Arizona Department of Gaming
*NEWS RELEASE* Bet Responsibly and Legally on Super Bowl LVII
In less than a week, the San Francisco 49ers will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year and is one of the most popular events to wager on. The Arizona Department of Gaming asks that if you choose to wager, please do so legally and responsibly.
“The Arizona Department of Gaming wants all Arizonans to enjoy the Super Bowl,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG CEO. “However, it is crucial to remind those interested in a friendly wager to do so carefully to ensure gambling is both
fun and legal.”
Sports Pools – Know What Rules to Follow
In the United States, it is common to see friends and family participate in sports pools for the Super Bowl, often known as “Super Bowl Squares”. These pools are legal as long as the state’s social gambling rules are followed. According to Arizona Law (A.R.S. § 13-3301(7)), social gambling requires:
● That gambling cannot be conducted as business, which means that hosts cannot receive financial benefit, unless they are participating in the game;
● Hosts pay out all pool money to the winner(s);
● Only participants can win; and
● Players compete on equal terms with each other.
A few things to be on the lookout for that indicate illegal gambling:
● Paying a fee to participate, including “suggested” or “voluntary” donations.
● A host who keeps a percentage of the pool for administering the game.
● A required minimum purchase to participate (food or beverage, etc.).
● Unequal odds.
● Underage participants (under 21 years of age).
ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling seriously. To report suspected illegal gambling activity, visit our website or call 602-255-3886. You can remain anonymous.
Responsible Betting – What to Keep in Mind
With sports betting legal in the state, it has become increasingly important to educate yourself on how you can bet responsibly. Listed below are some helpful tips as part of the American Gaming Association’s Have A Game Plan. ® Bet Responsibly.
campaign:
● Set a Budget – It is crucial to keep in mind that everyone will have different budgets; never bet beyond your own means. Be cautious and make sure you set a limit – and stick to it – if you plan on wagering. More information on how to responsibly set a budget for wagering. HERE
● Know the Odds – There are plenty of key terms everyone should know when making a sports bet. What’s a parlay? Over/under? Moneyline? If you decide to wager, make sure you are briefed on the basics of sports betting.
● Keep it Social – Whenever gambling, be mindful that all forms of gambling are for the purpose of entertainment. This is not a way to make money. By gaming with friends, family, and colleagues, you can keep playing responsibly and have fun.
● Use Legal Sportsbooks – Legal operators provide important player protections that are not found in the illegal market. Whether you are placing a wager on your phone or at a physical sportsbook, make sure you are using a legal operator in the state. Visit the ADG website to view a list of the state’s approved operators and retail locations.
You can view more information on how to bet responsibly by visiting haveagameplan.org.
Are you or a loved one impacted by a problem with gambling? Take the next step and access the state’s 24-hour confidential helpline by calling 1-800-NEXTSTEP, texting NEXTSTEP to 53342, or visiting problemgambling.az.gov.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) has taken action against an overseas gaming company in Curaçao that is allegedly operating illegal online gaming sites, Bovada.com and Bovada.lv (Bovada), accessible to Arizona residents. Following an investigation into the matter, the ADG sent a cease-and-desist letter to Harp Media B.V., which operates Bovada, on November 8, 2024.
The operation of Bovada in Arizona is alleged to be a felony criminal enterprise and Bovada has been directed to desist from any future illegal gambling operations or activities of any type in Arizona. Due to the unregulated and illegal online gaming offerings on Bovada, Harp Media B.V. is claimed to be in violation of Arizona gaming laws, including:
- Promotion of Gambling (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3303.
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2312.
- Money Laundering (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2317.
Harp Media B.V. has been directed to immediately cease all online (or other) gambling operations and activities in Arizona, and take the necessary steps to immediately prevent and exclude Arizona residents from gambling on their websites.
“We are actively monitoring the evolving landscape of online gaming and taking proactive steps like this helps us protect Arizona’s communities and economy from illegal activities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “Our enforcement team is committed to preventing unauthorized operations from establishing a foothold here. Arizona will not be a safe haven for unlicensed or unlawful gaming, nor will we allow unlawful entities to compromise the integrity of gaming within our state.”
In light of these developments, the Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to exercise caution with online gaming activities. Only legal, regulated operations provide important consumer protections not found in the illegal market, helping ensure a safer experience for participants. Certain online event wagering is legal in Arizona. A list of all licensed and regulated event wagering operators legally taking bets in Arizona can be found on the Department’s website at gaming.az.gov.
Bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $732 million on sports in September of 2024, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Gaming. This represents an approximate 20% increase when compared to September of 2023.
The state collected approximately $3.96 million in privilege fees in the month. You can view the full September report on the ADG website: LINK.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced that it has allocated an event wagering operator license to Plannatech as the designee for the San Carlos Apache Tribal Gaming Enterprise, as well as allocated an event wagering operator license to Sporttrade as the designee for the Quechan Indian Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation, pursuant to A.R.S. § 5-1304 and A.A.C. R19-4-105 and 106.
On June 7, 2024, ADG announced that it would begin accepting applications for available event wagering licenses, which included no less than one event wagering license reserved for Arizona Tribes and no less than one event wagering license reserved for Arizona Sports Franchises, as defined in A.R.S. § 5-1301(7).
The application window for event wagering licenses opened on July 8, 2024, and closed on July 19, 2024. Applicants were required to submit their completed applications within this timeframe in order to have been considered for an event wagering license.
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