Welcome to the Arizona poker Laws page, your comprehensive guide to understanding the regulations and legal framework surrounding online poker in Arizona. Whether you're a seasoned poker enthusiast or someone new to the game, this resource will provide you with valuable insights into the laws, licensing, and player protections that govern poker activities within the state.
In Arizona, poker has long been a popular pastime enjoyed by players of all skill levels, and the state has taken significant steps to ensure the integrity of the game while safeguarding players and operators alike. Our goal here is to present you with a clear and concise overview of the relevant statutes and regulations that apply to poker, both in brick-and-mortar establishments and in the realm of online poker.
Arizona Online Poker Overview
While Arizona has not legalized or regulated online poker at the state level, players can still legally access offshore poker sites that accept U.S. customers. These platforms operate outside U.S. jurisdiction and provide Arizonans with access to real-money poker games. We’ve reviewed and recommended the most trusted offshore poker sites to help you get started safely and confidently.
Below we'll cover the best online poker sites available to Arizona residents, the state’s gambling legal landscape, and what the future might hold for poker and other forms of betting in the Grand Canyon State.
The Best Online Poker Sites in Arizona
Several well-established offshore sites currently serve Arizona poker players, each offering different strengths depending on your playing style and preferences. Below is a list of our top-rated platforms for the state, including highlights around poker bonuses, app experience, deposits, and ease of use.
Ignition – Best Overall Poker Site for Arizona Residents
BetOnline – Best Arizona Poker Site for Beginners
ACR – Generous Poker Bonuses
Everygame – Best Poker App in AZ
JuicyStakes – Best Poker Site with Minimum Deposit
Players across Arizona choose Ignition for its privacy-first poker setup and relaxed competition. Anonymous tables prevent stat-tracking, which helps keep games casual and fair. Tournaments run daily, with guarantees that scale well, especially on Sundays. The platform’s mobile and browser clients work seamlessly, and crypto payouts are typically processed within 24–48 hours. From Phoenix to Flagstaff, Ignition delivers a steady, no-hassle poker experience that suits both quick sessions and full-day grinds.
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best Arizona Poker Site for Beginners
If you’re a player trying online poker in Arizona for the first time, this platform is a solid way to ease in. The design is clean, the stakes are accessible, and low-stress formats like freerolls and micro-buy-ins are always running. There’s no steep learning curve or overcomplicated software, just fast table action, simple deposits, and reliable customer support when needed. It’s a straightforward place to build confidence and start playing for real.
Massive daily & weekly tournament schedule with high guarantees
Daily freerolls & leaderboards for casual players
Fast Bitcoin withdrawals (1-8 hours)
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1-24 hours
Generous Poker Bonuses
Few platforms match ACR’s rewards program, especially for consistent grinders. In Arizona, players who put in volume can steadily unlock one of the largest poker bonuses available in the U.S. The bonus clears through real-money play and pairs well with the site’s deep MTT schedule, frequent reloads, and leaderboard events. While not aimed at casuals, those who log hours and track rewards will see real value accumulate, making ACR a top pick for bonus-focused poker. Crypto withdrawals are processed within 24 hours.
Arizona users who want flexibility will appreciate Everygame’s polished mobile experience. The app works smoothly on Android and iOS, allowing quick access to cash tables starting at $0.02/$0.04, sit & gos, and tournaments. While the player pool is smaller, the competition is softer, and games remain accessible. Enjoy a 200% welcome bonus up to $1,000 and 36% rakeback. Great for those who prefer grinding on the go or a no-fuss poker app with core features intact.
Wide tournament variety with over 250 daily events
36% rakeback for regular players
200% up to $1,000 bonus with achievable playthrough
Soft competition, ideal for new players
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
5 Business Dayss
Best Poker Site with Minimum Deposit
Juicy Stakes works well for Arizona players who want to learn or grind without the pressure of huge deposits. With a minimum deposit of $5 via Bitcoin Lightning and soft traffic at lower stakes, it’s approachable and practical. The atmosphere leans recreational, and the interface is simple enough for newer users to get around. If you’re not ready for ACR-style intensity but want meaningful real-money action, it’s a mellow, functional place to develop your game.
Is Gambling Legal in Arizona?
Type/Code
Summary
State Code Section(s)
13.3301-3312; 5.101-131; 5.401-604
Definition of Gambling
Gambling: One act of risking or giving something of value for the opportunity to obtain a benefit from a game or contest of chance or skill or a future contingent event but does not include bona fide business transactions.
