PHOENIX, AZ – Gaming in Arizona contributed $129 million to the state through tribal gaming contributions and the newly implemented event wagering and fantasy sports in 2021, legalized through Governor Doug Ducey’s signing of historic legislation and the amended tribal-state gaming compacts. The landmark agreement between the state and Arizona tribes modernized gaming in Arizona, allowing tribal casinos to offer new Vegas-style table games while legalizing event wagering and fantasy sports throughout the state.
“Without a doubt, newly legalized casino games, event wagering and fantasy sports have already increased revenues to the state and will continue to do so for years to come,” said Ted Vogt, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “I am proud of the continued partnership between the state, Arizona tribes, and event wagering and fantasy sports stakeholders that benefits all of Arizona.”
Tribal Gaming Contributions
Tribal gaming contributions totaled $113.6 million to the Arizona Benefits Fund in the 2021 calendar year. This includes over $21 million in tribal gaming contributions during the last calendar quarter of 2021, which is reported as the second quarter of the state’s fiscal year. Tribal gaming contributions funds critical services such as education, health services, wildlife conservation, local government priorities and tourism.
Event Wagering & Fantasy Sports
Since commencing operations, event wagering and fantasy sports have contributed more than $15 million directly to the state general fund over the months of September and October, highlighting the immediate revenues from these new industries. Arizona operators paid more than $14 million in licensing fees, as well as more than $1 million in fees for the privilege of operating these new games.
“Arizona’s event wagering and fantasy sports is off to a strong start here in the state and will only increase as the market matures,” said Vogt. “We worked diligently with the public and stakeholders to efficiently and responsibly set up these industries in just under five months, and we are starting to see the culmination of this hard work.”
