The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) sent orders to seven illegal gambling websites in late June. The orders claimed the sweepstakes casinos were running without state approval. The ADG aims to stop them to keep Arizona residents safe from scams and protect the state’s economy.
The orders demand that these sites stop all gambling activities for Arizona users immediately. This action shows Arizona’s commitment to enforcing its gaming laws and ensuring only licensed operators can offer gaming services.
The ADG found these unlicensed sweepstakes casinos to employ deceptive tactics that trick people with fake promises of legal gambling, which can lead to financial loss.
Director Jackie Johnson said the ADG is working hard to monitor the internet and catch these illegal operations. They allege these sites violate state laws for the Promotion of Gambling, Illegal Control of an Enterprise, and Money Laundering.
The ADG’s enforcement team is actively tracking online platforms to prevent more illegal sites from targeting Arizona residents.
“Illegal gaming—no matter the platform or format—has no place in Arizona. Whether it’s sweepstakes, online casino-style games, or unauthorized sports betting if an operation exists outside of the state’s legal and regulatory framework, we are prepared to take enforcement action,” stated Johnson.
“Illegal gambling is not just unlawful—it’s stealing from our economy and undermining the safeguards that protect consumers. The Department fully supports the licensed and regulated operators who are doing things the right way—operating within the bounds of the law, contributing to Arizona’s economy, and providing the protections that only a regulated market can ensure.”
Arizona’s history of economic success as a legal sports betting state has incentivized the ADG to continue fostering regulatory processes that benefit both the public and the revenue generated from their play. Driving more customers into tribal casinos from sweeps casinos could create a gigantic tax windfall.
This action follows a similar cease and desist strategy against Bovada in December 2024, showing Arizona’s ongoing fight against illegal gambling. Sixteen other states and Washington, D.C., also issued orders against unregulated operators in 2025.
The ADG’s efforts protect residents from financial risks and maintain the integrity of legal gaming, which supports state programs. Tribal gaming alone has contributed over $2.1 billion to Arizona since 2004, highlighting its economic importance.
Arizona’s gaming industry, mainly driven by tribal casinos and sports betting, is a key economic contributor. In fiscal year 2024, tribal casinos contributed $158.1 million to the Arizona Benefits Fund, up from $40 million in 2004. These funds support education, emergency services, tourism, and wildlife conservation.
Sports betting, legalized in September 2021, has also grown. In 2024, Arizona’s sports betting handle reached $7.96 billion, generating $428.3 million in revenue and $42.8 million in taxes. Quarter 1 of 2025 alone saw $864.2 million wagered, with $53.2 million in revenue.
However, iGaming, like online casinos, remains illegal, prompting the ADG’s crackdown on unlicensed sites. The ADG urges people to check if a gaming site is licensed before playing. Gaming.az.gov provides users with a list of legal gaming options, like boxing, MMA, or racing events.