Definition of Exception to Gambling Laws
Exception to gambling laws: Skill and not chance is clearly the predominant factor in the game and the odds of winning the game based upon chance cannot be altered, provided the game complies with any licensing or regulatory requirements by the jurisdiction in which it is operated, no benefit for a single win is given to the player or players other than a merchandise prize which has a wholesale fair market value of less than ten dollars or coupons which are redeemable only at the place of play and only for a merchandise prize which has a fair market value of less than ten dollars and, regardless of the number of wins, no aggregate of coupons may be redeemed for a merchandise prize with a wholesale fair market value of greater than five hundred fifty dollars.
Online Poker/Gambling
Arizona lawmakers have not considered online poker or gambling legislation, primarily due to the opposition of such internet games by the majority of tribes.
Live Poker
Live poker is permitted in Indian-run casinos, via cash games and tournaments.
Casinos
Full-fledged casinos are permitted on Indian reservations with slot machines and table games, including poker.
Sports Betting
Arizona legalized sports betting in 2021. Sportsbook app operators must partner with federally-recognized tribes, with up to 10 tribes entered into appropriate gaming compacts to do so.
DFS
The 2021 sports betting law also legalized daily fantasy sports contests for Arizonans.
Other Forms of Gambling
Lottery, bingo, amusement gambling, charitable casino nights, raffles, horse and harness racing, dog racing only if not on the same day as horse racing activities.
Arizona and Online Poker
Poker players in Arizona played cards in back rooms and home games long before casinos offered poker rooms. They also played online as soon as the first sites emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The game is nothing new for Arizonans, but the way they play has changed through the years. The laws regarding gambling have not kept up with the passion of players for the game.
AZ gambling law is almost exclusively focused on individuals or organizations that operate or promote illegal gambling. As a result, players face comparatively little risk when engaging in illegal gambling simply as a participant. With that said, Arizona law – like most gambling law – is quite vague and obviously subject to interpretation.
Let’s highlight a few parts of Arizona code that could be relevant to online poker players:
What constitutes gambling in Arizona? From the state code: “Gambling” or “gamble” means one act of risking or giving something of value for the opportunity to obtain a benefit from a game or contest of chance or skill or a future contingent event” (Section 13-3301)
Players could have some exposure to the charge of
“benefiting from gambling” (class 1 misdemeanor): “Except for amusement or regulated gambling, a person commits benefiting from gambling if he knowingly obtains any benefit from gambling” (Section 13-3304).
There’s also the distant potential that some activity related to playing online poker could be considered “promotion of gambling,” a felony charge. Section 13-3303 covers one who
“Furnishes advice or assistance for the conduct, organization, management, direction, supervision or financing of gambling”.
Arizona does not have a law that specifically outlaws playing poker online, but poker would seem to clearly fall under the definition of “gambling” enshrined in Arizona law.
With legal issues, it is imperative that you educate yourself. If you have any doubts or questions, or if you are planning on drawing substantial revenue from online gambling, your next step should be to contact a legal professional with a background in gambling or internet gaming. We are only trying to provide you with a starting point for your larger research regarding online gambling in Arizona.
Is It Legal To Play Online Poker for Real Money in Arizona?
Arizona residents can access a number of offshore poker sites, which remain the most practical option for playing online. While the state hasn't legalized or regulated online poker, there are no specific laws that prevent individuals from signing up and playing on international platforms.
Several reputable operators continue to accept players from Arizona, offering real money games, freerolls, and tournament options. With a few solid choices available, most players should have little trouble finding a site that fits their needs.
Will Arizona Try to Regulate Online Poker?
Tribal nations in the state have long held a central role in Arizona's gambling industry, with many remaining cautious about expanding into online poker or casino iGaming. The concern is understandable as brick-and-mortar casinos provide important revenue for tribal communities, and there has been hesitation to introduce anything that might disrupt that.
That said, data from other states tells a different story. Whilesome studies show that iGaming can complement land-based casino revenue, others raise concerns about potential cannibalization. A 2023 report by The Innovation Group, for example, warned that increased online gambling access could reduce spending at tribal casinos, leading to job losses and economic contraction in affected communities.
Still, states like Pennsylvania and Michigan have reported stable or growing in-person casino revenue since legalizing online platforms, suggesting outcomes may vary depending on local market dynamics and implementation.
Like other states with similar laws, poker players in Arizona have two choices: visit a local card room or play online through offshore sites that accept US players.
Arizona Gambling Facts & Figures
Arizona has a long and evolving relationship with gambling. While the state shut down early casino operations to gain statehood in 1912, several forms of gambling have become legal over the decades.
