Arizona Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in AZ

At the state level, Arizona’s gambling industry, including horse-racing and slot machines, is highly regulated. Only three forms of legalized gambling are permitted within the state: tribal casinos, state lottery, and horse and dog racing, provided they do not occur on the same day. Arizona’s gambling industry is governed by the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compacts, signed between the state and 21 Native American tribes, which outline regulations for gaming activities in the state.

Arizona is home to the largest amount of Native American land compared to any other state in the U.S., comprising approximately 27% of the state’s land base, or over 20 million acres. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), a federal law, authorizes gambling on all Native American land in Arizona.

All gaming activities on Native American land must occur through compacts agreed upon by the state and tribes, as mandated by federal law. Revenues generated by gaming activities must only be used for tribal charitable and governmental purposes. 

List of Top Gambling Venues in Arizona

Related reading: Arizona online casinos

Reviews of the Top Casinos in Arizona

1. Talking Stick Resort

Talking Stick Resort is a popular casino and resort located in Scottsdale, Arizona. It opened its doors in 2010 and features a variety of gaming options for visitors.

The casino floor is spacious, offering a wide selection of slot machines, table games, and a poker room. Some popular slot titles include Lightning Link, Buffalo Gold, and Lock it Link. Table games include favorites such as blackjack, roulette, and craps. The poker room hosts regular tournaments and cash games for players of all skill levels.

In addition to the casino, Talking Stick Resort also boasts a variety of dining options. The resort has multiple restaurants on site, including a steakhouse, a sushi bar, and a casual cafe. There are also several bars and lounges for guests to enjoy.

For those looking to stay overnight, Talking Stick Resort has a 15-story hotel with over 400 rooms and suites. The rooms are modern and spacious, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor.

The resort also has a variety of amenities for guests to enjoy. These include two outdoor pools, a spa, a fitness center, and a golf course. Talking Stick Resort is a popular destination for visitors to Arizona, offering a luxurious and entertaining experience for all.

2. Casino Arizona

Casino Arizona is a popular casino located in Scottsdale, Arizona, that opened in 1998. The casino offers a wide range of gaming options for visitors, including slot machines, table games, and a bingo hall.

The casino floor is spacious, with over 900 slot machines and electronic games available to play. Popular slot titles include Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Grand, and The Walking Dead. The table games section includes favorites such as blackjack, baccarat, and pai gow poker, among others.

In addition to gaming, Casino Arizona features several dining options for visitors. The property has multiple restaurants and cafes, including a buffet, a fine dining steakhouse, and a casual sports bar. There are also multiple bars and lounges on site.

Casino Arizona does not have an on-site hotel, but there are several lodging options nearby. The casino does offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from several local hotels.

Additional amenities include a gift shop, a bingo hall that seats over 1,000 players, and a showroom that hosts regular live entertainment and events.

3. Desert Diamond Casino

Desert Diamond Casino is a casino and entertainment complex with locations in Tucson, Sahuarita, and Glendale, Arizona. The first location, in Tucson, opened in 1993, while the other two locations opened in 2001 and 2015, respectively.

The casino floors at Desert Diamond are spacious, offering a wide selection of slot machines, table games, and bingo. Some popular slot titles include Lightning Link, Buffalo Diamond, and Dancing Drums. Table games include favorites such as blackjack, roulette, and craps, among others.

In addition to gaming, Desert Diamond Casino offers several dining options at each location. These include a steakhouse, a buffet, and multiple casual dining options. There are also bars and lounges on site for guests to enjoy.

Desert Diamond Casino does not have an on-site hotel, but there are several lodging options nearby. The casino does offer a shuttle service to and from several local hotels.

There’s also a gift shop, a poker room, and a bingo hall that seats over 1,000 players. The Tucson location also has an outdoor amphitheater that hosts regular concerts and events.

4. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is a casino and resort located in Maricopa, Arizona. The casino opened in 1994 and has since expanded to offer a wide range of gaming options for visitors.

The casino floor is spacious, with over 1,100 slot machines and electronic games available to play. Popular slot titles include Lightning Link, Buffalo Gold, and Dragon Link. The table games section includes favorites such as blackjack, craps, and roulette, among others. The poker room also hosts regular tournaments and cash games for players of all skill levels.

In addition to gaming, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino has several dining options for visitors. These include a buffet, a casual cafe, a steakhouse, and a sports bar. There are also bars and lounges on site.

For those looking to stay overnight, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino has a hotel with over 500 rooms and suites. The rooms are modern and spacious, featuring contemporary decor and all the necessary amenities.

The resort also has a variety of amenities for guests to enjoy. These include a large outdoor pool area with a swim-up bar, a spa, a fitness center, and a 36-hole golf course. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is a popular destination for visitors to Arizona, offering a luxurious and entertaining experience for all.

