Arizona Online Casinos 2024 – Best Gambling Sites in AZ

Real money casino gaming is currently prohibited in Arizona. However, you can still enjoy online casino games, as well as other forms of gambling, such as sports betting and Daily Fantasy sports. Here's a guide to online gambling in Arizona.

Can I Gamble Online in Arizona?

Yes, you can gamble online in Arizona. At the time of writing, online sports betting and daily fantasy sports contests were legal under the betting bill HB 2772. That law was passed in April 2021 and made both in-person and online sports betting legal. That same law also made daily fantasy sports (DFS) competitions legal in the Grand Canyon State.

Online casino gambling wasn't legal in Arizona at the end of 2023. The same goes for live and online poker. Despite casinos and poker being prohibited under Arizona gambling laws, there are options for fans of slots and table games. How? Social online casino laws. Basically, it's possible to play online casino games via a free-play platform, such as BetRivers.net.

These platforms are classed as legal Arizona online casinos because they don't allow you to play for cash prizes. Instead, you use virtual currency (known as Gold Coins) to play online casino games. The other interesting feature of social online casinos in Arizona is that you can win prizes. Thanks to US sweepstakes laws, it's possible to redeem Sweep Coins for prizes, including cash payments. So, while AZ online gambling laws prohibit real-money casino gaming, it's still possible to win prizes through free-play slots and table games.

What is The Legal Gambling Age in Arizona?

The legal age to gamble in Arizona is 21. This law applies to all legal gambling options within the state, including bingo games, lottery draws, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and tribal casino gaming. Having a minimum legal age of 21 for all gambling options is almost unique because other states, such as California and Florida, allow people to buy lottery tickets at 18.

Are There Taxes on Gambling Winnings in AZ?

Yes, gambling winnings are taxable in Arizona. Anyone who wins money betting on horse racing and sports, or from bingo, lottery draws, DFS competitions, and casino gaming, is liable for state and federal tax. You can deduct losses, but only up to the amount you've gambled i.e. if you've gambled $1,000, the maximum loss you can report is $1,000.

Federal tax on gambling winnings in Arizona is 24%. State tax rates range from 2.59% to 4.50%, depending on your annual income:

• $0 - $26,500 = 2.59% state tax
• $26,501 - $53,000 = 3.34% state tax
• $53,001 - $159,000 = 4.17% state tax
• $159,001+ = 4.50% state tax
   

Online gambling operators, tribal casinos, sportsbooks, and the state lottery will withhold a certain percentage of your winnings (based on your tax status) when your payout exceeds a certain amount. When this happens, you'll receive a W-2 G form that you need to include with your annual tax return.

Who Regulates Gambling in Arizona?

Most gambling in Arizona comes under the control of the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). However, Class II gaming (bingo, pull tabs, etc.) is usually regulated by the tribal casino itself. Class III gaming (slot machines, roulette, etc) is regulated by the casino’s Tribal Gaming Authority, as well as the ADG. If online casinos launch in Arizona, they will likely be regulated by the ADG. It will have the power to issue licenses and ensure the proper audits and checks are performed.

Arizona Sweepstakes Casinos

While Arizona online casinos are still illegal, there are still ways to win money playing slots and other games. Sweepstakes online casinos have ballooned in popularity in US states where traditional internet gambling has been restricted. With sweepstakes casinos, you can play with and win “Sweeps Coins” that can be redeemed for prizes, including cash payments.

BetRivers.net Social Casino

Of all the legal online casinos in Arizona, BetRivers.net casino is one of the best. There are many reasons why we think this. Firstly, BetRivers.net is the free-play version of a popular real-money gambling site. That means you get to play 450+ real-money casino games without wagering a cent. Being the sister site of BetRivers means this platform has features and promotions, such as slots tournaments, that also mirror what you'll find in the real-money gambling scene. These things mean you get an authentic gaming experience without the financial risk.

However, perhaps more interesting than this is the fact that BetRivers.net has the ability to become a real-money Arizona online casino if the current laws change. Not many social casinos could do this and almost none could do it as easily as BetRivers.net. Therefore, if online casinos ever join legalized sports betting in Arizona, BetRivers has the potential to become a major player. For all of these reasons, BetRivers.net is one of the best Arizona online casinos.

Top Features:

• Social casino games and sports betting
• Slick software developed by Rush Street Interactive
• Daily rewards and tournaments
   

Promotions: Spin the prize wheel each day and you can win up to 1,000 virtual dollars

What Casino Games Are Available in Arizona?

Social casinos and, once they're legalized, Arizona casino apps, have hundreds of games. From traditional slots to modern innovations, the casino games AZ players have access to is extremely varied. Some of the games to look out for at legal Arizona casino sites are...

