Arizona Online Casinos

Arizona online casinos aren’t yet legal in the Grand Canyon State. But with over 20 land-based casinos and legalized sports betting, it’s never been a better time to gamble in Arizona.

Arizona Online Gambling Laws

The move to regulated gambling online in Arizona has been a long and tortuous process. While other states have moved full steam ahead with online casinos and sportsbooks, the Grand Canyon State has been left behind.

Luckily, things are starting to change. As of 2021, sports betting is legal in Arizona. You can now legally place sports bets at AZ gambling sites or use your mobile phone once they go live. Plus, you’ll soon be able to visit one of Arizona’s tribal casinos and place wagers at retail sportsbooks. Arizona online casinos are still some ways away.

Arizona Online Casino Laws

As in many US states, Arizona online gambling sites are – for now – focusing on regulated sports betting. You’ll be able to bet on US sports and overseas games through your computer or mobile phone.

But what about online casino gambling? Unfortunately, gambling online will be restricted to sports wagering. There is no room in the new legislation for slot machines or table games. However, you can still play top-name slots and games at sweepstakes casinos that use a special model.

• Online gambling restricted to sports betting
• No plans to legalize online slots and games for real money
• Real-money slots and table games still legal at tribal casinos
• Online sweepstakes casino games legal in Arizona

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 purchase “sweeps coins” to play games like video slots and table games like blackjack and roulette. You can rack up as many virtual coins as you want. Then, you can purchase gold coins and redeem them for real cash. Sites like Chumba Casino and Lucky Land Slots Casino are perfectly legal and available in Arizona. Online casinos are free to join, but you must be 21 or over.

Deposit methods at Arizona gambling sites will vary, but generally speaking you can expect to find the following options (as well as others): e-wallets such as PayPal and Neteller; Play+ (often branded by the operator); online banking; credit and debits cards; PayNearMe (at 7-Eleven, Family Dollar Store and CVS); and cash at an affiliated brick-and-mortar casino cash.

Most operators will want you to withdraw using a method you had used for a deposit (if applicable). Withdrawal options tend to be more limited as you typically can’t withdraw back on to a credit card. Options often include PayPal, Play+, online banking, mailed paper checks and cash at an affiliated casino/sportsbook cage.

Withdrawal times vary by operator and method, and typically there is a 24-to-72-hour processing time before funds are released. Once the processing time is complete, though, e-wallets and Play+ tend to be the fastest in delivering your cashouts.

What Online Casinos in Arizona Are Likely?

Online gambling is now mostly legal in Arizona. And while the first online sports betting providers will be preparing their servers and games, firms will also be getting ready for regulated AZ casino apps just in case Arizona expands further.

Some of the biggest online gambling sites with a US presence will be looking forward to opening in Arizona. Big-name providers such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and Golden Nugget Casino may be first in line by partnering with an AZ tribe. They would offer traditional table games and slots to Arizona online sites. And with Daily Fantasy Sports also legalized, expect big players like DraftKings and FanDuel to offer multiple services to gamblers in the Grand Canyon State.

Would AZ Online Casinos Offer Promos?

So, what bonuses and promotions should you expect to find at an Arizona online casino? Certainly, the best Arizona online casinos out of the block will offer welcome bonuses to attract new players. You’ll get access to a deposit match offer plus free spins on some of the big new real money slots hitting the Arizona market. Online casinos in Arizona will also spread a generous supply of ongoing casino bonuses and promotions such as reload bonuses, no deposit bonuses, slots tournaments and even rewards programs.

With a reward program or VIP plan, you’ll earn points every time you play at the best Arizona online casinos. The more you play, the more you earn. And if you maintain your monthly points tally, you can rise the tiers, earning more benefits as you go. Perks may include bespoke reload bonuses, free spins or a birthday bonus. You may even be able to redeem player points at a participating tribal casino in the state.

Land-Based Casinos in Arizona

Brick-and-mortar casinos in Arizona have been around for the best part of 25 years. There are around 26 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.

At a glance:

• 26 land-based casinos including 24 Class III casinos
• All casinos owned and operated by 16 Arizona tribes
• Casinos offer a mix of Class II and Class III gambling
• Under new AZ laws, casinos in Arizona can expand slots and table games

Our Top Arizona Casinos for 2021

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 in 2021.

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.

The Future of the Top Arizona Online Casinos

With Arizona gambling laws starting to open up, it may be just a matter of time before online casinos are available. Several of Arizona’s tribes will take advantage of any new legislation governing internet gambling sites. Certainly, several AZ tribes are well-positioned to launch online casino gambling sites when they are allowed.

What Legal Gambling Options in AZ Are Available Now?

Despite only legalizing online sports betting in 2021, Arizona actually has a long history of regulated gambling. Horse racing has been running since the 1950s, off-track betting is permitted to those over 21 and tribal casinos have been offering legal table games and slots since the 1990s. In addition, you can buy lottery tickets for state and multistate draws. The Arizona State Lottery authorizes retailers to sell tickets and you must be 21 or over to play. There are currently no Arizona casino apps available for real money.

Legit Arizona Online Casinos vs. Offshore Gambling Sites

For now, legal online gambling in Arizona is restricted to sports betting sites, social casinos or 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

The Future of Online Casino Gambling in the Grand Canyon State

Gambling laws have come a long way in Arizona. Once upon a time, you couldn’t have even played poker, bet on sports or spun your favorite slots in Arizona.

Luckily, things are starting to change. You can still visit huge brick-and-mortar casinos and play roulette and slots, and the best casinos are likely to expand in the coming years. We're certainly hoping for sites like Ceasars Casino or 888 Casino online. Arizona has also approved sports betting, with the first gambling sportsbooks likely to launch this fall. Be sure to keep an eye out for sports betting sites like DraftKings and TwinSpires.

When it comes to the first online casino, Arizona gamblers will just have to wait a little longer. We’ll be there every step of the way as soon as the first gaming sites and online casinos come online.

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FAQ

Contributors

Hi, I'm Ron Fritz

"Three decades covering online gaming, news and sports. My expertise is government and legislation, breaking down the latest online gambling industry developments to keep you in the know."

Interests

• Gambling legislation
• Online casinos
• Gambling industry

Reviewer since July 2019