Compared to many other states, Arizona has rather friendly gambling laws. After seeing the industry’s impact on the state’s economy, the rules around casino gambling have relaxed over the last decade. In 2021, in-person and online sports betting were legalized, thanks to bill HB 2772, representing an essential step towards online gaming.
Most would assume that sharing borders with Nevada would push the state to legalize more forms of gambling, especially online casinos. However, as with all the states on the western side of America, Nevada also does not provide any legal online casinos.
In 2024, little interest applies to legalizing online casinos in Arizona, even after the success of online sports betting. Does that mean you can’t legally play casino games? No, our guide will provide all the details you need to enjoy the most popular casino games legally.
Are Online Casinos in Arizona Legal?
Although Arizona has a long tradition of tremendous land-based casinos, it has yet to legalize online gaming. There have been discussions of legalizing online casinos in Arizona, but there are no concrete plans in place at this time.
If you plan to visit one of the seven states with legal online casinos from Arizona, you can register an account and claim the welcome bonus before your arrival. As a visitor, you’re legally allowed to play online as long as you’re within state borders at the time, which also applies to airport layovers.
What is Legal at Arizona Casinos?
While in-person and online sports betting were legalized in 2021, Arizona also has a rich selection of over 20 land-based casinos spread across the state. Land-based venues are permitted to offer slots, video poker, and other table games.
When will Arizona Legalize Online Casinos?
Unlike states in the eastern part of America – where multiple states have legalized online casinos – Arizona is under no pressure to make drastic changes and allow online gaming. None of its neighboring states provide legal access to sites, meaning Arizona residents are unlikely to visit other states to play online.
Predictions state that Nevada would be among the first to legalize online casinos in the west, which could force Arizona online casinos along with other neighboring states to become a relaility.
Brief Gambling History in Arizona
Arizona is a state that has a lot of history behind it. In terms of the history of gambling in AZ, we have to go back to the year 1988. Since the 1980s, there are over 20 tribes that call Arizona home. These tribes are a big reason why residents in AZ are able to walk into a casino and gamble today.
In 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was passed in the United States. For a state like AZ where many tribes lived, this was big news. Now, the tribes had more freedom when it came to operating casinos on their land. While this was great news for the tribes, the AZ government was not exactly as excited about it.
For the next five years, the government and tribes did not get along. The tribes decided to introduce slot machines to the state, outraged the government. Finally, in 1993, gaming compacts were announced and signed by the government of AZ and 16 tribes.
The compacts came with rules that allowed tribes to operate slots and games in the casinos located on their land. After ten years, they were updated, and another five tribes joined.
Best Sweepstake Online Casinos in Arizona
While online casinos in Arizona are illegal, sweepstakes and social casinos are 100% legal, as no real money is used to play games. Instead, players earn “Sweeps,” a free currency rewarded for playing games and other activities that depend on the site.
You can redeem your sweeps for real cash prizes directly into your bank account with Sweepstakes online casinos in Arizona, which is perfectly legal and within the law. There are multiple top-rated sites to choose from, offering the latest online casino games and even live dealer tables.
There’s no need for purchases at sweepstakes or social online casinos in Arizona, but the options are available for those wanting to boost their account balances.
| Rank | Sweepstake Casino in AZ | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sweeptastic | 27,777 Lucky Coins + 30 Sweeps |
| 2. | Wow Vegas | 5,000 Wow Coins |
| 3. | High 5 Casino | 250 Game Coins + 5 Sweeps + 600 Diamonds |
| 4. | BetRivers.net | 10 to 1,000 VC$ |
| 5. | Gambino Slots | 100,000 Game Coins + 200 Free Spins |
In which States are Online Casinos Legal?
As mentioned earlier in our online casinos in Arizona guide, seven states have legalized online casinos in the eastern part of the country. While these states are far from Arizona, you’re legally allowed to create an account and claim the welcome bonus before you arrive as a visitor.
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Delaware
- West Virginia
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island (March 2024)
Closest State with Online Casinos from Arizona
To access legal online casinos from Arizona, the closest states include West Virginia and Michigan. These states are incredibly far away and would require a trip across the entire country, stretching nearly 2,000 miles.
A flight to any legal online casino state would be a much better option than the 30+ hour drive, but you might be adventurous and keen on a road trip across the US. However, if you’re planning such a long trip, we’d highly recommend Pennsylvania or New Jersey, as a broader range of online casinos are available.
Land-based Casinos in Arizona
Over 20 land-based casinos are available in Arizona, owned and operated by 16 tribes. Since casinos were legalized on reservations in the 1990s, all gambling within the state of Arizona is limited to tribal casinos, horse racing as well as the official state lottery. The Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts govern all activities held between the state and 21 separate Native American tribes.
With over 20 million acres of land, tribal land takes up more than a quarter of all land in Arizona authorized by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. All proceeds made from gaming are required to be used for charity or to the benefit of the tribal governments.
Bingo and other gambling games are allowed so long as they follow rules:
- Must get the O-K from the Arizona Gaming Commission
- All money made from the game/event must be donated to a non-profit group.
- The event must be operated by a non-profit group recognized by the state.
You must be at least 21 years old, or older, to gamble in AZ.
Online Casinos in Arizona are Not on the Horizon Yet
As mentioned in our guide to online casinos in Arizona, it could still be a while before lawmakers are in a position where they need to make drastic changes to the current law. Combined with this is the tribes operating land-based casinos as online brands require partnerships to legally provide their services.
In the meantime, Sweeptake online casinos in Arizona are the perfect answer, offering legal online casino games while still allowing you to claim real money rewards.