ADG
Attention: Important Information from the Arizona Department of Gaming Regarding Reporting Gambling Winnings on Taxes
The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) has received inquiries from patrons seeking to verify the legitimacy of companies that are issuing tax forms for gambling winnings. As a result, the ADG wants to take this opportunity to remind Arizonans to be cautious this tax season and to thoroughly review and investigate any requests from anyone purporting to be the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).
The ADG would like to remind Arizonans that if they participate in casino gambling, parimutuel/simulcast wagering, event wagering, and/or fantasy sports, they may receive a W-2G or 1099-MISC form for their winnings. It is important to be aware that the gambling institution that you choose to participate in gaming activities with will be the payor, and the payor is responsible for issuing the tax form. The ADG
advises that Arizonans keep accurate records of any winnings from all gambling activities throughout the year to avoid any confusion during tax season. It is further recommended that Arizonans consult a tax professional if they have any questions about income reporting requirements to ensure they file an accurate tax return.
To help ensure Arizonans are aware of common tax scams, the ADG advises Arizonans to review the
following links and articles on the IRS website discussing common tax scams for 2025:
- As stated on the IRS website, the IRS will make initial contact with a taxpayer through a letter
sent via the United States Postal Service. Be wary of anyone purporting to be the IRS or ADG
contacting you by phone, email, or social media requesting personal or financial information. - If you receive a letter from someone purporting to be the IRS, you can verify that the letter is
legitimate through the IRS website. - Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025: IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats.
- Misleading social media advice leads to false claims for Fuel Tax Credit, Sick and Family Leave
Credit, household employment taxes; FAQs help address common questions, next steps for those
receiving IRS letters.
What to Do If You Encounter Fraud or Identity Theft:
If you believe you or someone you know has been targeted by fraudulent payors or individuals
purporting to be the IRS, file a consumer complaint by visiting azag.gov/consumer. You can also find the
contact information for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office below:
- Phoenix: (602) 542-5763
- Tucson: (520) 628-6648
- Statewide: (800) 352-8431
For more information, check out the Department’s related news releases from this past year:
- ADG PSA: Tips for Safe and Responsible Online Gaming
- Please Remain Vigilant: Department PSA on Gaming Scam Calls
The post Attention: Important Information from the Arizona Department of Gaming Regarding Reporting Gambling Winnings on Taxes appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
ADG
Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $46.2 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced $46,232,390 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This represents an approximate 1.9 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2025.
“As we close out the fiscal year, the fourth quarter report of tribal gaming contributions underscores the vital role these funds continue to play in supporting programs and services that strengthen communities across Arizona,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “The latest contribution of $46.2 million will be instrumental in funding important priorities including public safety, education, wildlife conservation, and other crucial programs and services.”
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. For the FY 2026 period, tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund totalled $170,766,048.
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 third quarter of the State’s FY 2026 are as follows:
Instructional Improvement Fund/Education – $25,287,379
Trauma and Emergency Services Fund – $11,521,112
Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs – $2,323,969
Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund – $3,291,746
Tourism Fund – $3,291,746
Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention – $516,438
Total: Tribal Gaming Contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund – $46,232,390
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.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $46.2 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
ADG
Arizona Department of Gaming Names Juan Carlos Estrada as Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Executive Director
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Names Juan Carlos Estrada as Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Executive Director appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
ADG
Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes”
The Arizona Department of Gaming (“the Department” or “ADG”) issued cease-and-desist orders to Raffall, a company based in the United Kingdom, and to an Arizona resident using the platform to promote the ‘Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes,’ currently advertised online and through a separate website, winthisazhome.com, which is marketing the chance to ‘Win a Luxury $1.3M Arizona Mountainside Home.’
According to the Department’s investigation, the promotion required participants to purchase entries for a prize to be awarded and promised either a home transfer or a cash payout, depending on sales volume. The investigation further determined that the organizers intended to profit from ticket sales. Based on these findings, the Department alleges the activity constitutes an illegal gambling operation under Arizona law.
As part of the enforcement action, Raffall has been directed to remove all gambling-related drawings or giveaways targeting Arizona residents, and the Arizona resident has also been ordered to cease promoting or conducting any unlawful gambling activity.
“Illegal gambling can take many forms and it does not matter if it is labeled a sweepstakes, raffle, giveaway, or drawing,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Unregulated operations put Arizonans at risk because there is no oversight, and therefore no accountability or safeguards in place. The Department will continue to take enforcement action to protect consumers, and we urge the public to learn what is legal before participating in or hosting any gambling activity.”
Why This Operation Is Illegal
Arizona law prohibits gambling unless it is specifically authorized (A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 33). There is no exception for so-called “sweepstakes.” Raffles may only be conducted by Arizona charitable, tax-exempt organizations (A.R.S. § 13-3302(B) & (C)), and personal profit is prohibited. Only individuals 21 years of age or older may legally participate in gambling in Arizona.
Because this operation is accessible to users under the age of 21, is conducted for personal gain, and is not conducted by a qualified nonprofit, it violates Arizona law. Additional potential felony violations include:
- Promotion of Gambling – A.R.S. § 13-3303
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise – A.R.S. § 13-2312
- Money Laundering – A.R.S. § 13-2317
Furthermore, foreign-based platforms, such as Raffall, do not adhere to Arizona or U.S. gambling laws, leaving consumers without essential protections.
Consumer Protection Advisory
As illegal online gambling activity continues to rise, the Department urges all residents and visitors to be cautious when participating in gaming, whether online or in-person. Regulated gaming provides important consumer protections, ensuring fair play and fair drawings, data security, accountability, and a safer overall experience.
If you purchased entries in this illegal gambling operation:
- Stop participating immediately and do not buy additional entries.
- Contactyourbank or credit card company to dispute the charges or request a chargeback. Your financial institution is the best avenue for seeking a refund.
- Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
- If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
- IdentityTheft.gov (English)
- RobodeIdentidad.gov (Spanish)
Important: The Department cannot assist with refund requests or individual disputes against unlicensed platforms. Consumers must work through their financial institutions to protect themselves and/or retain legal counsel. They may also file complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Complaints Unit at (602) 542-5763 or azag.gov/consumer.
The post Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Cease-and-Desists on “Phoenix Dream Home Sweepstakes” appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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