Here's a snapshot of the current landscape:
Tribal Casinos: As of 2025, Arizona has 16 federally recognized tribes operating 26 Class III casinos across the state. These establishments offer Las Vegas-style gaming, including slot machines, blackjack, keno, and house-banked poker games.
Charitable Gaming: Nonprofit organizations in Arizona can legally conduct raffles and bingo games, provided they comply with specific state regulations and possess the necessary tax-exempt status.
Arizona State Lottery: Established in 1980, the Arizona Lottery began ticket sales in July 1981. It offers various games, including scratch-offs and multi-state draws like Powerball and Mega Millions.
Sports Betting: Legalized in April 2021 and launched in September 2021, Arizona permits both retail and online sports betting. The Arizona Department of Gaming regulates this industry, overseeing licenses granted to tribal casinos and professional sports franchises.
Commercial Casinos: Arizona does not allow commercial (non-tribal) casinos. All authorized casino gaming occurs on tribal lands under compacts between the tribes and the state.
Online Poker: Currently, Arizona has not legalized or regulated online poker. However, no explicit state laws prohibit residents from playing on offshore poker sites that accept US players.
Regulated Gambling Choices in Arizona
The most notable regulated gambling option in Arizona is the plethora of casinos and gambling establishments throughout the state. There are 16 federally-recognized tribes that operate a total of 24 Class III gaming facilities. Those are regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming and the Tribal Gaming Office of each tribe. There are then two Class II facilities with fewer gambling options, and the National Indian Gaming Commission oversees them.
The casino games allowed to operate are:
Class II games: bingo and gaming devices (slot machines)
Class III games: Las Vegas-style casino games, such as gaming devices (slot machines), keno, table games like blackjack, jackpot poker (video poker), and house-banked poker.
Gamblers will find horse racing at tracks that operate throughout the year, not just during traditional racing seasons. The most popular track is Turf Paradise in Phoenix, but there are also popular races running at Arizona Downs in Prescott Valley, and Rillito Park Race Track in Tucson. There are also live races at county fairs in Douglas and Sonoita once per year.
But gamblers don’t need to go to the tracks to bet on racing. There are OTBs (off-track betting locations) across Arizona, located in licensed bars and restaurants. As of early 2023, there were 60 OTB locations in operation.
Arizona Gambling Resources
Online poker can be enjoyable and social, but it's important to play within your limits. If gambling ever feels overwhelming or begins affecting your well-being, help is available. Arizona and national resources offer confidential support for players seeking balance or recovery.
Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program: Allows individuals to exclude themselves from Arizona’s licensed gambling venues for a set period.
Arizona 211: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with mental health services, financial counseling, and local support programs.
Visit our guide to learn how to set boundaries, identify problem behavior, and find additional support tools.
Arizona Poker Players
Arizona has always been a prime location for poker games, whether in saloons, the back rooms of bars, or in tribal casino poker rooms. It doesn’t hurt that the state is located in close proximity to poker hotbeds like Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Online poker has played a role in the rise of poker players from Arizona as well.
Arizona has produced a deep roster of successful poker professionals, many of whom have made their mark on the World Series of Poker Main Event and beyond. Steven Jones Jr. leads the list with over $7 million in live tournament earnings, much of it stemming from his 2nd-place finish in the 2023 WSOP Main Event.
Nick Pupillo, another consistent performer, has accumulated nearly $6 million through a mix of WSOP deep runs and mid-major tour success. Jacob Balsiger gained national attention after finishing 3rd in the 2012 WSOP Main Event while still a college student.
Longtime pros like Mike Wattel, Ryan Leng, and Tom Schneider have each earned multiple WSOP bracelets, particularly in mixed-game formats, showcasing Arizona’s depth in technical poker talent.
Per the Hendon Mob, the full top 10 list as of 2025 is:
Steven Jones Jr – $7,163,962
Nick Pupillo – $5,969,427
Jacob Balsiger – $5,059,352
Mike Wattel – $3,472,775
Ryan Leng – $3,459,043
Ryan Hughes – $3,393,815
Jim Bechtel – $2,949,052
John Dibella – $2,870,696
Kevin O'Donnell – $2,672,785
Tom Schneider – $2,436,235
Play Online Poker in Arizona
Arizona does not currently license or regulate online poker, but residents can still legally access real money games through trusted offshore sites. These platforms offer secure payments, mobile access, and a range of cash games, tournaments, and free-play options. While there’s no clear timeline for state-regulated poker, offshore rooms remain a reliable alternative. Whether you're a casual player or aiming to improve your game, safe and accessible online poker options are available to Arizonans.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
