Arizona’s Sports Betting Surge Set for Record-Breaking NFL Season

With September’s arrival, Arizona sports fans are celebrating the return of football. College football is in full swing, and the NFL is entering its third weekend of play, drawing attention not only to the games but also to the burgeoning sports betting market.

The American Gaming Association estimates that over $35 billion will be wagered legally at registered sportsbooks on the NFL this season, reflecting a significant increase of over 30% from last year’s figure of $26.7 billion. Arizona is positioning itself for a particularly active betting season, building on its already impressive statistics.

“In the past three years, cumulative total wagers have just surpassed $18.14 billion in Arizona,” stated Dayne O’Brien, public information officer for the Arizona Department of Gaming. This milestone demonstrates a dramatic evolution in the state’s sports betting landscape.

The state saw a 13.6% increase in total handle during the NFL regular season months (September through December) from 2022 to 2023. Betting analyst Christopher Boan anticipates continued growth but notes that the pace may be moderating. “I don’t think we’ll see as big of a jump as the last two years,” he commented, suggesting a possible increase of 8% to 10% this season.

If last year’s total of nearly $2.7 billion in wagers is reflected this season, Arizonans could bet between $2.8 billion and $3.1 billion from September through December alone.

Arizonans have a variety of options for placing bets, with an extensive list of approved operators and retail locations provided by the Arizona Department of Gaming. Despite the multitude of options, the market largely revolves around two major players: FanDuel and DraftKings. “Arizona is a two-horse race,” Boan stated, highlighting that these two companies account for roughly 60% of the state’s total handle.

FanDuel and DraftKings operate in-person sportsbooks at key locations, such as the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix and TPC Scottsdale, while BetMGM maintains a presence in Glendale. That said, the bulk of betting activity is occurring online. O’Brien noted that nearly 99% of all wagers are placed through digital platforms.

This trend aligns with the preferences of local residents, including Arizona State University students. ASU student Diego Iniguez expressed a preference for online betting due to its convenience, stating, “It’s easy to use and very accessible.”

However, the rise of online betting has raised concerns about illegal sportsbooks. The Arizona Department of Gaming strongly advises bettors to utilize licensed operators to ensure their safety and security. “Don’t click on suspicious links, and use those legal and licensed operators,” O’Brien cautioned.