The trouble for many Arizona residents who are interested in casino games is that not many bother to participate in these casinos. We’ve determined that it’s not because they have no interest in it, but rather because they have a poor understanding of the laws that govern them, and feel that even attempting it could land them in jail. This page is here to put an end to the confusion by clearly explaining how the both federal and state laws affect online gambling and to push Arizona residents in the right direction when it comes to finding a legal online casino for Arizona residents.

• Casino Arizona Online Slots
• Casino Arizona Online Games

Social casinos are allowed in Arizona. Double Down Casino, Zynga Poker, Zynga Slots, Slotomania, and Big Fish Games are available for free play on Facebook or in a mobile app on your Android or iOS device. The MyVegas app from MGM Resorts also is available.

The first question every Arizona resident wants to know before they begin to use an online casino that accepts Arizona players is whether or not the can face any legal prosecution for doing so. Luckily, and contrary to popular belief, the answer is no.

While the act of operating casino games for profit is criminalized in accordance with both federal and state law, no lawmaking body has ever passed legislation that prohibits the participation in these games. This means that players may play in Arizona online casinos with no concern over accruing any legal fines or jail time.

Still, what good would legal participation in gambling do if there were no legal enterprises in which to gamble? That’s where the location of these Arizona gambling sites comes in. Since they are located offshore in foreign territories, they are far away from both state and federal jurisdiction, meaning that these are legal businesses with whom it is legal to gamble with.

Read More: Is It Legal To Gamble Online In Arizona?

All of the websites we review on this page offer the highest level of customer service available for US players. While some players are nervous at the prospect of gambling with an offshore entity, there is no cause for alarm. Since these are all legal establishments, the laws of their native countries as well at the reputable international gaming commissions that license them hold them accountable. This not only guarantees secure, efficient and speedy financial transactions, but also guaranteed fair play for all users

It’s confession time: club world has confused us in the past. We’re not sure what it is, but something about the authenticity of their games combined with the big winnings we’ve racked up over times has led us to believe time and again the we’re actually inside a casino. After that, we’ve been guilty of ordering drinks from our house pets, and threatening not to tip if we didn’t get them soon. Once we snapped out of it, we realized one thing: Club World Casino is the real deal.

This Arizona online casino can provide hours of entertainment, whenever you like. Thanks to their full array of games that are available anywhere in the world thanks to their innovative mobile app, Club World members can take their casino with them in their front pocket anywhere they go. Now, you’ll be begging your doctor to let you wait in the reception area just a little longer – at least while your still riding this hot streak! We just hope your pets will be able to forgive you.

When it comes to legal online casinos for Arizona residents, one of the very best the world has to offer is over at Lucky Red. There’s no better-looking casino out there. Whereas some legal gambling sites toss music and flash animation about, giving them a feel closer to a Saturday morning cartoon rather than a place for mature adults to enjoy some games and win some cash, Lucky Red’s sleek, mature design will have you feeling like you’re in the VIP section of the world’s nicest resort.

That’s not where the VIP treatment stops, however. When you sign up for this top-notch casino, you qualify for a different deal every day of the week. Whether it’s 70% off slots for Tuesdays or 70% off all games just for Sundays, you will never tire of the great deals Lucky Red casino throws out at you. Unlike a real life VIP lounge, this online casino can’t get you a drink, but with all the savings and winnings you’ll be piling up, there will be plenty of time to take care of that on your own.

Technically, the state constitution of Arizona does not allow for sanctioned casinos within the state. Luckily, due to the heavy tribal presence in the state, there are several federally exempt Native American casinos throughout the state. Just outside of Flagstaff Arizona is the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino. This is one of the largest facilities in the state, featuring over 2,000 slot machines and table games combined. The complex also features a couple high-end restaurants as well as a hotel and shopping mall. Think of the area as “Vegas Lite'. Legal gambling in Arizona is alive and well and the options are plentiful.

Despite some of the excellent options within the state, most residents prefer online casinos that accept Arizona residents thanks in no small part to the convenient location (anywhere) and the customizable options. Still, if you’re a close enough drive, any of these tribal casinos can make for a fun weekend away.

For both land based and online casino games, if you live in Arizona, you will need to be at least 21 to enjoy these games legally. While we have established that it’s possible to enjoy all these features free from any interference from law enforcement agencies, violating the minimum age to do so could land you in hot water. Penalties include but are not limited to steep legal fines and even jail time of the offender is over 18.

We have established that legal online casinos are legal for Arizona residents over 21, and even showed them a few of our very favorite places to go to gamble. While there are several luxurious tribal casinos located throughout the state, these serve more as fun weekend destinations rather than as a viable means of responsibly enjoying a gambling hobby on a semi-regular basis. It’s our sincere hope that every Arizona residents who decides to gamble does so as a citizen wise about their rights and options, and we hope that this page was a help in establishing that sort of culture.

An Overview Of The Gambling Laws In The State Of Arizona

Arizona has a rich history, was once part of Mexico, and is home to 22 separate tribes. The population of this State has boomed in the years post WW2, and residents enjoy a lot of gambling opportunities on Tribal lands. Outside of these lands, Arizonans options are restricted compared to many States – though social and amusement gambling are allowed. This page is a detailed guide to gambling laws in the State Of Arizona.

First up below, you will find a brief history of the gambling laws and their effects on this state in quick-fire format. Things really kicked off in 1988, when a Federal bill gave the tribes more rights to regulate casinos on their land. After this there is a game-by-game run through of what is and is not legal in Arizona – followed by a chronological timeline of the key statutes. At the end of this page you can find a quick summary and a look into the possible future scenarios for Arizona residents.

