulated local online sports betting providers in operation, and with the state law allowing for up to 20, three more could launch in the future. So, we don’t have top Arizona casinos here, but there will be top Arizona sportsbooks.

May 2023 – The Latest gambling developments

As of May 2023, no further efforts have been made to legalize online casinos in Arizona. However, the 10-year compact that was signed with all 22 state tribes will expire in May 2031, leaving room for potential changes and updates in the future. We will keep you updated on any further developments you can expect for AZ online gambling. If online gambling gets legalized in this state, it will take a short time until most of the top online casinos in the USA start operating here.

Top bonuses available at real money online casinos

Casino bonuses provide players of all ages and backgrounds with a compelling incentive to engage in gambling activities. Casino sites offer a wide variety of deals that can be greatly advantageous. By examining the best online casino bonuses, individuals can make their choice more successful, without wasting valuable time.

The following are the main types widely sought after and popular deals:

• Welcome bonus – This deal usually includes a deposit match and free spins on the newest online slots available in the Arizona market.
• Free spins – Registered users can receive free spins either as a part of the one-off welcome package or through the casino’s VIP club regularly.
• Refer a friend – By signing up a friend to the casino, individuals can receive a percentage of their deposit. There is typically no limit to the number of friends that can be referred to by using a unique link.
• Reload bonus – To benefit from this promotion, players must make a deposit, and the bonus is given as a percentage of the deposited amount.
• No-deposit promotion – In great demand, this bonus does not require a deposit, but rather provides players with a modest cash reward. It is particularly liked among players at Arizona online casinos and gambling websites available worldwide.
• Slots tournaments – By playing specific slots, participants can compete with other players based on their scores. Those with the highest scores can win money or other valuable rewards.
• Rewards program – This program, offered by the VIP club of an online casino, awards players with points based on the amount of real money they have spent on casino games. As players accumulate points, they can progress to higher levels, unlocking rewards such as free spins, birthday presents, and more. Some tribal casinos in Arizona also allow players to redeem their points.

Overall, the availability of diverse casino bonuses is an appealing prospect for gamblers. By taking advantage of these deals, you can enhance your gaming experience and potentially increase your winnings.

The best online casino bonuses available to US residents share the same characteristics:

• Low Wagering Requirements, so you can claim them easily.
• High maximum amount.
• 100% deposit match.
• The possibility to use them on multiple games.

What games can you play at online casinos Arizona?

As mentioned above, online casino games are not regulated yet since online gambling in Arizona is in the grey sector. Players can enjoy games of chance at online casinos when they are inside a state that permits it (Michigan, West Virginia, New Jersey, etc.). This means that players ca travel to another state and legally enjoy online gambling as participants in a legalized state.

However, the legislation in AZ is quite vague and subject to interpretation. Players could potentially be charged with benefiting from gambling if they obtain any profit from gambling, excluding amusement or regulated gambling. But generally, they are free to use sweepstakes and social casino services where they can find online casino games USA players can use for real money.

Check out our best online casino reviews page. There you will find trusted and unbiased expert ratings of the most competitive gambling websites open to US players.