Arizona

Hard Rock Sportsbook to Launch in Arizona in Partnership With Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise

Published

4 years ago

January 28, 2022

The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) and Hard Rock Digital have joined forces to launch the Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app in Arizona.

The Navajo Nation is the largest federally recognized Native American Nation in the U.S. with an enrolled membership of approximately 401,000 and trust lands totaling 27,000 square miles. The NNGE, as an enterprise of the Navajo Nation, operates five gaming and hospitality facilities across Arizona and New Mexico. Hard Rock Digital was launched in 2020 to be the exclusive Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming vehicle for interactive gaming and sports betting on a global basis.

“Mobile sports and event wagering is an important new offering that we’re excited to introduce,” offered Brian Parrish, Interim Chief Executive Officer for the NNGE. “The Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile sports wagering platform and our brick-and-mortar operations will offer a broad range of wagers, marketing promotions and cross-marketing offers that will be unique to the Navajo and Hard Rock brands,” said Parrish.

“The NNGE has proven its ability to create new jobs, develop innovative, high-quality facilities and products, as well as build utility infrastructure that also supports other businesses and residential areas on the Navajo Nation,” stated Quincy Natay, Board Chairman for the NNGE. “Joining forces with Hard Rock Digital fits well with our Strategic Plan and additions to our existing offerings,” cited Chairman Natay.

Natay added that the growth of the NNGE is not possible without the continuous support of the 24th Navajo Nation Council and the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the NNGE to provide Arizona sports bettors with a fun and engaging gameday experience through the Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app,” said Marlon Goldstein, Executive Managing Director & CEO for Hard Rock Digital. “The Hard Rock brand is known worldwide for legendary hospitality and entertainment, and we’re excited to deliver those experiences to Arizonans digitally with unrivaled mobile sports betting.”

The Arizona app will launch with Hard Rock Sportsbook’s new best-in-class platform. Hard Rock Sportsbook also serves fans in New Jersey and Iowa through the Hard Rock Sports & Casino NJ and the Hard Rock Sportsbook Iowa apps, respectively.

Arizona

Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M

Published

2 weeks ago

February 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

arizona-department-of-gaming-marks-fifth-super-bowl-of-legal-sports-betting-—-november-wagers-top-$965m

The Arizona Department of Gaming today highlighted a major milestone: the upcoming Super Bowl will be the fifth played under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. Since regulated event wagering launched in 2021, Arizona’s oversight—guided by state law and Tribal-State Compacts—has aimed to protect consumers, preserve integrity, and generate public revenue.

Key November 2025 figures: strong wagering growth

In its latest monthly report, the Department said Arizona bettors wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events in November 2025 — about a 7.5% increase versus November 2024. The state collected roughly $5.5 million in privilege fees for the month.* Fiscal year-to-date privilege fees total $26.3 million (about $25.7M from event wagering and $637,399 from fantasy sports).

Arizona also recorded its highest monthly event wagering in October 2025 with $967,141,269, and the second-highest in November 2025 with $965,233,844.*

Regulated framework and consumer protections

Arizona’s regulated model requires licensed operators to follow statutory rules, Tribal-State Compacts, and ongoing regulatory oversight. The Department conducts audits, compliance reviews, and integrity controls designed to prevent fraud and illegal activity. Licensed event wagering operators remit privilege fees, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue — with 90% of those fees directed to Arizona’s General Fund to support state programs and priorities.

There are currently fourteen licensed event wagering operators approved to offer wagering in Arizona, each subject to ongoing Department review and potential audit adjustments.

Responsible play and support resources

The Department emphasizes the importance of using state-licensed event wagering and fantasy sports apps or retail locations. For guidance and safety tips, players are encouraged to visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.

For individuals and families affected by problem gambling, the Department’s Division of Problem Gambling offers confidential, subsidized treatment and resources statewide at problemgambling.az.com.

* Disclaimer: Monthly operator figures are self-reported and subject to adjustment after Department audits and review. The Department does not guarantee the final accuracy of the self-reported totals.

