The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced today $28,578,515 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the third quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. This amount represents approximate 3.5 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2023.

“In the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2024 Arizona’s tribal gaming industry maintained its steady growth, marking consecutive record quarters in tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund,” Jackie Johnson, Cabinet Executive Officer, ADG remarked. “These continuously increasing contributions further solidify the robust partnership between the state and our tribal gaming partners.”

The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88 percent of tribal gaming contributions, providing significant dollars to support instructional improvement in schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism, and wildlife conservation throughout the state. You can view cumulative tribal gaming contributions by year on our website.

Tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the 3rd quarter of the State’s FY 2024 are as follows:
Instructional Improvement Fund/Education…………………………………………………..$14,243,532
Trauma and Emergency Services Fund…………………………………………………………….$7,121,766
Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs………………………………………………$2,572,067
Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund ………………………………………………………………..$2,034,790
Tourism Fund……………………………………………………………………………………………….$2,034,790
Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention ……………………………………$571,570
FY 2024 Qtr 3 Total: Tribal Gaming Contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund… $28,578,515

Per the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts, tribes with casinos also contribute a percentage of their Class III gross gaming revenue to cities, towns, and counties. Total tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund in addition to cities, towns, and counties in the state has amounted to over $2.16 billion since FY 2004. Currently, there are 25 Class III casinos in Arizona, which ADG regulates in partnership with Arizona tribes.

Advertisement

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced that it has allocated an event wagering operator license to Fanatics Betting and Gaming as the designee for Tonto Apache Sports Betting, an organization of the Tonto Apache Tribe, pursuant to A.R.S. § 5-1304 and A.A.C. R19-4-105 and 106.

On January 16, 2024, ADG announced that it would begin accepting applications for available event wagering licenses, which included one event wagering license reserved for Arizona Tribes and no less than one event wagering license reserved for Arizona Sports Franchises, as defined in A.R.S. § 5-1301(7).

The application window for event wagering licenses opened on February 16, 2024, and closed on March 4, 2024. Applicants were required to submit their completed applications within this timeframe in order to have been considered for an event wagering license.

In less than a week, the San Francisco 49ers will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year and is one of the most popular events to wager on. The Arizona Department of Gaming asks that if you choose to wager, please do so legally and responsibly.

“The Arizona Department of Gaming wants all Arizonans to enjoy the Super Bowl,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG CEO. “However, it is crucial to remind those interested in a friendly wager to do so carefully to ensure gambling is both
fun and legal.”

Sports Pools – Know What Rules to Follow

In the United States, it is common to see friends and family participate in sports pools for the Super Bowl, often known as “Super Bowl Squares”. These pools are legal as long as the state’s social gambling rules are followed. According to Arizona Law (A.R.S. § 13-3301(7)), social gambling requires:

Advertisement

● That gambling cannot be conducted as business, which means that hosts cannot receive financial benefit, unless they are participating in the game;
● Hosts pay out all pool money to the winner(s);
● Only participants can win; and
● Players compete on equal terms with each other.

A few things to be on the lookout for that indicate illegal gambling:

● Paying a fee to participate, including “suggested” or “voluntary” donations.
● A host who keeps a percentage of the pool for administering the game.
● A required minimum purchase to participate (food or beverage, etc.).
● Unequal odds.
● Underage participants (under 21 years of age).

ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling seriously. To report suspected illegal gambling activity, visit our website or call 602-255-3886. You can remain anonymous.

Responsible Betting – What to Keep in Mind

Advertisement

With sports betting legal in the state, it has become increasingly important to educate yourself on how you can bet responsibly. Listed below are some helpful tips as part of the American Gaming Association’s Have A Game Plan. ® Bet Responsibly. campaign:

● Set a Budget – It is crucial to keep in mind that everyone will have different budgets; never bet beyond your own means. Be cautious and make sure you set a limit – and stick to it – if you plan on wagering. More information on how to responsibly set a budget for wagering. HERE
● Know the Odds – There are plenty of key terms everyone should know when making a sports bet. What’s a parlay? Over/under? Moneyline? If you decide to wager, make sure you are briefed on the basics of sports betting.
● Keep it Social – Whenever gambling, be mindful that all forms of gambling are for the purpose of entertainment. This is not a way to make money. By gaming with friends, family, and colleagues, you can keep playing responsibly and have fun.
● Use Legal Sportsbooks – Legal operators provide important player protections that are not found in the illegal market. Whether you are placing a wager on your phone or at a physical sportsbook, make sure you are using a legal operator in the state. Visit the ADG website to view a list of the state’s approved operators and retail locations.

You can view more information on how to bet responsibly by visiting haveagameplan.org.

Are you or a loved one impacted by a problem with gambling? Take the next step and access the state’s 24-hour confidential helpline by calling 1-800-NEXTSTEP, texting NEXTSTEP to 53342, or visiting problemgambling.az.gov.