Arizona Online Casinos | Best AZ Casino Sites & Apps in September 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide for Arizona online casinos! If you’re eager to start playing all your favorite slots and table games from the comfort of your own home, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about virtual casino gaming in the Grand Canyon State, including the laws and regulations, top platforms, best strategies to use, and much more. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to embark on a thrilling online gaming adventure like never before!

Are Online Casinos Legal in Arizona?

As of September 2023, online casino gambling is not yet legal in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Gaming does not issue licenses to online casino operators, and there are no state-regulated online casinos available within the state’s borders. It is currently unknown if or when real-money online casinos will become available in the Grand Canyon State.

There are currently only seven U.S. states that have legalized online casino gambling: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. As a result, if Arizona residents would like to gain access to BetMGM Casino, Caesars Casino, DraftKings Casino, or any of the other top U.S. real-money online casinos, they will need to take a trip over to the East Coast.

Fortunately, Arizona casino enthusiasts still have several ways to get in on the action in their home state. For example, there are over two dozen tribal casinos currently operating in Arizona. They are owned and operated by 16 of the state’s federally-recognized Native American tribes and authorized to offer Class III gaming (slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, etc.) through gaming compacts with the state.

In addition, social and sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in the state of Arizona and are a fantastic alternative to real-money online casinos. These free-to-play platforms offer a wide range of casino-style games, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and more. While you can’t wager real money on these sites, they provide an entertaining and risk-free gaming experience, often with the opportunity to win real prizes through sweepstakes promotions.

Different Types of Arizona Casinos

Arizona casinos can be divided into three distinct categories: real-money online casinos, social and sweepstakes casinos, and land-based casinos. The major similarities and differences between these options are highlighted below!

Real-Money Online Casinos

Real-money online casinos are virtual platforms where players can engage in casino games and wager actual money. These casinos operate over the Internet and provide a wide range of games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and more. Players can deposit funds into their accounts using various payment methods and withdraw their winnings at any time. Real-money online casinos are subject to strict regulations and licensing requirements to ensure fairness, security, and responsible gambling.

As it currently stands, real-money online casinos are not allowed to operate in the state of Arizona. Although both mobile sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing are currently legal and regulated in the Grand Canyon State, online casino gambling remains prohibited. It is currently unknown if or when the legislation regarding real-money online casinos in Arizona may change, but it’s important to stay informed about any updates or changes to the gambling laws in the state.

Social & Sweepstakes Casinos

Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos, both of which are completely legal in Arizona, are online platforms that allow players to enjoy casino games for fun without requiring a deposit, payment, or purchase of any kind. Instead of spending real money to fund their gameplay, users will typically receive virtual currency (e.g., Gold Coins or Sweepstakes Coins) upon sign-up and can continue earning additional amounts through various in-game activities or promotions.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos have a few important differences. Social casinos focus primarily on providing an immersive social experience by offering interactive features, leaderboards, and challenges to engage players. They also give users an opportunity to play the hottest games on the market while learning the rules and further developing their skills.

Meanwhile, sweepstakes casinos combine the social gaming aspect with the excitement of potential real-world prizes. Players have a chance to win actual rewards like cash, gift cards, or merchandise through sweepstakes promotions. Sweepstakes casinos add an extra layer of thrill and anticipation to the gaming experience, as players not only enjoy the gameplay but also have the opportunity to win tangible prizes.

Land-Based Casinos

Land-based casinos refer to physical gambling establishments located in Arizona. These casinos offer a wide array of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and sometimes sports betting facilities. Land-based casinos provide a more traditional casino experience with the ambiance, social interaction, and amenities associated with a physical venue.

Visitors can wager real money on their favorite games, interact with professional dealers and fellow players, and immerse themselves in the exciting atmosphere of the casino floor. In addition to the gaming options, land-based casinos often feature live entertainment, concerts, shows, and other events to enhance the overall experience.

There are currently 25 Class III gaming facilities in Arizona, operated by 16 different tribes, which offer “Las Vegas style” gaming activities (e.g., gaming devices, blackjack, keno, jackpot poker, and house-banked poker). In addition, there are two Class II facilities in Arizona, which are limited to bingo or gambling devices that are based on the game of bingo.

What Are the Best Arizona Sweepstakes Casinos?

