Does Arizona Allow Sports Betting?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Arizona. Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2772 into law in April 2021, legalizing both online and in-person sports betting. The first sportsbooks launched on September 9, 2021.
Legalization and Launch of Sports Betting in Arizona
The journey to legal sports betting in Arizona was a multi-year process that culminated in its legalization in 2021. Here’s a timeline of the key events⁚
- April 2021⁚ Governor Doug Ducey signs HB 2772 into law, legalizing both online and retail sports betting in Arizona. This landmark legislation allowed for up to 20 mobile sports betting licenses ― 10 for Native American tribes and 10 for professional sports teams/venues.
- May 2021⁚ Amended Tribal-State Gaming Compacts, which included provisions for sports betting, were signed and came into effect. The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) was tasked with regulating the industry.
- September 9, 2021⁚ Sports betting officially launches in Arizona, just in time for the NFL season. Several online sportsbooks, including big names like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM, went live on this date, allowing Arizonans to place legal wagers for the first time.
The legalization and successful launch of sports betting marked a new era for gambling in Arizona, generating significant interest and revenue for the state.
Types of Sports Bets Allowed in Arizona
Arizona offers a wide variety of sports bets to cater to different preferences, from simple wagers to more complex betting options⁚
- Moneyline⁚ The most straightforward bet, where you pick the outright winner of a game or event. For example, you might bet on the Cardinals to defeat the Seahawks.
- Point Spread⁚ This bet involves a handicap (points added or subtracted) to even out the competition. You bet on whether a team will win by more than the spread (if they’re favored) or lose by less than the spread (if they’re the underdog).
- Over/Under (Totals)⁚ You wager on whether the combined score of both teams in a game will be over or under a predetermined number set by the sportsbook.
- Proposition Bets (Props)⁚ These are bets on specific events within a game, such as which player will score the first touchdown or how many strikeouts a pitcher will have.
- Futures⁚ Bets placed on events that will be determined in the future, such as who will win the Super Bowl or the NBA Championship.
- Parlays⁚ Combining multiple bets into one, with the potential for higher payouts but also increased risk. All your selections must win for a parlay to pay out.
- In-Game Betting (Live Betting)⁚ Wagers placed during a game based on the current action. Odds fluctuate depending on what’s happening in the game.
Note⁚ While Arizona offers a comprehensive range of bets, prop bets are not allowed on college sports, and no wagering is permitted on high school sporting events.
Mobile Sports Betting in Arizona
Mobile sports betting is a prominent feature of Arizona’s legal sports betting landscape. The state allows up to 20 mobile sportsbook licenses٫ divided equally between Native American tribes and professional sports franchises. This means residents and visitors within Arizona’s borders have a wide range of apps to choose from٫ offering convenient access to wagering on their favorite sports and teams.
To ensure compliance, these mobile apps utilize sophisticated geolocation technology. This technology verifies that users are physically located within Arizona when placing bets, preventing wagers from being placed illegally outside state lines.
The combination of widespread mobile access and a competitive market with numerous licensed operators has contributed to the popularity and growth of mobile sports betting in Arizona.
In-Person Sportsbooks in Arizona
Alongside the thriving mobile betting scene, Arizona offers a variety of in-person sportsbooks, providing a more traditional wagering experience. These physical sportsbooks are located in partnership with professional sports venues and tribal casinos across the state.
Venues like the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, and Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have embraced sports betting by incorporating dedicated sportsbook spaces into their facilities. These spaces offer a lively atmosphere where fans can watch games and place bets on a wide array of sporting events.
Tribal casinos also play a significant role in Arizona’s in-person sports betting industry. Several tribal casinos have partnered with major sportsbook operators to create dedicated sportsbook areas within their existing gaming facilities. These partnerships offer patrons a comprehensive gaming experience, combining traditional casino games with the excitement of live sports betting.
How Sportsbooks Make Money and the Potential Impact on Arizona
Sportsbooks generate revenue through a built-in advantage known as the “vig” or “juice.” Essentially, they make money by taking a percentage of every bet placed. While the exact percentage varies, it ensures that the sportsbook, in the long run, will always profit regardless of individual game outcomes.
For Arizona, the legalization of sports betting has opened up a new revenue stream for the state. A portion of the revenue generated by sportsbooks goes towards taxes, which can be used to fund various state programs and initiatives. This potential influx of funds could benefit areas such as education, infrastructure, and social services.
Furthermore, the sports betting industry itself brings economic benefits. It creates jobs, from those directly employed by sportsbooks to those in related fields like marketing, technology, and hospitality. This economic boost can contribute to the state’s overall growth and development.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential downsides as well. The increased accessibility of sports betting could lead to a rise in gambling addiction and related issues. It’s crucial for Arizona to implement responsible gaming measures, provide resources for those struggling with addiction, and promote responsible gambling habits to mitigate these risks.