Arizona’s legal sports betting market is approaching its fifth anniversary with billions of dollars wagered, growing state revenue and continued investment in responsible gambling programs as betting activity remains strong.
Since legal wagering launched in September 2021, bettors have placed more than $35 billion on sporting events, according to figures released by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). The market has also produced more than $190 million in wagering privilege fees, while fantasy sports contests have generated nearly $59 million in additional fees for the state.
Although Arizona’s sports betting industry has continued to expand over the long term, monthly wagering slowed in May 2026. Bettors wagered approximately $676.6 million during the month, a 4.3% decline from May 2025. The state collected $4.8 million in event wagering privilege fees during May.
Market Growth Continues
The ADG said 2025 set another annual record for sports betting activity.
Fantasy sports have also contributed to the industry’s growth. Since September 2021, participants have paid more than $486 million in entry fees for fantasy contests.
The financial impact extends beyond sportsbooks. Revenue flowing into the Arizona Benefits Fund from tribal gaming has increased steadily over the past five years. Managed by the ADG, the fund supports public services, including the Division of Problem Gambling and the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund.
Annual contributions rose from roughly $97 million in fiscal year 2021 to approximately $163 million in fiscal year 2026.
Trainor said tribal casinos have also continued expanding after sports betting became legal.
“No casino has closed since the beginning of sports betting, quite the opposite,” she said. “We’ve seen new casinos open, and one is scheduled to open in November.”
Responsible Gambling Remains a Priority
As wagering has become more accessible through mobile sportsbooks, state officials have continued expanding responsible gambling initiatives.
A 2026 study found that 84% of surveyed Arizonans participated in some form of gambling during the previous year. While that figure remained unchanged from a 2023 study, weekly gambling participation increased from 25% to 30%. The study also found that about one in five residents qualified as at least moderate-risk gamblers, while 4% met the medical criteria for disordered gambling.
The ADG has responded with programs designed to encourage early intervention. Its Take Back the Game campaign promotes the state’s voluntary self-exclusion program, allowing people to prohibit themselves from casinos and sports betting platforms for one, five or 10 years.
“We want Arizonans to know that if you’re having a problem with sports betting or event wagering or casino gaming, you can take that step to self-ban,” Trainor said. “You can choose a one-year ban, a five-year ban or a 10-year ban.”
The department also continues promoting its 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline, which provides confidential access to treatment and financial counseling for people affected by gambling problems.
“That’s why campaigns like Take Back the Game and highlighting other resources and services from our Division of Problem Gambling is really important,” Trainor said.
With wagering totals remaining high and public funding continuing to grow, Arizona regulators expect responsible gambling efforts to remain an important part of the state’s expanding betting market.
Source:
“5 years after sports betting legalization, what does it look like in AZ?”, azcentral.com, July 22, 2026
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