5. Fort McDowell Casino

Fort McDowell Casino is a popular casino located in Fountain Hills, Arizona. The casino opened in 1984 and has since undergone several renovations and expansions to offer a wide range of gaming options for visitors.

The casino floor is spacious, with over 800 slot machines and electronic games available to play. Popular slot titles include Dancing Drums, 88 Fortunes, and Buffalo Gold. The table games section includes favorites such as blackjack, craps, and roulette, among others.

In addition to gaming, Fort McDowell Casino features several dining options for visitors. These include a buffet, a steakhouse, a cafe, and a sports bar. There are also bars and lounges on site.

Fort McDowell Casino does not have an on-site hotel, but there are several lodging options nearby. The casino does offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from several local hotels.

Top Casinos in Arizona for Slots

If you’re a slots enthusiast, Arizona has plenty of casinos that offer a wide variety of slot machines. From classic three-reel games to modern video slots, you can find it all in Arizona. Here are the top ten casinos in Arizona for slots:

• Casino Arizona at Talking Stick Resort – Scottsdale: 900+ slots
• Desert Diamond Casino – Tucson: 1,100+ slots
• Casino Del Sol – Tucson: 1,300+ slots
• Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort – Flagstaff: 1,100+ slots
• Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino – Maricopa: 1,100+ slots
• Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino – Chandler: 1,000+ slots
• Cliff Castle Casino Hotel – Camp Verde: 650+ slots
• Fort McDowell Casino – Fort McDowell: 900+ slots
• Bucky’s Casino & Prescott Resort – Prescott: 300+ slots
• Yavapai Casino – Prescott: 235+ slots

These casinos offer a variety of slot machines, including penny slots, video slots, and progressive jackpot slots. You can find popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo, and Lightning Link, as well as new games constantly being added to the floor. Betting limits vary by casino, but most casinos offer a range of betting options to accommodate all types of players.

Top Arizona Casinos for Blackjack

Blackjack is a popular game in Arizona casinos, and many casinos offer multiple variations of the game. Here are the top ten casinos in Arizona for blackjack:

• Casino Arizona at Talking Stick Resort – Scottsdale, AZ: 50+ blackjack games
• Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino – Chandler, AZ: 50+ blackjack games
• Talking Stick Resort – Scottsdale, AZ: 45+ blackjack games
• Desert Diamond Casino – Tucson, AZ: 40+ blackjack games
• Casino Del Sol – Tucson, AZ: 35+ blackjack games
• Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino – Maricopa, AZ: 30+ blackjack games
• Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort – Flagstaff, AZ: 25+ blackjack games
• Fort McDowell Casino – Fort McDowell, AZ: 20+ blackjack games
• Cliff Castle Casino Hotel – Camp Verde, AZ: 15+ blackjack games
• Bucky’s Casino & Prescott Resort – Prescott, AZ: 10+ blackjack games

You’ll find a range of blackjack games, including classic blackjack, Spanish 21, and blackjack switch. Betting limits vary by casino and table, but most casinos offer minimum bets starting at $5 or $10, with maximum bets of up to $2,500 or more. Many of these casinos also offer blackjack tournaments and promotions, so be sure to check their websites for the latest information.

Top Casinos in Arizona for Roulette

If you’re a fan of roulette, Arizona has several casinos that offer plenty of action for you. Here are some of the top casinos in Arizona that offer roulette:

Talking Stick Resort: With over 50 table games, Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale is a popular destination for gamblers. The casino offers both single and double zero roulette with minimum bets ranging from $10 to $25.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino: Located in Maricopa, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino has over 40 table games, including several roulette tables. The casino offers both American and European roulette, with minimum bets starting at $5.

Casino Arizona: With two locations in Scottsdale, Casino Arizona is a popular destination for roulette players. The casino offers both American and European roulette with minimum bets starting at $5.

Desert Diamond Casino: With three locations in the greater Phoenix area, Desert Diamond Casino is a popular spot for gamblers. The casino offers both American and European roulette with minimum bets starting at $5.

Lone Butte Casino: Located in Chandler, Lone Butte Casino is another popular destination for roulette players. The casino offers both American and European roulette with minimum bets starting at $5.

In addition to the above casinos, several other Arizona casinos also offer roulette, although the number of tables and minimum bets may vary.

Top Poker Rooms in Arizona

Arizona has a vibrant poker scene, with many casinos featuring poker rooms with various games and stakes. Here’s a list of ten poker rooms with the most table poker games, along with the number of games, city, and examples of poker games:

Talking Stick Resort

Tables: 47

City: Scottsdale

Talking Stick Resort’s poker room is one of the largest in the state, with nearly 50 tables. You’ll find a range of games on offer, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and mixed games. The stakes vary, with games starting at $2/$3 and going all the way up to $20/$40.

