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Arizona, It’s Time To Indulge In Some Sports Betting!

After the federal ban on sports betting was struck down, states across the US began legalizing sports betting. However, Arizona’s decision to legalize sports betting truly comes as surprising due to various reasons.
Though the momentum kept growing, negotiations between the tribes and the Governor of Arizona didn’t seem like it was working out, especially with the scheduled adjournment date of April 24th nearing. In addition, there were a lot of controversies surrounding the topic that could have ruined the whole sports betting legislation thing.
Nonetheless, at the last moment, everything fell into place perfectly. An agreement was reached in April 2021 that gave event wagering licenses to both professional sports teams as well as the tribes in the state. Though the decision was made in April, it is expected to launch on September 9, 2021, coinciding with the beginning of the NFL season.
To avoid conflicts down the lane, a draft of rules surrounding sports betting was published by the Arizona Department of Gaming. Then it was left for a public comment period where interested parties could submit their opinions and participate in public discussion periods.
On July 2, the second draft of rules was released, which featured an 8 percent tax rate on retail wagers and 10 percent on mobile bets. It also spoke about the initial license fee that was valued at $850,000. Following this, another public comment and discussion session were held and a separate session for license allocation.
Ultimately, the state representatives approved a bill legalizing sports betting, and Gov. Doug Ducey signed Arizona betting into law this year. Nonetheless, it is to be remembered that Ducey indulged in an array of negotiations with Arizona tribes asking them to include sports betting into their contracts.
If you are interested in learning more, this article will discuss everything you need to know about the approaching launch of legal sports betting in Arizona.
What Did Arizona’s Path to Legal Sports Betting Look Like?
Regardless of the state, the road to legalizing sports betting is a tough one filled with challenges both anticipated and unforeseen. The case of Arizona was no different. There was even an instance when a mere typo almost wrecked the entire effort put towards legalization. In the next section, let’s look at how Arizona got from negotiation to complete legalization.
The idea of legalizing sports betting was born in 2019. However, the support it received was minimal, and with the opposition from the tribes, the efforts didn’t get anywhere. Post-PASPA, most betting enthusiasts were sure that sports betting legalization would come to Arizona at some point. Nonetheless, there didn’t seem to be a lot of urgencies, especially from the tribe. The tribes were happy with their existing operations as they didn’t want any competition for the profits they could earn in the state.
When Will Sports Betting Launch in Arizona?
Sports betting was signed into law, but when will it finally launch? The simple answer to this question is on September 9th, 2021. Officials repeatedly declared the date as the target “go-live” date. What’s more, this date will coincide with the first game of the NFL 2021 season. A few states took more than a year to come up with and then finalize the rules supervising sports betting. On the other hand, other states took just a few months. However, thanks to the
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Arizona Department of Gaming and Arizona Lottery Announce Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month

State agencies join forces to raise awareness, promote prevention, and provide tools for safe and responsible play.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and the Arizona Lottery are proud to announce a joint effort in support of a new Proclamation recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month in Arizona.
Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. While problem gambling initiatives focus on helping those already experiencing harm from gambling, responsible gaming emphasizes prevention by encouraging healthy play behaviors before they reach a critical point.
Throughout September, and continuing in the months ahead, the ADG and Arizona Lottery will work together to strengthen education and awareness initiatives. The goal is to equip players with strategies and resources that help them keep gaming fun and safe, while helping reduce the risks associated with problem gambling.
“For over 30 years, the Arizona Department of Gaming has safeguarded the integrity of gaming through strong consumer protections, enforcement against illegal operators, and support services for those impacted by problem gambling,” said Jackie Johnson, Arizona Department of Gaming Agency Director. “During Responsible Gaming Education Month, we remind everyone that part of playing responsibly is being informed—always double-check before you place your bet to ensure you are using a legal, regulated operator at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.”
The Arizona Lottery also remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible play and has a Level 2 certification with the World Lottery Association for responsible gaming. Lottery games benefit the people of Arizona by generating critical revenue that funds education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and economic development. At the same time, the Lottery prioritizes the well-being of its players. Each ticket includes clear odds of winning, vending machines display game odds, and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline is featured across Lottery products and advertising.
“We are proud to deliver entertainment that benefits communities across our state, while recognizing our responsibility to promote safe play,” said Alec Thomson, Arizona Lottery Executive Director. “Through transparency and awareness, we want every player to have the tools they need to make informed decisions and enjoy the Lottery responsibly.”
As Arizona observes Responsible Gaming Education Month, ADG and the Arizona Lottery encourage all players to stay informed, know their limits, and seek help if needed. Together, we can ensure that gaming remains a source of entertainment that strengthens, rather than harms, Arizona communities.
For more information and resources, visit gaming.az.gov/ResponsibleGaming or ArizonaLottery.com/ResponsibleGaming. If you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling, call or text 1-800-NEXT-STEP for confidential support available 24/7.
Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
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Woodbine partners with 1/ST for Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Qualifier

Woodbine Entertainment has announced a partnership with 1/ST that will see the bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes (G2) become a qualifying race for the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2).
The winner of this year’s $200,000 bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack will receive an automatic invitation to the 2026 $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
The Dance Smartly, to be held on Saturday, October 4 at Woodbine, will be contested at 1 1/16 miles on the bet365 Inner Turf Course and is part of a stacked card headlined by the returning $750,000 Canadian International (G1).
“We’re pleased to partner with the team at 1/ST Racing to add this unique bonus to the Dance Smartly,” said Tim Lawson, Vice-President of Thoroughbred Racing for Woodbine. “Pegasus World Cup Day has become an outstanding showcase of our sport and it’s exciting that the opportunity to be part of it will be connected to a prominent race on one of our biggest days of the season.”
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of racing’s leading luxury, lifestyle and sporting event. The Pegasus World Cup debuted in 2017 as part of 1/ST’s mission to excite, energize and modernize the sport of racing for a new generation of fans and to provide lucrative opportunities for Thoroughbred owners and trainers. The event annually attracts the sport’s biggest names and is viewed globally.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Woodbine in linking the Dance Smartly to Pegasus World Cup Day,” said Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST. “This collaboration strengthens the global profile of both events, while providing horsemen and fans with a world-class pathway from Toronto to South Florida.”
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will be held in January.
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