Big wins, bigger bets as Arizonas sports betting market explodes again
Arizona’s sports betting industry is riding a wave of record-breaking growth, with November 2024 setting new highs. The state’s total betting handle soared to $897.6 million (823.3 million), an 18.1 percent increase from October’s $759.8 million (696.9 million) and a 25.8 percent rise from the same period in 2023.
With figures climbing month after month, Arizona is cementing its place as a major player in the U.S. sports betting market.
Online betting leads the charge
The vast majority of wagers came from online sportsbooks, which accounted for $890 million (816.3 million). Retail sportsbooks contributed $7.6 million (7 million)a small but notable share. The ease of mobile betting continues to fuel Arizona’s digital-first landscape, with operators investing heavily in app-based experiences to keep bettors engaged.
In November, Arizona bettors cashed out $811.3 million (743.9 million). The adjusted gross event wagering receipts (AGWR) hit a record $84.1 million (77.1 million)an 8.7 percent increase from September 2024 and nearly double the AGWR from November 2023.
This continued growth signals the strength of Arizona’s betting ecosystem, driven by major sportsbooks and high player engagement.
The operators dominating the market
A few key players continue to command the Arizona market, with FanDuel and DraftKings leading the pack:
- FanDuel: $288.6 million (264.8 million) handle, $29.9 million (27.4 million) AGWR, 10.36 percent hold.
- DraftKings: $293.4 million (269.1 million) handle, $25.7 million (23.6 million) AGWR, 8.76 percent hold.
- BetMGM: $111.6 million (102.4 million) handle, $12.7 million (11.6 million) AGWR, 11.38 percent hold.
Other notable operatorsincluding Caesars, Bet365, ESPN Bet, and Fanaticsare also competing for a bigger slice of the action in Arizona’s growing market. Recent news suggests that BetMGM is likely to lay off 83 employees at its headquarters in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The impact of free bets and tax revenue
Sportsbooks issued $26.6 million (24.4 million) in free bets in November, a common promotional strategy to attract and retain players. After accounting for these deductions, Arizona’s post-promotion AGWR stood at $57.5 million (52.7 million)a staggering 183.3 percent increase compared to November 2023.
The state collected $5.7 million (5.2 million) in tax revenue from sports betting, primarily from online operators taxed at 10 percent. Taxed at 8 percent, retail sportsbooks contributed $57,358 (52,617). These growing figures reflect Arizona’s expanding market and the revenue opportunities for the state.
Why Arizona’s market keeps growing
Arizona’s betting market isn’t just growing. It is dominating. Three factors are driving this surge:
- Favourable Regulations: Arizona’s licensing system and tax structure create a competitive environment for sportsbooks. The state’s approach attracts operators and supports market growth.
- A fan base that lives for sports: Arizona is home to die-hard sports fans. With the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), there’s always a game to bet on. The passion is real, and bettors are putting their money where their loyalty is.
- Mobile betting’s power: Arizona’s betting scene is digital-first, and operators know it. The battle isn’t just for odds. It’s about who delivers the fastest, slickest, most seamless app experience. 바카라ers are increasingly savvy and look for safer gambling experiences. FanDuel recently reported that nearly half of its customers used the My Spend responsible gaming (RG) dashboard during the 2024/25 NFL season. The high engagement reflects increasing awareness and the adoption of responsible gaming practices.
What’s Next?
With back-to-back record months, shows no signs of slowing down. The state’s leading operators will continue to expand their presence while others work to carve out a stronger foothold.
Arizona’s sports betting boom isn’t slowing down. 바카라er engagement, revenue, and tax contributions are only climbing higher. The real question? How high can these numbers go?
