The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) released multiple public service announcements emphasizing legal, responsible sports betting and warning against unregulated platforms. ADG Director Jackie Johnson reinforced the message ahead of the big game:
“The Super Bowl is an exciting event that brings communities together, but it’s essential to approach event wagering with caution and accountability.”
The ADG’s initiatives extend beyond AZ sports betting. A recent PSA coinciding with Identity Theft Awareness Week underscored the risks of fraudulent online casinos and illegal sweepstakes, warning residents to verify gaming platforms before playing.
The ADG noted that unregulated operations exploit consumers, leaving victims with little recourse:
“Due to their unregulated nature, ADG is unable to resolve complaints and disputes arising from unregulated and illegal gaming sites, leaving victims with little to no chance of recovering lost funds.”
The agency has been proactive in its messaging, encouraging bettors to set budgets, understand the odds, and keep gambling social rather than a financial strategy.
The push aligns with national efforts like the American Gaming Association’s “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” campaign, which Arizona has integrated into its educational efforts.
BetCris and the Navajo Nation’s Expansion Paint a Different Picture
While the ADG is ramping up responsible gaming awareness, Arizona’s gambling market continues to expand, raising questions about how effectively these efforts will counterbalance new betting opportunities.
BetCris, once a prominent U.S. sportsbook before exiting the market in 2007 due to the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act, has re-entered the American gaming scene, launching operations in Arizona.
The sportsbook, backed by UK-based Plannatech, is now open for signups and will begin taking bets soon. The Arizona market provides an enticing opportunity, with a low 10% tax rate and proximity to California, a state without legal sports betting.
Unlike industry giants such as FanDuel AZ and DraftKings AZ, BetCris aims for steady growth rather than immediate dominance.
Beyond online betting, brick-and-mortar casino expansion is also in motion. The Navajo Nation recently secured legal authority to open a second casino near Flagstaff on a 13.79-acre site previously home to the Horsemen Lodge steakhouse.
The Lower 89 Project, as it is called, will feature up to 300 gaming devices and is projected to create over 100 permanent jobs. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren highlighted the project’s economic impact:
“Unemployment on the Navajo Nation remains at nearly 50%. We anticipate construction will create more than 300 jobs and more than 100 permanent jobs upon completion.”
While the Navajo Nation has committed to reopening the iconic Horsemen Lodge steakhouse alongside the casino, the project has sparked concerns about infrastructure and public safety impacts on the Flagstaff community.
Balancing Expansion with Responsibility
Arizona is walking a tightrope between fostering a booming gaming industry and promoting responsible gambling practices. The ADG’s intensified efforts to curb problem gambling and prevent fraud are commendable, yet the state’s rapid expansion of both digital and in-person gaming opportunities presents a conflicting message.
With new operators entering the market and tribal gaming expanding, the challenge remains: can responsible gaming efforts keep pace with Arizona’s ever-growing betting landscape?
