Online Poker In Arizona
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Last Updated November 2, 2020
It really isn’t a surprise the Arizona online poker has become exceptionally popular in the Grand Canyon State. The state of Arizona is home to some of the best poker rooms in the world. The gambling laws. To understand the legality of online poker in the state of Arizona, we need to take a look at the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 13, Criminal Code. In Chapter 33, 13-3301, we find the definitions below relating.
BetOnline Poker Room - Best Arizona Poker Site. BetOnline Poker - There will be a number of different online poker sites which Arizona residents can sign up and join. But when it comes to choosing the. Arizona Online Poker Through a single enforcement for money-laundering reasons online gambling is not considered to be legal by many. Although there is no clear claim within the Arizona gambling laws whether online gambling. Yes, it is illegal to pay online poker in Arizona under the broad interpretation of the word 'gambling' in the state. While no criminal statutes specifically mention either the internet or online gaming, the state has.
Tourists in Arizona can stand on a unique spot while visiting the state – a spot where the borders of four states collide, meaning you can literally be in all four states at once. When both of your feet are planted on Arizona land, however, you’ll be in a place that takes a complex attitude toward gambling.
In this guide to AZ poker and gambling laws, we’ll talk about legal issues, online poker sites in Arizona and provide some analysis of the future for all types of betting in the Grand Canyon State and whether or not you can play online poker in AZ.
| 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 | There have been no attempts to legalize sports betting in Arizona. |
| DFS | There was a bill in 2016 to consider daily fantasy sports, but it did not pass and has not been introduced again since then. |
| 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
Arizona has become a bit of a poker hotbed over the last decade or two, and that interest in poker transitioned online as more and more sites began offering real money poker games in Arizona. That situation continues to this day, with thousands of players from Arizona signing up to play poker online.
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 (you can review the Arizona code directly – just search for “gambling” first. 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 and the law in Arizona.
Is It Legal To Play Online Poker in Arizona?
Online poker players who reside in Arizona shouldn’t encounter too many restrictions when it comes to choosing an online poker room. All of the major US-facing online poker rooms accept players from AZ, so getting to play poker online is simply a matter of choosing which room you think will best meet your needs. The story is different in other states – like Washington – but when it comes to Arizona and online poker, players should find relatively few bumps in the road.
Will Arizona Try to Regulate Online Poker?
Our research did not reveal any initiatives related to online poker regulation in Arizona. It’s always possible that the state could come along as other states choose to regulate poker player online, but we do not expect Arizona to be a leader on the issue of regulating online poker. For the time being, players will have to be content with online poker sites that are not directly regulated by the state of Arizona.
Arizona Gambling Facts & Figures
Gambling was a part of Arizona history prior to statehood, but the casinos were shuttered in an effort to win entrance into the union. In the century that followed, Arizona swayed back and forth on the issue of gambling expansion, with some forms winning acceptance (such as charitable gambling and the lottery) and others meeting sustained resistance (such as commercial casinos). Tribal gambling exploded in Arizona during the 1990s, and ignited an extensive legal battle that spanned much of the next decade. The result: Arizona is now home to nearly two dozen casinos offering games that rival the menus of their Las Vegas counterparts.
Regulated Gambling Choices in Arizona
There are a litany of choices for gambling seeking regulated options in Arizona. The primary source of regulated gambling in the state are the 22 tribal casinos spread across Arizona, and you’ll also find a state lottery, horse racing and charitable gambling within Arizona’s borders.
All Poker and Gambling Laws by State
A casino company might soon hold naming rights to an NFL stadium. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, which owns four casinos in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Gila River Gaming might soon own the naming rights to the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium, which originally was named Cardinals Stadium and currently is named University
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The junior Senator from Arizona, Jon Kyl, has been working for some time on a bill to regulate online poker at the federal level. This bill is reportedly being developed by Kyl and Nevada Senator Harry Reid, who has been a long-time proponent of regulating online poker and online gambling.
Arizona Gambling Resources
Arizona Gaming Summary. Prepared by the UNLV Center for Gaming Research, this brief provides an excellent overview of the commercial gambling industry in the state of Arizona. Those interested in the facts and figures (and the economics) of gambling in Arizona will find a solid starting poker here.
Gambling Rules at ASU . Students at Arizona State University should review this document, which covers both state law and university policy regarding gambling. Remember, state law is only one part of the picture – your school, workplace and other environments may have additional rules and regulations regarding gambling.
Gila River Casinos The Gila River Indian Community operates some of the largest casinos in the state of Arizona, and is an excellent starting point for gamblers looking to plan a trip to the state. You can get more information about the tribe and the casinos they operate from this central resource.
