Upcoming Match-ups

Arizona Sports Betting Rules Finalized as Sportsbooks Anticipate Fall 2021 Launch

Mitchell South

by Mitchell South in Sports Betting News

Updated May 12, 2022 · 8:33 AM PDT

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald walking on the football field.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) in action alongside wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart)
  • Arizona has finalized the official set of rules for online sports betting in the state
  • Sportsbooks like PointsBet have recently signed official partnerships in Arizona
  • Arizona online sports betting is expected to launch September 9, 2021

The official rules and regulations for Arizona online sports betting have been finalized, paving the way for a September 9, 2021 launch. The Arizona Department of Gaming has submitted the set of official sports betting rules to the U.S. Secretary of State, and if approved, the road to Arizona sports betting will officially be underway.

Fans in Arizona are buzzing with anticipation, and it looks like they’ll be able to place their bets just in time for NFL kickoff. Sportsbooks are preparing for a huge influx of new bettors in Arizona, as AZ sports teams and tribes can now begin the application process for a sportsbook license.

Keep reading for more details on this exciting news and what the days leading up to launch might look like.

Final Draft of Official AZ Sports Betting Rules Finalized

After completing a total of three public commentary periods on the rules for event wagering and fantasy sports in the Grand Canyon State, The Arizona Department of gaming submitted their guidelines for federal approval.

The final set of rules solidified important details for mobile platforms, promo and bonus guidelines, and league data to name a few. There’s a lot of fine print to go through, but bettors can rest assured Arizona sports betting will run just as smoothly as it does in other states.

Things will move fast and furious if and when the final draft of rules and regulations receives the federal green light. The timeline could look something like this with a speedy approval from the U.S. Secretary of State:

  • Sportsbook license applications due by August 6
  • Licenses allocated by August 26
  • Marketing can begin August 28
  • Official AZ sports betting launch on September 9

Sportsbooks can begin the application process in Arizona as soon as the state gets the go ahead from the federal level. That’s expected to come on (or shortly after) July 26.

Many sportsbooks have already started signing official partnerships with teams and casinos in the state, signaling their intent to break into the Arizona market.

PointsBet and Barstool Sportsbook Get in on the Action

As the state was cementing their rules and regulations, two more major sportsbooks signed partnerships in Arizona.

PointsBet announced a 10-year agreement with the Cliff Castle Casino Hotel and the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The Australia-based sportsbook will be one of the first to enter the AZ sports betting market, and they’ve agreed to make an annual donation to benefit the youth of the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

Meanwhile, Penn National Gaming secured a deal with NASCAR at the Phoenix Raceway, which effectively confirms the Barstool Sportsbook will also be ready in time for launch.

With a total of up to 20 sportsbook licenses up for grabs in Arizona, we probably haven’t seen the end of these official partnerships. Other major platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and WynnBet have also signed exclusive deals to enter Arizona, and there’s little doubt this is going to be one of the hottest sports betting markets anywhere in the country.

AZ Sports Betting Arriving Just in Time for the 2021 NFL Season

Ever since Arizona implemented their new tribal gaming compact to begin the sports betting legalization process, the goal has been to have AZ wagering online in time for the 2021 NFL season. Their target date has remained September 9 throughout the entire process, and with these latest developments, it looks like that go-live date might be a reality.

This has NFL fans in the state delighted, as the Arizona Cardinals are looking like a force to be reckoned with this year. The emergence of Kyler Murray and recent arrival of J.J. Watt has supercharged the team, and betting on these games would be thrilling for Cards supporters.

Bettors in Arizona are undoubtedly prepared to start placing their wagers on NFL games, and many other sports for that matter, starting September 9, 2021.

Author Image