All of the most popular social casinos and sweepstakes casinos in the United States are currently available in Arizona. Here are a few of the top platforms to consider:

Chumba Casino

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Best Feature: Frequent Bonuses & Promotions
• Full Review: Chumba Casino Review

Launched in 2017 by Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), Chumba Casino offers a unique blend of sweepstakes and social gaming and is widely available in the United States and Canada. The platform provides a fantastic collection of casino-style games, including virtual slots, progressive jackpots, Slingo games, and table games. Chumba Casino also offers frequent bonuses and promotions designed to enhance the overall gaming experience.

Fortune Coins

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Best Feature: Great Selection of Slots
• Full Review: Fortune Coins Review

Fortune Coins is owned and operated by Blazesoft Ltd. and partnered with the leading Canadian gaming provider (Let Us Entertain You Inc.) to offer a top-notch virtual casino experience. The sweepstakes casino site stands out for its outstanding selection of slots, featuring a wide variety of themes and captivating graphics. With a user-friendly interface and seamless navigation, players can easily explore the diverse slot offerings and enjoy immersive gameplay.

LuckyLand Slots

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Best Feature: Top-Tier Customer Loyalty Program
• Full Review: LuckyLand Slots Review

Along with Chumba Casino and Global Poker, LuckyLand Slots is a product of Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) Holdings. The platform officially launched in January 2019 and has quickly become one of the top social casinos in the United States and beyond. All players will enjoy one of the best customer rewards programs in the industry and a generous welcome offer when they first sign up and join the LuckyLand community.

Pulsz Casino

• Available States: 47 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID, NV, & WA)
• Best Feature: Excellent Customer Service
• Full Review: Pulsz Casino Review

Owned by Yellow Social Interactive (YSI) Limited, Pulsz Casino offers an online gaming experience like no other. Users will get to choose from over 500 Vegas-style games, including virtual slot machines with a wide range of features, mechanics, volatilities, and styles. Pulsz Casino also offers excellent customer service, a user-friendly and reliable website, and plenty of bonuses and promotions to both new and existing players.

Arizona Land-Based Casinos

There are currently 25 tribal casinos in the state of Arizona, each of which offers Las Vegas-style gaming to anyone who is 21 years and older. These land-based casinos are owned and operated by the state’s federally-recognized Native American tribes, and they are co-regulated by the Tribal Gaming Office of the tribe that owns the casino and the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Here is a full list of Arizona’s tribal casinos:

In case you’re trying to decide which casino to visit, we’ve provided further information below about a few of the best gaming destinations currently available in the Grand Canyon State.

Apache Gold Casino & Resort

• Address: 777 Geronimo Springs Blvd, San Carlos, AZ 85550
• Phone Number: (877) 272-2433

Apache Gold Casino & Resort is located five miles east of Globe, Arizona (roughly an hour and a half from Phoenix) and owned by the San Carlos Apache Tribe. The casino resort features over 500 slot machines from penny slots to high stakes and plenty of table games, including classic 3-card poker and blackjack. Visitors will also enjoy fine dining at Black River Grill and several other restaurants as well as live music concerts at the San Carlos Event Center.

Casino Del Sol

• Address: 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85757
• Phone Number: (855) 765-7829

Casino Del Sol, owned and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, is another premier gaming establishment in Arizona that is located just a short fifteen-minute drive from downtown Tucson. The casino offers a gracious and comfortable gaming environment with over 1,300 slot machines and live poker, blackjack, bingo, and much more. Casino Del Sol also features a state-of-the-art sportsbook where guests can enjoy sports betting on a variety of games and events.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino

• Address: 15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139
• Phone Number: (480) 802-5000

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino is a first-class casino resort located in Maricopa, Arizona, about 40 miles south of Phoenix. Owned by the Ak-Chin Indian Community and operated by Caesars Entertainment, the casino provides a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor with over 1,100 slots and video poker games and 28 table games. Visitors will also have access to a full-service Caesars Sportsbook, one of Arizona’s highest-rated golf courses (Southern Dunes Golf Club), and the hottest shows in town at The Events Center.

Talking Stick Resort & Casino

• Address: 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
• Phone Number: (480) 850-7777

Talking Stick Resort & Casino is a prominent gaming and entertainment destination located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The casino offers 1400 state-of-the-art, multi-denominational play slots and Arizona’s largest poker room, which includes 47 tables, 24/7 poker games, and 16 big-screen TVs showing your favorite sports games.

