This report marks a strong showing for the state’s sports betting market and reflects growing interest from casual and serious bettors alike.
Handle Growth in March
In March of 2025, the total Arizona sports betting handle rose by 16.8% compared to the same month a year earlier. Last March, Arizona bettors risked about $760 million, making this year’s figure a new monthly high.
The surge was driven largely by major sporting events, including the NCAA basketball tournament and the start of the NBA playoffs, which together accounted for a significant share of total bets.
Both mobile and retail sportsbooks saw increased activity. Mobile wagering continues to dominate, with most bets placed via apps, but brick-and-mortar locations also reported a healthy uptick in foot traffic.
Operators noted that promotional offers and special odds boosted engagement, particularly during high-profile games and weekend matchups.
March’s strong handle reflects a maturing market. Since sports betting launched in Arizona in late 2021, the state has added new operators and refined its regulatory framework.
Today, there is a competitive roster of licensed AZ sportsbooks, each striving to attract bettors with user-friendly interfaces, live betting features, and loyalty rewards.
State Fees and Future Outlook
The Arizona Department of Gaming collected $2.5 million in privilege fees on March’s wagers. These fees help fund regulatory oversight and problem-gambling programs, ensuring the integrity of the market and support for those who may develop unhealthy betting habits.
To date, fee revenues have contributed millions to state and tribal budgets, demonstrating the fiscal benefit of regulated sports wagering.
Looking ahead, industry analysts expect handle growth to continue through the summer months. Major League Baseball, international soccer, and golf tournaments provide year-round betting opportunities.
At the same time, ongoing marketing efforts and responsible-gaming initiatives aim to sustain interest while protecting consumers.
As Arizona’s sports betting landscape evolves, stakeholders will watch closely for shifts in betting patterns, operator performance, and revenue trends.
With strong March results in hand, the state remains on track to set new annual records for handle and fee collections by year’s end.
