Daily Fantasy Sports in Arizona: Top Legal DFS Sites for 2024
By Todd Winkler,Editor at online-gambling.com
Todd Winkler
Editor at online-gambling.com
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal Since: |
|---|---|
| Daily Fantasy MLB | Legal Since: 2021 |
| Daily Fantasy NBA | Legal Since:: 2021 |
| Daily Fantasy NFL | Legal Since:: 2021 |
| Daily Fantasy NHL | TLegal Since: 2021 |
Arizona is the home of some of the most celebrated sports teams in the US. So, it is not surprising that state residents look for licensed Daily Fantasy Sports operators. As DFS sites have been legal in the state since 2021, players search for the best services and contests. Discover the top Daily Fantasy Sports sites that operate legally in Arizona and explore their features.
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Daily Fantasy Sports Sites
| Arizona DFS Site | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Legal In | Site Rating | Pros and Cons | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | 100% up to: $500 First Deposit Bonus |
Not Needed
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AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY | + Industry Leader , + Big Sports Selection, + New contests daily | Play Now! | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org(CT). 18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply. |
- We use trusted sources such as: The Arizona Republic and the The Arizona Daily Star to stay on top of all industry related news and developments.
- We aren’t just experts in sports betting; we have dedicated teams across the gambling industry, including for casino games such as video poker and have created an online roulette guide.
- We keep on top of any changes to the law by closely following the movements of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the State Government of Arizona.
What is Daily Fantasy?
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a competition that asks contestants to build a team of players from a particular sports league and then put them head-to-head against other contestants in their pool, with points being earned based on the real-life performances of the players in that week’s round. All contestants must stick to salary caps when drafting players, and competitions generally last for only a week but can even be as short as a day.
As of August 2021, DFS betting is legal in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Gaming licenses all operators and regulates the market. However, you should note that you must be 21 years old to participate in daily fantasy games.
Online Daily Fantasy Sports in Arizona – Overview
Regarding gambling laws, Arizona takes a more conservative approach to legislation. While 20 Native-American tribal casinos allow for casino-style table gambling and slot machines in the state, other casinos are illegal. Sports betting is also legal, so players can bet on various sports events from around the globe.
Both DFS and sports betting were legalized through the HB 2772. While ten sports betting licenses were reserved for tribal casinos, other operators quickly managed to get an approval too. As such, players can freely enjoy sports betting in Arizona through online and land-based sportsbooks.
New players may be wondering what DFS leagues are available in Arizona. That is why we have prepared the following paragraphs.
Online Daily Fantasy MLB – Studded With Diamondbacks
Arizona Major League Baseball supporters will surely jump on board the opportunity to fill their Fantasy teams with star players from the Diamondbacks. In MLB Fantasy, players can draft their team of 10 players with no more than 5 hitters allowed per team. Players can score points in several ways, with 5 points for stealing bases, 10 points for a home run, etc. These conditions, of course, vary depending on the tournament you participate in.
Online Daily Fantasy NBA – A Team Full of Suns
With Arizona being home to the beloved Phoenix Suns, the NBA Fantasy League is sure to garner a few fans in the state. In the NBA DFS League, contestants are to create a lineup of 8 players that must be playing in at least two different NBA games that week. Scoring is based on real-life gameplay statistics, e.g., 1 point for every point scored, 2 points for a block.
Online Daily Fantasy NFL – A Cardinal State Touch Down
While the Arizona Cardinals have never won a Super Bowl, this could be the chance that Cardinals supporters have always been waiting for to lead some of their players to National Football League glory. In the popular NFL Fantasy League, players are to build a team of 9 of NFL stars and watch them go head-to-head against other contestants’ teams. Points are scored similarly to other leagues.
Online Daily Fantasy NHL – The Coyote’s Call
The Coyotes represent Arizona in the National Hockey League, but who knows which individual players will represent them in their fantasy lineups? The NHL Fantasy League asks contestants to draft teams of 9 players from at least three different teams. Points are awarded to players for their goals, assists, and blocked shots, with goalies also earning more points for successful gameplay.
College Fantasy Sport – Wildcats Vs. Sun Devils
Arizona is home to several universities with their own NCAA sports teams. The two most successful of these universities are the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. Over the years, the two teams have gone on to build a spirited rivalry.
Whether you’re a Wildcats supporter (University of Arizona) or a Sun Devils supporter (Arizona State University), it won’t matter. When building your DFS College Football team – you can choose any player from the same league as you’d like.
Timeline of Daily Fantasy Sports Legislation
Arizona has come a long way since it banned all gambling in 1912. The history of legalizing DFS is long due to Arizona’s definition of gambling. It included games of skill, making it more difficult to pass legislation. Additionally, legislators were concerned that DFS could negatively affect tribal casinos.