Slots

Slots are the foundation of all online casinos. The best online casino AZ players will usually have more than 300 online slots, including three and five-reel games. You'll also have the ability to play progressive jackpot games. Of course, until real-money casino gambling is legalized, the credits you win won't have any value outside of the site you're using. Despite that, you still get to spin reels, match symbols, and hit winning combinations.

Blackjack

Online blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, regardless of whether you're playing for cash prizes, social gaming credits, or Sweepstakes Coins. Tribal and social casinos in Arizona all offer Vegas and Atlantic City rules games. You'll also have the chance to play modern variants, such as Lightning Blackjack, which offer side bets, bonus payouts, and progressive jackpots.

Roulette

Online gambling companies love to mix things up when it comes to online roulette. European, French, and American rules roulette games come as standard at all casinos. However, if you're in the market for something different, you can play modern variants with enhanced payouts, such as Lightning Roulette, or those with multiple wheels, balls, and other features.

Poker Games

Casino poker is you versus the dealer in a race to make the best hand. Hands contain either three, four, or five cards, and the aim is to make one that ranks higher on the poker chart than the dealer's. Popular casino poker variants you'll find online are Three Card, Let It Ride, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em.

Video Poker

Video poker is similar to casino poker, except you're not playing against a dealer. Instead, you place a bet and receive five cards. You then have the ability to hold or exchange as many cards as you want. A second deal takes place and, if you've got a ranked hand, you win. The definition of a ranked video poker hand depends on the variant you're playing. Some popular video poker games you'll find online are Jacks or Better and Deuces Wilds.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer tables offer a hybrid gaming experience. It's a hybrid experience because you're playing online but watching human dealers control games in remote studios. Social casinos don't typically offer live dealer games, but there are exceptions to this rule, most notably BetRivers.net. When new online AZ casinos go live with legal real-money gambling licenses, live games will be more readily available. As well as live versions of casino classics, including blackjack and roulette, you'll be able to play game shows.

Bonuses at AZ Online Casino Sites

Social and sweepstakes casinos do have bonus offers. The rewards don't have any real-world value, unless you get Sweeps Coins. In this case, Sweeps Coins can be exchanged for prizes. However, in general, if you want casino bonuses that can transform into cash payments, you'll need to wait for real-money online casinos to be legalized in the Grand Canyon State.

Real Money Online Casino Arizona Deposits & Withdrawals

You can't make real-money deposits or withdrawals at social online casinos. What you can do, however, is buy Gold Coins. You don't have to, but there is an option to boost your virtual bankroll by making a purchase. You can make real-money deposits at retail sportsbooks, online sports betting sites, and tribal casinos. Some of the most popular and secure payment options are:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Bank transfer
• PayPal
• In-person payments (at racetracks such as Turf Paradise and tribal venue)

Land Based Casinos in Arizona

Brick-and-mortar casinos in Arizona have been around for the best part of 25 years. There are 25 land-based casinos and slot parlors in Arizona, all operated by Native American tribes. Currently, 16 of Arizona’s tribes share ownership of the brick-and-mortar casinos in the state. The remaining AZ tribes have the power to run their own casinos but have yet to launch.

Under the expanded gaming laws passed in 2021, an additional 11 new land-based casinos may get the go-ahead. The first four are set to be built in and around Phoenix. The Gila River Indians and the Tohono O’Odham tribe are in line to build the first two properties.

List of the Best Land-Based Casinos in Arizona

Arizona now boasts over 25 superb brick-and-mortar casinos offering slot machines, bingo, table games and much more. Here are some of the top casinos to visit.

Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino

Harrah’s Ak-Chin is run by the Ak-Chin Indian Community but enjoys a partnership with the Caesars Entertainment giant. There are over 1,100 slot machines, including $25 "high limit" games, as well as video poker, keno and table games spread across the 40,000-square-foot floor.

Desert Diamond Casino  – Tucson

The Tohono O’Odham Nation operates three Desert Diamond casinos in Arizona. The Tucson casino is one of the best and spreads plenty of monthly jackpots and some of the best progressive action in the state.

Twin Arrows Casino

Run by the Navajo Nation, the Twin Arrows Casino offers table games, bingo and slots across its 24/7 gaming floor. The casino also runs a Players Club with benefits like free play.

Casino del Sol Resort

The Casino del Sol is one of Arizona’s biggest and best land-based casinos. Its 200,000 square-foot gaming floor is crammed with over 1,300 slots, bingo and poker rooms and a VIP lounge.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

The Wild Horse is one of three casinos in Arizona run by the Gila River Indian Community. Like the Lone Butte Casino and Vee Quiva Hotel-Casino, the Wild Horse Pass offers high-limit slots, poker and electronic table games like craps and roulette.

