Arizona Sports Betting Nears Five Years: Billions Wagered as Gambling Continues to Grow

Nearly five years after legal sports betting launched in Arizona, it's clear that the industry isn't slowing down. With betting apps making it easier than ever to place a wager, millions of people continue to participate, bringing in billions of dollars for sportsbooks, casinos, and the state.

By the Numbers

• More than $34 billion has been wagered since the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) started tracking sports betting revenue in September 2021.
• Sportsbooks handled around $9 billion in bets during 2025 alone, making it another record-breaking year.
• Players have also spent over $486 million on fantasy sports entry fees since September 2021.
• Arizona has collected more than $185 million in fees from sports betting, separate from Arizona Lottery revenue, which has topped $1 billion every fiscal year since 2019.

The rapid growth has also been good news for tribal casinos. While casinos don't publicly report their total profits, their contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund have steadily increased. The fund, managed by the ADG, supports important public programs, including wildlife conservation and problem gambling services.

Funding through the Arizona Benefits Fund climbed from about $97 million in fiscal year 2021 to approximately $163 million in fiscal year 2026, showing the continued strength of tribal gaming.

According to ADG spokesperson Suzanne Trainor, legalized sports betting has created more opportunities rather than hurting casinos.

She noted that no casino has shut down since sports betting became legal. Instead, new casinos have opened, with another expected to welcome guests in November.

More Betting Also Brings More Risks

The industry's success comes with growing concerns about gambling addiction.

A 2026 study found that 84% of Arizona residents took part in some form of gambling during the previous year. That percentage remained steady compared with 2023, but people are gambling more often.

Some of the key findings include:

• Weekly gambling participation increased from 25% to 30%.
• Around 20% of adults showed signs of moderate-risk gambling.
• 4% met the medical definition of a gambling disorder.

To help address these concerns, the Arizona Department of Gaming has expanded responsible gambling programs.

One of its biggest efforts is Take Back the Game, a campaign that encourages people experiencing gambling problems to voluntarily block themselves from casinos and sports betting apps. Participants can choose self-exclusion periods of one year, five years, or ten years.

The department also continues to promote resources like 1-800-NEXT-STEP and other services offered through its Division of Problem Gambling.

Officials believe education and access to support can help reduce gambling-related harm while allowing the legal betting market to continue operating responsibly.

With betting activity continuing to climb and new casinos opening, Arizona's gambling industry remains one of the state's fastest-growing entertainment sectors. At the same time, regulators are working to ensure responsible gambling programs keep pace as more people choose to place their bets.