Casino Arizona

Tables: 46

City: Scottsdale

Casino Arizona’s poker room has a wide variety of games, from Limit and No Limit Texas Hold’em to Seven Card Stud and Omaha Hi-Lo. You’ll find both cash games and tournaments running daily, with stakes ranging from $1/$2 to $10/$20.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

Tables: 25

City: Chandler

Wild Horse Pass has a spacious poker room with plenty of action. They offer Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud, along with other mixed games. The stakes start at $2/$3 and go all the way up to $20/$40.

Fort McDowell Casino

Tables: 22

City: Fountain Hills

Fort McDowell’s poker room is a great place to play poker in Arizona. They offer games like Limit and No Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. You’ll find stakes starting at $1/$2 and going all the way up to $10/$20.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin

Tables: 12

City: Maricopa

Harrah’s Ak-Chin has a smaller poker room than some of the other casinos on this list, but it’s still a great place to play. They offer Texas Hold’em and Omaha games, with stakes ranging from $1/$2 to $5/$10.

Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Lone Butte

Tables: 15

City: Chandler

Lone Butte’s poker room is open 24/7 and offers games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, along with other mixed games. Stakes range from $2/$3 to $10/$20.

Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino

Tables: 14

City: Laveen

Vee Quiva’s poker room offers games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, with stakes starting at $2/$3 and going all the way up to $20/$40.

Desert Diamond Casino

Tables: 8

City: Sahuarita

Desert Diamond’s poker room offers Texas Hold’em and Omaha games, with stakes starting at $1/$2 and going up to $10/$20.

Apache Gold Casino Resort

Tables: 7

City: San Carlos

Apache Gold’s poker room offers Texas Hold’em and Omaha, with stakes starting at $2/$3 and going up to $10/$20.

Mazatzal Hotel & Casino

Tables: 4

City: Payson

Mazatzal’s small poker room offers Texas Hold’em, with stakes starting at $2/$3 and going up to $4/$8.

These are just a few of the many poker rooms available in Arizona, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a game for you. Remember to check each casino’s website for current game and stake information

Arizona Gambling Revenues

Arizona has a vibrant gambling industry, generating billions of dollars in revenues annually. In 2019, the state’s gambling revenues reached a record high of $2.5 billion, with casinos accounting for more than 99% of the total. These revenues are used to fund education, health and social services, public safety, and economic development programs, among other areas.

In 2020, the state’s general fund received over $106 million in gambling tax revenues from casinos, card rooms, and racetracks. The majority of these revenues were generated by tribal casinos, which pay a portion of their revenues to the state under the terms of their gaming compacts. The state also receives revenue from licensing fees, regulatory fees, and other sources related to the gambling industry.

A significant portion of gambling revenues in Arizona is allocated to education. In fact, the state’s lottery and tribal gaming compacts have been instrumental in funding a variety of education programs, including scholarships, grants, and teacher training programs. Additionally, gambling revenues have been used to fund public safety initiatives, such as the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Department of Gaming.

In recent years, there has been a push to allocate a greater percentage of gambling revenues to problem gambling treatment and prevention programs. Currently, the state’s Division of Problem Gambling receives a portion of gambling revenues for its efforts to promote responsible gambling and treat those who suffer from gambling addiction. However, some advocates argue that more needs to be done to address problem gambling in the state.

Overall, the gambling industry plays an important role in Arizona’s economy and finances numerous public programs and services. While revenues have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the industry remains a significant source of revenue and jobs for the state.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Arizona

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 has allowed Indian tribes in Arizona to establish casinos on their land, leading to a boom in tribal gaming. Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, each with their own unique history and traditions. These tribes are authorized to operate casinos and offer various forms of gaming, including slots, table games, and poker. The largest casino in Arizona is the Talking Stick Resort and Casino, which is owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

The history of Indian gaming in Arizona dates back to 1987 when the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation opened the first tribal casino in the state. This casino was a small temporary structure, but it paved the way for the expansion of tribal gaming in Arizona. In the following years, more tribes began to open casinos, leading to an increase in gaming revenue for the state.

Despite the success of tribal gaming, there have been conflicts between tribes and the state of Arizona. One of the main issues is the sharing of gaming revenue, with some tribes arguing that the state takes too large a share of the profits. There have also been disputes over the types of games that tribes are allowed to offer, with some tribes seeking to offer sports betting and other forms of gaming that are not currently authorized in Arizona.

