News Summary
Since the legalization of sports betting on April 15, 2021, Arizona has experienced a profound impact on its economy, with over $26 billion in wagers placed and $140 million contributed to state revenue. Sportsbooks in the state reported a total handle of $7.96 billion in 2024, reflecting annual increases between 15% to 20%. As 13 licensed online sportsbooks continue to thrive, the industry not only boosts public service funding but also marks a cultural shift towards acceptance among citizens.
Arizona has seen significant developments in its sports betting landscape since legalization on April 15, 2021. Gamblers in the state have placed over $26 billion in wagers, leading to $140 million in contributions to state fund revenues from the surging sports betting industry. As the state experiences annual wager increases between 15% to 20%, Arizona ranks seventh in the nation for total sports betting revenue.
Sports betting has become a vital component of Arizona’s economy, with the total handle, or amount wagered, surpassing $6 billion in each of the last three years. In 2024 alone, sportsbooks in Arizona reported a total handle of $7.96 billion, setting the stage for record-breaking performances. November 2024 showcased this growth with Arizona achieving a remarkable record monthly handle of $897.6 million.
As of October 2025, there are 13 licensed online sportsbooks operating in Arizona. These sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting on various sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. Noteworthy sportsbooks available include FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, Fanatics, and bet365, with FanDuel being the first to launch in September 2021. It currently holds the highest market share.
The benefits of sports betting extend beyond entertainment; the majority of tax revenue generated from this sector supports essential public services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and resources for problem gambling. In 2024, Arizona sportsbooks generated $707.7 million in gross revenue, resulting in $42.74 million in taxes allocated to these initiatives.
While online sports betting constitutes over 99% of total wagers in Arizona, the retail market has faced challenges. Specifically, the FanDuel Sportsbook located inside PHX Arena will cease operations on July 24 due to financial underperformance—reporting more payouts than wagers over several months.
A significant cultural shift toward acceptance of sports betting is also occurring, particularly among younger Americans and men. This evolving opinion reflects broader national trends as states increasingly recognize the economic benefits and additional revenue from legalized sports betting.
Overall, Arizona’s sports betting sector is poised for sustained growth and remains a key player in the national landscape. With the existing regulatory framework enforced by the Arizona Department of Gaming, the industry looks set to thrive, paving the way for ongoing contributions to public services and the economy. The minimum age for participating in sports betting in Arizona is 21, ensuring responsible gambling practices within the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC15 News
- Wikipedia: Sports betting
- CBS Sports
- Google Search: Arizona sports betting
- AZCentral
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports betting
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