Arizona Gambling Laws – A Brief History

Arizona has some strange contradictions in its gambling laws. In this State you can drive to one of 20 tribal casinos and enjoy the full spread of casino games in luxurious surroundings – yet gambling just a few bucks on Fantasy Sports is considered illegal. Bar poker games exist, though no entry fees can be charged and participants claim that busts are seemingly at random. Residents can enjoy lottery games, charity casino and bingo games and make pari-mutuel bets on horses and dogs. Betting online is not allowed, though the only enforcement was for money-laundering reasons. It is unclear whether online gambling from reservations would be covered by the current laws at all.

Things got interesting in this State when Congress handed powers to the tribes to regulate casino gaming on their own land with the passing of the 1988 ‘Indian Gaming Regulatory Act’. This lead 5 years of tension and legal threats, as the tribes installed slots – only to have this right challenged by the Arizona governor’s office. Eventually in 1993 ‘compacts’ were signed, which lead to the development of the mega-casinos that Arizonans enjoy today. These compacts were extended to 21 of the 22 tribes in this State in 2003.

There are no current discussions about online gambling in Arizona. This is currently assumed to be illegal under the general State code – though there is no president or case history from the State’s courts specifically stating this.

Arizona Gambling Laws – What Forms Of Gambling Are Currently Legal

This section takes the different gambling formats one-by-one, giving a quick overview and a legal status for each.

Casino Games: Yes, these are legal on tribal lands, and with a lot of reservations the Indian casinos are big business in this State. You can find slots, table games and poker at 20 lavish casino resorts around the State. Charity casino games nights are also allowed, though these are strictly controlled in terms of prizes and need to be licensed in advance.

Online Casinos: No, as in many States the online component is not explicitly mentioned in the laws, the central assumption is that this is illegal under the main State code. There are no regulated in-State sites or any current plans to license them.

Live Poker: Yes, player-v-player poker can be found at Indian casinos and at many dedicated card-rooms on Indian territory. Social poker games are allowed, though these can not involve any fee or rake or even any ‘voluntary donations’. Social poker has been interpreted as covering bar-leagues which do not have an entry fee or cash prizes. These are shut down on occasion with no discernible pattern. Home games are also covered by the social poker exemption.

Online Poker: No, there are no regulated sites, though the law does not directly mention online gaming, there have been busts in the past for online gambling activity. One interesting discussion which has been raised in this State is whether online poker would be legal from tribal lands?

Sports Betting: Yes, you can bet on horse racing and greyhounds while on track or other licensed locations. The racing tracks use the pari-mutuel (pooled) model and do offer simulcast races. Fantasy sports betting, which is legal in many jurisdictions, is not legal in Arizona.

Lottery Betting: Yes, Arizona has a state lottery, this includes both draws and instant games and does participate in the inter-State draws such as Mega Millions.

Bingo Games: Yes, you can enjoy bingo via the Tribal lands and for charity purposes. Bingo is strictly regulated and charity games will need an advanced license.

Arizona Gambling Laws – Statutes And Legal Timeline

Arizona became a State in 1912, though did not enjoy a population boom until after the 2nd world war. Unlike many States, there was no gambling legislation to kick start revenues after the great depression here. The history of this States legislation really gets interesting after 1988, when the tribal lands – which make up 25% of Arizona’s territory – were first granted permission to build casinos. Since then there have been many conflicts between the tribes and the State. Today things have settled down into a status-quo in which Arizonans can enjoy some of the best tribal casinos in the country.

Here is the key definition of gambling from the statute books:

[su_quote]“4. “Gambling ” or “gamble ” means one act of risking or giving something of value for the opportunity to obtain a benefit from a game or contest of chance or skill or a future contingent event…” (From 13-3301)[/su_quote]

Note that ‘chance or skill’ is covered in this very broad definition, which includes poker games and any sporting type events too. Arizona take the ‘ban it all, then offer explicit exemptions’ route.

Here is a timeline of legal events in Arizona.

1912: Arizona becomes a State, their laws ban all forms of gambling where the house makes a profit, though carve out exceptions for social gambling (home-games with no one making a profit, even from ‘voluntary donations’), and ‘amusement gambling’ (which involves no prizes beyond more play).

1980: Legislature approves a State lottery, which remains popular to this day.

1988: The Indian Gaming Regulatory act passed by Congress had a big impact on Arizona, which has many reservations and tribal groups. This act gave tribes explicit permission to regulate casino gaming within their territory, including popular table games.

1990: Several AZ tribes installed slots on their land, which did not go down too well with then governor Fyfe Symington. A stand-off develops with the tribes claiming that regulation of other gambling formats implies permission for the slot machines. This kicked off legal challenges and counter challenges from both sides which would last for more than 10 years.

1992 to 1994: Gaming compacts signed with 16 tribes (a 17th would follow in 1998) which allowed them to offer casino gaming and slot machines. This compact set controls and governance rules, these compacts last for 10 years.

2003: Compacts renewed, and an additional 5 tribes added – bringing the total to 21.

Arizona Gambling Laws – Summary and Look To The Future

With so many tribal casinos as well as legal poker rooms in this State, the status-quo of having gambling available yet tightly regulated has been reached in Arizona. There have been recent moves to break the ‘Indian Monopoly’ on casinos, which might create jobs outside of the reservations in State casinos – however these have not made it past the discussion phase.

With Nevada already regulating online poker games, and California discussing these, it is not inconceivable that Arizona might join a compact with these States for online gambling at some point down the line.

Useful Resources:

Charitable Gaming

• http://www.azdor.gov/Business/Bingo.aspx

Casino Arizona Online Slots

Statutes

History

• http://www.gm.state.az.us/content/history

Casino Arizona Online Games

Indian Timeline