List of Arizona Indian Gaming Tribes:

• Ak-Chin Indian Community
• Cocopah Tribe
• Colorado River Indian Tribes
• Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
• Fort Mojave Indian Tribe
• Gila River Indian Community
• Havasupai Tribe
• Hopi Tribe
• Hualapai Tribe
• Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians
• Navajo Nation
• Pascua Yaqui Tribe
• Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation
• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
• San Carlos Apache Tribe
• San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe
• Tohono O’odham Nation
• Tonto Apache Tribe
• White Mountain Apache Tribe
• Yavapai-Apache Nation
• Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe
• Zuni Tribe

A History of Gambling in Arizona

Gambling has a long and complicated history in Arizona. The earliest form of gambling in the state can be traced back to the early 1900s, where games of chance like poker and blackjack were played in underground establishments. In 1949, the Arizona government legalized charitable gambling, and the state lottery was established in 1980.

The 1990s saw a significant shift in the state’s gambling industry. In 1992, Arizona voters approved a ballot initiative that allowed Native American tribes to operate casinos on their land. Over the years, the gambling industry in the state has grown rapidly, with new casinos opening every year.

Currently, there are 25 casinos operating in Arizona, with more than 15,000 slot machines and 350 gaming tables. The state also has a thriving sports betting industry, with legal sportsbooks operating in several casinos. In 2020, Arizona’s gaming revenue amounted to $2.23 billion, with $102 million generated in tax revenue for the state.

Arizona’s gambling history has not been without its controversies. The legalization of gambling in the state has sparked several legal battles between the government and Native American tribes. In 1997, Governor Fife Symington sued several tribes for operating casinos without state approval. The issue was eventually resolved in 2002, with a new agreement between the tribes and the government.

In 2002, Arizona voters approved Proposition 202, which allowed the state’s tribes to continue operating casinos without seeking state approval. The measure also increased the number of slot machines that tribes could operate and expanded the types of games they could offer.

Arizona’s gambling industry has been a significant contributor to the state’s economy over the years. The industry has provided thousands of jobs and generated billions of dollars in revenue for the state. While there have been some controversies surrounding the industry, it continues to be an essential part of the state’s economy and culture.

In conclusion, gambling has a long and interesting history in Arizona, from underground establishments to legal casinos and sportsbooks. The state’s gambling industry has grown significantly over the years and continues to be a major contributor to the state’s economy. While there have been legal battles and controversies surrounding the industry, it remains a crucial aspect of Arizona’s cultural heritage.

Gambling Taxes in Arizona

Gambling in Arizona is taxed both on a federal and state level. The federal tax rate on gambling winnings is 24%, while Arizona state tax is set at 5.6% for both residents and non-residents. For example, if you won $1,000 in Arizona, you would owe $240 in federal taxes and $56 in state taxes.

If you win over $600 in Arizona, the casino is required to file a W-2G form with the IRS, which will show the amount of your winnings and the taxes withheld. This form will also be sent to you, so you can report your winnings when filing your income tax return. Keep in mind that if you have any gambling losses, you can deduct them from your taxable income, up to the amount of your winnings.

The Arizona Department of Revenue oversees the collection of state gambling taxes. If you have any questions about your tax obligations, you can contact the department directly for guidance. It’s important to note that failure to pay the required taxes on your gambling winnings can result in penalties and interest charges.

If you are a non-resident of Arizona and have won gambling income in the state, you may be required to file an Arizona income tax return. The threshold for non-residents to file an Arizona income tax return is $5,500 of Arizona-sourced income, which includes gambling winnings. Keep in mind that the $5,500 threshold is for taxable income, not just gross winnings.

To pay gambling taxes in Arizona, you can use the Arizona Department of Revenue’s online payment portal, where you can make a payment using a debit or credit card. You can also pay by mail, by check or money order, using the payment voucher provided by the department. It’s important to file and pay your taxes on time, to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Overall, paying gambling taxes in Arizona is a straightforward process, and it’s important to stay up to date with your tax obligations to avoid any legal issues or penalties. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact the Arizona Department of Revenue for guidance.

Arizona Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Arizona casinos before being taxed?

In Arizona, gambling winnings are considered taxable income, and you are required to report them on your income tax return. You must report any gambling winnings of $600 or more to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and pay taxes on them.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Arizona?

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, you can self-exclude from all Arizona casinos by filling out a form with the Arizona Department of Gaming. You can choose to exclude yourself for one, five, or ten years, or for life.

Who regulates gambling in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Gaming is responsible for regulating and overseeing all gambling activities in the state, including tribal gaming operations. The department is also responsible for licensing and regulating gaming employees and vendors, and ensuring that all gaming activities are conducted in a fair and lawful manner.

What is the minimum gambling age in Arizona?

The minimum gambling age in Arizona is 21 for all forms of gambling, including casino gaming, lottery games, and pari-mutuel wagering. Any person under the age of 21 is not permitted to participate in any form of gambling in the state, and casinos are required to check identification to verify the age of patrons.