The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) said on May 27, 2026 that it will reopen its application window for event wagering operator licenses — the legal term Arizona uses for sports betting operator licenses. Applications can be submitted starting June 26, 2026 and must be received by July 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. Arizona time, giving prospective operators a two-week window.
This is the first new license window since July 2024 and signals the regulator’s continued willingness to expand the state’s licensed operator base, which currently sits at 14 books — short of the statutory cap of 20.
Who can apply
Under A.R.S. § 5-1304 and the related administrative rules (A.A.C. R19-4-105 and 106), the new applications fall into two reserved categories:
- At least one license reserved for Arizona Tribes
- At least one license reserved for Arizona Sports Franchises, as defined in A.R.S. § 5-1301(7)
Arizona’s enabling legislation, passed in 2021, capped the market at 20 event wagering operator licenses — 10 reserved for tribes and 10 reserved for professional sports teams. That structure has shaped the state’s market from day one and continues to govern who can enter.
How big has Arizona’s market grown
The Department’s release included a notable headline figure: Arizona bettors have wagered a cumulative $33.9 billion since legal event wagering launched in September 2021, generating approximately $179.9 million in event wagering privilege fees for the state.
That puts Arizona among the largest US sports betting markets by handle since 2021 — a pace that has tracked alongside states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois despite Arizona’s smaller population.
What the regulator said
“As the state regulator, we remain dedicated to consumer protection and a thorough licensing review process. We look forward to receiving new applications for regulated event wagering.”
— Cliff Holden, Assistant Director of Certification and Licensing, Arizona Department of Gaming.
What this means for Arizona bettors
A new licensee, if one is awarded, would bring Arizona’s licensed operator count to 15 — with the 20-license ceiling still leaving room for further expansion in subsequent windows.
In practice, new entrants typically launch with aggressive welcome bonuses to win market share from established leaders like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. Watch our bonuses page for updates once any new operator goes live.
The reserved-for-tribes track also matters: tribally-operated books like Desert Diamond Sports channel revenue back into Arizona’s tribal nations, and a new tribal entrant would expand that footprint further.
Application details at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Window opens | June 26, 2026 |
| Window closes | July 10, 2026, 5 p.m. Arizona time |
| Licenses reserved | At least 1 tribal, at least 1 sports franchise |
| Statutory cap | 20 total (10 tribal + 10 franchise) |
| Current operators | 14 |
| Previous window | July 2024 |
| Where to apply | Arizona Department of Gaming — Forms, Licensing, and Fees |
| Legal basis | A.R.S. § 5-1304; A.A.C. R19-4-105 and 106 |
The Department will evaluate each application against the criteria set in the state’s event wagering rules and statutes.
Background
Arizona legalized event wagering and sports betting through legislation signed by Governor Doug Ducey in April 2021, with the first wagers placed on September 9, 2021. Governor Katie Hobbs has continued to oversee the program, which is administered by the Arizona Department of Gaming under Director Jackie Johnson.
The ADG has periodically opened new application windows when reserved licenses become available, most recently in July 2024.
Responsible gambling: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783) or text NEXTSTEP to 53342. The helpline operates 24/7 and is confidential.