Arizona Department of Gaming

NEWS RELEASE Bet Responsibly and Legally on Super Bowl LVII

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

*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.

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2026 betting analysis

Arizona Department of Gaming Releases December Sports Betting Figures

Published

2 weeks ago

February 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $822 million on sports and events in December 2025, according to a recent report from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG).

This total reflects an approximate 3% year-over-year decrease compared to December 2024, marking a slight pullback in betting activity.

Despite the decrease in handle, the report highlights that the state collected roughly $6.6 million in privilege fees during December, contributing to Arizona’s continued revenue from regulated event wagering. Since launching legal sports betting in 2021, bettors in the state have wagered more than $31 billion, generating over $165 million in privilege fees to date.

For the fiscal year 2026 year-to-date, regulated event wagering and fantasy sports have generated about $33 million in privilege fees, including $32.3 million from sports betting and $774,167 from fantasy sports activity.

Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming, noted that the December figures conclude the 2025 calendar year, during which Arizona sports bettors wagered more than $9 billion on sports and events, further demonstrating the size and scale of the state’s regulated betting market.

The Department’s monthly reports detail wagering and fantasy sports revenue figures from licensed operators, offering transparency into the evolving sports betting landscape in Arizona.

Disclaimer: December figures are self-reported by operators and may be adjusted after audit.

Full report available at gaming.az.gov/resources/reports

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Releases December Sports Betting Figures appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arizona

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

Published

1 month 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.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

ADG

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

Published

2 months 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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