These concerns are partly why DFS legislation was blocked in 2014 and 2016. In 2021, online Daily Fantasy Sports and sports betting became legal. Many operators began the ADG’s strict examination to qualify for a permit and start operating in the state. As the ADG can provide infinite daily fantasy licenses, there is no shortage of great operators.
Below is a table of essential years in the history of Arizona gambling. We will continue to update it when any new developments arise.
| Year | Info |
|---|---|
| 1912 | After becoming a state in the same year, Arizona bans all forms of gambling that profits the house. However, “amusement gambling” is still allowed. |
| 1980 | The State Lottery is approved, which over the years brings in millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state. |
| 1988 | The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is passed, allowing tribes across the country and in Arizona to operate casinos on their land. |
| 2019 | Lawmakers introduce a bill to allow tribal casinos to offer sports betting at their premises. The legislation is yet to be passed. |
| 2021 | HB 2772 was approved, legalizing Daily Fantasy Sports and sports betting. The ADG becomes the main governing body of all DFS gambling activities. |
Legal Daily Fantasy Betting Age in Arizona
Betting on DFS is entirely legal in Arizona. However, as mentioned earlier, you must be 21 years old to access any operators.
That is why reading all the relevant legislation is vital to avoid any issues. Below are a few more details on Arizona state laws so you can get a better perspective on the legal gambling age.
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DFS Betting AgeDFS betting is legal in Arizona for players 21+ years old.
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Alcohol AgeThe legal drinking age in Arizona is 21 years old.
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Weed AgeRecreational cannabis use is legal in Arizona.
Is Daily Fantasy Betting Legal Outside of the State?
With this recent legislation, Arizona joins many states in the USA where Daily Fantasy League betting is legal. That leaves just a few states, including Hawaii, Nevada, and Idaho, where it is illegal. Some have banned all forms of gambling, while others are progressing towards legalization.
As this is considered a game of skill, many states view it favorably, so legislation can pass more easily. The success of daily fantasy betting in Ohio shows the many benefits for the players and the state. As such, we hope it will appear in more states in the future, potentially the entire US.
Taxes on Daily Fantasy Winnings: Legal Overview
The IRS and Arizona Department of Revenue consider all gambling winnings taxable income. However, while the IRS taxes a flat 24%, the state of Arizona bases its tax on your total income. Note that your marital status and how you file your taxes can affect the rate.
- 2.59% for income up to $26,500 for single people or up to $53,000 for married couples
- 3.34% for income up to $53,000 for single people or up to $106,000 for married couples
- 4.17% for income up to $159,000 for single people or up to $318,000 for married couples
- 4.50% for income over $159,000 for single people or over $318,000 for married couples
It is very important to always provide accurate information and file your income carefully. All operators will send you Form W-2G if your winnings exceed a certain amount.
Upcoming Regulation Changes to Be Aware Of
Legalizing daily fantasy and sports betting was a long process with many obstacles. Nevertheless, it has been an enormous success, with state revenue from DFS reaching over $1 million at the start of 2023. Players are eager to compete in their favorite leagues, and many operators are applying for licenses.
It seems Arizona has changed since its initial stance on gambling in 1912. This bodes well for legislation of other gambling types, such as online casinos and poker games. We hope they will be legalized in the future, and we will keep you updated with any news.
Daily Fantasy Guides for Nearby States
Frequently Asked Questions About DFS Sites in Arizona
Before wrapping up our guide to DFS sites in Arizona, we will answer all your pressing questions. You can learn more about the best sites and which DFS leagues are popular among AZ players. We will also provide details on the state’s history with DFS and the legal gambling age.
1. Which are the top Daily Fantasy Sports sites in Arizona?
Since its legalization in 2021, many great DFS sites have begun operating in Arizona. Among them, the best AZ daily fantasy sites feature excellent security and various thrilling leagues. They are all licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming and use encryption technology to protect your data. Additionally, you can contact customer support for help with responsible gambling.
2. Are DFS sites in Arizona legal?
Yes, you can be certain that DFS sites are entirely legal. While the history of DFS's legalization in Arizona is a long one, DFS platforms immediately became legal upon the bill's signing in 2021. Many operators immediately began the stringent licensing process. Some even have mobile apps so you can play on the go.
3. What is the permitted gambling age for daily fantasy in AZ?
Players eager to start building their teams should know that the legal DFS gambling age is 21. That applies to all forms of gambling, as even the legal age for lottery was increased. Remember to provide accurate information when registering an account. You should also only play at licensed operators to avoid scams.
4. Which are some of the famous Daily Fantasy Sports in Arizona?
Once you're ready to play, you can find plenty of excellent AZ Daily Fantasy Sports leagues. You can back the Diamondbacks in MLB Fantasy, support the Phoenix Suns in NBA Fantasy, and more. Note that each league has different rules and scoring systems. As such, you should study the rules to play effectively.