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ADG

Arizona Department of Gaming Names Juan Carlos Estrada as Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Executive Director

Published

4 weeks ago

January 22, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

arizona-department-of-gaming-names-juan-carlos-estrada-as-boxing-and-mixed-martial-arts-executive-director

Two decades of agency experience inform Executive Director’s new post

The Arizona Department of Gaming (Department) announced that it has appointed Juan Carlos Estrada as Executive Director, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (BMMA). A long time employee of the Department with roles spanning regulation and operations, including for high-profile boxing and mixed martial arts events and activities, Estrada will now serve as Executive Director of BMMA and will also continue to hold the position of Assistant Director of BMMA and Racing.

The Department’s Division of Boxing and MMA supports the Arizona State Boxing and MMA Commission in its regulation of unarmed combat sporting events taking place in Arizona, including licensing fighters, referees, judges, inspectors, and physicians. The Commission licensed over 1,027 fighters, promoters, and event officials in Fiscal Year 2025, while overseeing 28 events, including nine events that were also televised worldwide.

“Over the past decade, Juan Carlos Estrada has served in various capacities regulating the unarmed combat sports industry in Arizona supervising hundreds of boxing, mixed martial arts and muay thai events,” said Jackie Johnson, Director, Arizona Department of Gaming. “He has earned a reputation for a balanced and transparent approach as a state regulator, and I’m thrilled to congratulate him on this milestone.”

With past roles since 2004 including Investigator, Racing Steward, and Employee Certification Unit Supervisor, Estrada has continued to work collaboratively and across divisions to promote fair and effective regulation. In the Executive Director position, he will serve as the direct liaison between the Arizona Boxing and MMA Commission and the Department, and will lead all responsibilities and initiatives with respect to unarmed combat sports – ensuring the health and safety of participants and enforcing applicable laws and rules.

“I’m humbled to accept my appointment as the Executive Director of Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts,” said Estrada. “I want to sincerely thank the promoters, athletes, officials, and my colleagues for the trust and confidence they have given me over the years. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the public while ensuring that contests are safe, fair, and regulated.”

A Native Arizonan, Estrada has given back to his community by volunteering for the City of Phoenix Police and Fire departments while continuing his leadership at the Department and attaining professional development in the industry. His experience includes working with organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), King of the Cage, Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), and numerous regional and local promotions.

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Arizona

Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026

Published

1 month ago

January 8, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

arizona-department-of-gaming-reports-$44.9-million-in-tribal-gaming-contributions-for-the-second-quarter-of-fiscal-year-2026

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced today $44,891,270 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This represents an approximate 5.6 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2025.

“The financial support that tribal gaming provides the state of Arizona continues to power local and statewide needs that are vital to healthy and safe communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “With nearly $45 million in tribal gaming contributions in the most recent period, the Department is proud to ensure the continuation of important revenue streams that positively impact Arizonans.”

The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88 percent of tribal gaming contributions, providing significant dollars to support instructional improvement for schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism, and wildlife conservation throughout the state. If interested in viewing the cumulative tribal gaming contributions by year, please visit our reports webpage: gaming.az.gov/resources/reports.

Tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of the State’s FY 2026 are as follows:

Instructional Improvement Fund/Education………………………………………………..$22,373,810

Trauma and Emergency Services Fund………………………………………………………..$11,186,905

Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs………………………………………….$4,040,214

Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund……………………………………………………………$3,196,258

Tourism Fund…………………………………………………………………………………………..$3,196,258

Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention……………………………..$897,825

Total: Tribal Gaming Contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund……………………..$44,891,270

Per the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, the remaining 12 percent is distributed by the tribes to the cities, towns, and counties of their choosing for community services and public safety programs for local governments. Since FY 2004, cumulative contributions have totaled approximately $2.5 billion, benefitting both the state and its cities, towns, and counties.

Currently, there are 26 Class III casinos in Arizona, which ADG regulates in partnership with Arizona tribes. For more information, view our tribal gaming webpage: gaming.az.gov/tribal-gaming-page.

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