Arizona Sports Betting Hits $849 Million in December 2024 Amid Problem Gambling Awareness Efforts

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has released its latest report on sports betting activity, revealing that bettors in the state wagered approximately $849 million in December 2024. This marks a significant 22.5% increase from December 2023, reflecting continued growth in Arizona’s regulated sports betting market.

According to the ADG, the state collected around $2.6 million in privilege fees from licensed operators during the month. The report underscores the sustained popularity of sports wagering in Arizona’s, which has remained a key driver of gaming revenue since its legalization.

Arizona’s Expanding Sports Betting Market

Arizona’s sports betting industry has experienced steady expansion, driven by strong participation from both retail and online sportsbooks. The increase in wagers during December highlights a consistent upward trajectory in betting activity, ed by major sporting events and competitive promotional offerings from operators.

The ADG plays a crucial role in regulating and monitoring the industry, ensuring compliance with state laws and overseeing financial contributions from betting activities. Privilege fees collected from licensed sportsbooks contribute to state programs, helping fund various public initiatives.

Alongside these financial gains, the ADG remains committed to addressing problem gambling. The agency’s Division of Problem Gambling (DPG) is collaborating with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NG) to promote March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Now in its 22nd year, the campaign’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” aims to educate the public about gambling addiction and provide to affected individuals and families.

Governor Katie Hobbs has emphasized the need to tackle problem gambling in Arizona. “Problem gambling is a serious issue that impacts thousands of Arizonans, including families and young people,” she said. “As Governor, I am committed to raising awareness and ensuring that those struggling with problem gambling have access to the resources and they need.”

Problem gambling is characterized by compulsive betting behavior that disrupts personal, professional, or family life. National data suggests that approximately 2.5 million adults in the U.S. suffer from severe gambling-related issues, with another 5 to 8 million experiencing moderate concerns.

Arizona’s Self-Exclusion and Treatment Initiatives

During fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), the DPG provided three training sessions for clinical professionals and ed treatment for 992 individuals. The state allocated $1.3 million toward programs assisting individuals struggling with gambling disorders.

Arizona also continues to enhance its self-exclusion program for event wagering and fantasy sports (EWFS), allowing individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from betting activities. The DPG collaborates with tribal gaming entities and EWFS operators to maintain and update the self-exclusion registry. In fiscal year 2024, 519 new participants enrolled, bringing total exclusions to 2,230.

The ADG recently hosted the 17th Annual Symposium on Problem Gambling in Phoenix, with the theme “Envisioning the Future: A Comprehensive Approach from History to Innovation.” The event gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups to discuss strategies for prevention, treatment, and education in gambling-related issues.

ADG Director Jackie Johnson emphasized the significance of collaboration in combating problem gambling. “Bringing together innovators, leaders, and decision-makers face-to-face is vital to fostering meaningful dialogue and driving impactful change,” Johnson stated. “Our annual DPG Symposium is designed to facilitate discussions, share best practices, and cultivate strategic collaborations. These are key elements in advancing DPG’s mission to provide effective problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education programs as part of the Department’s broader efforts to mitigate gambling-related harms.”

Source:

‘’Arizona Department of Gaming Releases December Sports Betting Figures’’ Press Release. March 11, 2025.