In addition to its extensive gaming facilities, Talking Stick Resort & Casino features luxurious accommodations, multiple dining venues, and a variety of entertainment options, such as live music, comedy shows, and a nightclub. With its stunning desert landscape views and comprehensive amenities, Talking Stick Resort & Casino provides visitors with a memorable and immersive resort experience.

Other Legal Forms of Gambling in Arizona

In addition to Arizona’s land-based casinos, there are several other legal forms of gambling offered in the state. Here are the current options available to residents and visitors of the Grand Canyon State:

Sports Betting

Sports betting was legalized in Arizona in April 2021, and the state’s first legal wager was accepted in September later that year. There are nearly 20 mobile sportsbooks currently licensed and operating in the state, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and many other leaders in the iGaming space. Arizona also offers retail sports betting at casinos, racetracks, stadiums, and restaurants all over the state. Wagers are allowed on both professional and college sporting events, including matchups involving in-state schools.

Horse Racing

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also legal in the state of Arizona and is regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming’s Racing Division. Bets can be placed on live races taking place at Arizona Downs, Rillito Park, and Turf Paradise. In addition, nearly 60 off-track betting facilities offer simulcast wagering on races taking place all over the country. Arizona residents may also choose to place bets online using advance-deposit wagering (ADG) sites like TwinSpires or TVG.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) became legal in Arizona in April 2021. The Arizona legislature passed a bill legalizing and regulating daily fantasy sports, allowing licensed operators to offer paid DFS contests to residents of the state who are at least 21 years or older. As a result, DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and many other popular daily fantasy sports platforms are currently available in the state of Arizona.

Arizona Lottery

The Arizona Lottery is a state-operated lottery system that offers various games of chance to the public. Individuals who are 21 years or older can purchase lottery tickets from gas stations, convenience stores, and other authorized Arizona Lottery retailers across the state and potentially win huge cash prizes or other rewards.

The Arizona Lottery offers a wide range of games, including scratch-off tickets and draw games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and The Pick. The revenue generated from the Arizona Lottery supports various state programs, including education, health and human services, and economic development initiatives.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming refers to gambling activities conducted by eligible nonprofit organizations for charitable purposes. These organizations must be approved and registered with the Arizona Department of Revenue. Charitable gaming events commonly include bingo games, raffles, and casino nights. The proceeds from these events are typically used to support charitable causes, such as community projects, social services, education, or medical research.

How To Sign Up & Start Playing Casino Games in Arizona

Strategies & Tips for Arizona Casino Players

While online and in-person casino gambling is largely based on luck and chance, there are many general guidelines to follow and useful strategies to implement to increase your chances of success in the long run. Here are some of the best tips and tricks for Arizona casino players:

• Practice Proper Bankroll Management: Practice disciplined bankroll management to maximize your playing time and minimize losses. Set a budget for each gaming session and stick to it, avoiding chasing losses or increasing your bets impulsively.
• Pick Games With a Lower House Edge: Choose games with a lower house edge and higher RTP (Return to Player) rates. Games like blackjack, poker, and certain video poker variants offer favorable odds for skilled players. Research and understand the rules and strategies for each game to improve your chances of winning.
• Take Advantage of Promotions: Keep an eye out for casino promotions, such as reload bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs. These can provide additional value and opportunities to increase your winnings. However, always read and understand the terms and conditions associated with the promotions to ensure you meet the requirements.
• Study & Practice: Continuous learning and practice are essential for advanced players. Read books, watch tutorials, join online forums, and engage with fellow players to expand your knowledge and exchange strategies. Utilize free-to-play versions or demo modes of games to practice new techniques without risking real money.
• Enter Tournaments & Competitions: Participate in casino tournaments and competitions. Many casinos offer competitive events for games like poker, blackjack, or slots, where you can showcase your skills and potentially win significant prizes. Develop strategies specific to tournament play, including adjusting your betting and gameplay based on your position and opponents.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the casino industry. Stay informed about new game releases, technological advancements, and changes in regulations. This knowledge can help you adapt your strategies and take advantage of new opportunities.

Arizona Online Casino FAQ