Arizona and Poker
While not as rich in poker history as a Texas or California, Arizona plays an important role in the modern tale of the game. The Arizona State Poker Championship has become a marquee event on the US tournament circuit, and the prowess of Arizonian poker players was proven yet again in 2012 when ASU student Jake Balsiger took 3rd place in the World Series of Poker Main Event.
Helpful Gambling Resources and Links
- »Can You Play Legal Online Poker in the USA?
2021 Update: Is Online Poker Legal in Arizona
There are still no bills to legalize online poker in Arizona. But they did recently hold an online poker tournament. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Neighbors Helping Neighbors held an online charity poker tournament to benefit a local food bank in Arizona.
While this isn’t a legislative effort, it’s still a step in the right direction. Maybe the state will see the benefits that online poker can offer the state. There are also two sports betting bills that are being discussed in the Grand Canyon State: HB 2813 and SB 1525.
SB 1525 is a rehash of last year’s bill. But HB 2813 wouldn’t allow for line sports betting. Both bills face opposition from tribal casinos. Chances are any future online poker bills will face opposition too. Experts aren’t predicting that these bills will pass. Aside from tribal opposition, they also face push back from local legislators.
Chances are things won’t progress until next year. The pandemic also puts a hamper on new legislation.
We’ll keep you updated here. So stay tuned!
Online Poker and Gambling Laws in Arizona
Arizona has regulated gambling for some time. Desert states are known for gambling. Arizona is no different. There are numerous laws governing different types of gambling. For the state, as per statute, section 13-3301, “gambling” 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 but does not include bona fide business transactions.”
This definition is a bit different from most states. Arizona’s law states gambling is “a game of contest of chance or skill”. The key words are “chance or skill”. Most states only include the word “chance” which excludes poker since a federal judge ruled poker was a game of skill. But Arizona’s definition would include poker as gambling.
For those who remember,Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona expedited the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). In recent years, Arizona seems to have softened a bit when it comes to gambling. This bodes well for online poker.
Can I Play PokerStars in Arizona
Not yet. While PokerStars was one of the most popular poker sites in the US before Black Friday, it’s only available in a few states now. Arizona is not one of them. That might change in the future, but there are some other options. There are plenty of other sites that accept players from all 50 states across the United States. Sites like America’s Cardroom and Black Chip Poker accept players from around the country and have a bunch of different sign-up bonuses.
We’ve reviewed these sites and plenty others. Check out our top-reviewed sites below if you’re looking for a good PokerStars alternative in Arizona:
Play Online Poker In Arizona
Legal Gambling in Arizona
The state allows four main types of legal gambling:
- State Lottery
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering
- Indian Casinos
- Charitable Gaming
State Lottery
The Arizona Lottery was approved by the public in November 1980. It was the first state west of the Mississippi to have a lottery and isoverseen by the Arizona State Lottery Commission. In November 2002, 22 years after its inception, 73 percent of Arizonans voted to extend the state lottery for an additional 10 years.
Then, in 2010, the lottery was extended until 2035. The lottery has generated billions for the states and it keeps growing. The lottery generated $981 million in revenue in 2018. The state has a goal to reach $1 billion in revenue by 2020. Lottery players must be at least 21 years of age.
Pari-Mutuel Wagering
The Department of Racing regulates the Arizona pari-mutuel horse and greyhound racing industry. They oversee and supervise all commercial horse, greyhound, and county fair races. The Department of Racing also licenses participants, collects state revenues generated by race meetings. It enforces laws and rules related to racing and betting to protect industry participants and the public.
There are a number of racetracks across the state. Click here for a list of race tracks in Arizona.
Indian Casinos
Brick and mortar Indian casinos are popular around the US. Arizona has a lot of tribes. They also have a lot of casinos. Arizona has 23 casinos operated by 16 different tribes. Six more Indian tribes have slot machine rights. They lease those to other Indian casinos.Click here to see Arizona’s Indian Casino compacts and statutes.
The casinos also have clout in the state. These casinos have been opposed to expanding online gaming though. The current bills are trying to address these issues and find a middle ground. A middle ground would be great for players. It could also help online poker.
Charitable Gaming
Arizona allows for legal gaming if it’s for charity. There have been some poker fundraising like the Monte Carlo Nights or Texas Holdem Poker Tournaments. There are strict rules to follow under the charitable gaming laws. Despite that, there are plenty of charity gaming nights around the state.
For example, a non-profit organization cannot require a specified donation. This means players need an equal chance to win regardless of their donation. In April 2020, the state held an online charity poker tournament to raise money for a food bank. So that’s an option.
Online Poker Arizona Reddit
This sets some precedent for online poker in Arizona. People love to play poker. Arizona is no different. There’s a chance poker could be next. We’re sure you hope that’s true too. If anything changes, we’ll tell you here.
Specific State-by-State Laws
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