According to a recent report by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG), bettors in Arizona set a new milestone in March 2024 by wagering approximately $759.8 million on sports, marking a notable increase of around 17.8% compared to March 2023. This surge in sports betting activity highlights the growing popularity of the industry within the state.

Insight into ADG:

Established by the Arizona State Legislature in 1995, ADG serves as the regulatory authority for various aspects of gaming, including tribal gaming, racing, pari-mutuel/simulcast wagering, event wagering/fantasy sports, and unarmed combat sports. Beyond regulation, ADG is committed to supporting education, prevention, and treatment programs for individuals and families affected by problem gambling through its Division of Problem Gambling and confidential helpline, 1-800-NEXT-STEP.

The legalization of sports betting in Arizona dates back to April 2021, with the legislation coming into effect in September of the same year. Since then, the industry has witnessed significant growth, culminating in the record-breaking figures observed in March 2024.

Online sports betting emerged as the dominant force in Arizona’s sports wagering landscape, with a staggering $752.4 million wagered through online sportsbook apps. This online handle accounted for the majority of the total wagered amount, showcasing the preference of bettors for digital platforms.

Key players in online betting:

Leading the charge in online wagering were industry giants FanDuel and DraftKings, according to a news release from the Arizona Department of Gaming (pdf), with both operators recording substantial figures for the month. FanDuel reported $265.1 million in wagers, closely followed by DraftKings with $255.3 million. Other notable operators, including Caesars and BetMGM, also contributed significantly to the online handle, underscoring the diversity and competitiveness of the market.

While online betting dominated, retail sports betting also played a role in Arizona’s wagering activity. However, only four operators offered retail betting services, with DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM leading the way. Despite this, Caesars and BetMGM fell short of reaching $1 million in the retail handle, highlighting the challenges faced by brick-and-mortar establishments in the digital age.

Arizona’s vibrant sports scene further fueled the growth of sports betting, with several professional sports teams forging partnerships with sportsbook operators. The collaboration between teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, the Diamondbacks, and the Phoenix Suns with prominent operators like BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel facilitated the establishment of on-site sportsbook locations, enhancing the overall sports betting experience for fans.

Comparing March 2024 to the same period in the previous year, Arizona witnessed a substantial increase in sports betting activity, with the overall handle reaching $759.8 million, representing a significant 17.8% year-over-year growth for the state.

The record-breaking figures in March 2024 underscore Arizona’s emergence as a prominent player in the sports betting arena. With online betting driving significant growth and partnerships with professional sports teams enhancing the betting experience, Arizona’s sports betting industry is poised for further expansion and innovation in the years to come.