Desert Diamond Casino West Valley

The Glendale Desert Diamond property now sits near the top of the list of the biggest casinos for gambling in Arizona. The gaming space measures a massive 75,000 square feet, and there is even a poker room and bingo hall alongside bars, stores and a hotel.

Vee Quiva Casino

Another gem in the Gila River Hotels & Casinos chain, the Vee Quiva offers over 1,000 slot machines including penny slots and the latest progressives. You can also try your hand at electronic table games or hit the high-stakes room.

Talking Stick Casino Resort

Talking Stick Casino Resort is not only home to slots, over 50 table games, and a bustling sportsbook, it has the largest poker room in Arizona. In fact, so large is the poker room that it not only offers Hold'em tournaments and cash games, but tables for Stud, Draw, and Omaha. As well as gaming, Talking Stick Resort also has a spa, fitness center, pools, including a party pool called Wave.

What Other Forms of Gambling Are Legal in Arizona?

Before we wrap up this guide to gambling in Arizona, let's quickly recap what's legal and what's not. As we've said, real-money online casinos and poker rooms aren't legal. However, you can play games online by using social casinos. In addition to social gaming sites, these gambling options are available in the Grand Canyon State:

Sports Betting

Arizona's sports betting laws came into effect back in April 2021. HB 2772 made it legal for tribal venues and racetracks to offer sports betting. It also legalized daily fantasy sports competitions and online sports betting.

Horse Betting

All forms of parimutuel wagering are allowed on horse, harness or dog races in Arizona. Racing fans can place bets at local tracks, such as Turf Paradise, or with licensed advance deposit wagering (ADW) vendors. Bettors can also use off-track betting (OTB) terminals or online sportsbooks. The Arizona Department of Racing is in charge of regulating the sport within the state.

Arizona Lottery

The Arizona State Lottery offers a variety of local and national draws, including Powerball and Mega Millions. As well as lottery draws, this organization provides scratchers aka scratchcards. Unlike other states where the minimum age to take part in lottery games is 18, players must be 21 or over in Arizona.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports competitions were legalized in Arizona at the same time retail sports betting. There are currently seven DFS sites in Arizona, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo Fantasy Sports.

Charitable Gaming

Charities registered in Arizona can host fundraisers that involve various forms of gambling, including bingo and raffle draws. To run a gambling event, the charity must be tax exempt, have been operational for at least five years, and only offer tickets to residents via its own website (if sold online).

Legit Arizona Online Casinos vs. Offshore Gambling Sites

For now, legal online gambling in Arizona is restricted to sportsbooks, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos. But while you wait for the first Arizona online casinos to arrive, there is always the temptation to try unregulated, offshore casino sites. We would never recommend you play for real money at offshore gambling sites: You can never trust that your funds are safe or that the gameplay is truly legitimate.

You can already play some excellent slots at social AZ online casinos. Sites like PlayGila – operated by the Gila River Indian Community – let you play dozens of free-to-play slots, table games and video poker. You can receive free coins for gambling online, then purchase more coins using your debit or credit card. Coins can’t be redeemed or exchanged. In addition, you can earn player points and trigger certain perks and benefits.

Why you should avoid offshore gambling:

• Online casinos are poorly regulated and unlicensed in the US
• Payouts and RNGs are hard to verify and check
• Player funds may not be segregated
• Welcome bonuses and other promotions may not be honored

Responsible Gambling in Arizona

You should always be safe and secure when gambling online. The Arizona Department of Gaming already runs several support lines for problem gamblers in the state. There is a 24-hour helpline you can call (1-800-NEXT-STEP) as well as a text service (NEXT-STEP-53342). You can also complete a self-exclusion form to request a ban from all tribal casinos in the state.

When Arizona casinos launch online, you’ll have the same access to the ADG’s services and crisis numbers. Luckily, there are already many crisis lines already in operation for problem gambling in Arizona:

• Maricopa County: 602-222-9444
• Southern Arizona: 866-495-6735
• Tohono O’Odham Nation: 844-423-8759
• Gila County: 877-756-4090

What the Future Holds For the Arizona Casino Online Industry

The road to legal sports betting in Arizona was far from smooth. The complex relationship between state and tribal officials meant the process took longer than many expected. In fact, there were times when it looked as though plans to legalize sports betting would fall flat. However, after years of debate, a law passed in 2021. Sports betting has been largely successful, but that doesn't mean you should expect to see real-money online casino sites any time soon. Tribal Arizona casinos are unlikely to give their blessing without getting a mutually beneficial deal. Therefore, at least for the time being, casino fans will have to use social gaming sites and tribal venues.