HomeArizona Online Poker

Arizona Online Poker

Real-money online poker hasn’t yet been legalized in Arizona, but on this page, we’ll lay out what legislative hurdles exist and what the online poker landscape could look like when that status changes.

Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
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Arizona online poker is limited to social casinos only, as real-money poker gaming hasn’t yet been written into state law. While there was some renewed hope among gamblers following the successful launch of online sports betting throughout AZ, it still seems unlikely there would be any legislative momentum to permit online poker in Arizona in the near future.

To prepare for potential changes to the legal status of Arizona online poker, as well as to provide updates about a potential launch, operators that may be coming to the state, and other specific poker news, we’ve put together this page as a hub for all aspects around the gambling practice.

No, real-money online poker is not legal in Arizona. State law limits for-profit gambling to sports betting, horse race wagering, the state lottery, and in-person casino gaming. Online poker sites and online casinos in Arizona are not legal.

Bettors looking to play poker online without playing for money can play for fun at a social casino. These casinos do not offer cash prizes or payouts, and you will not need to fund your account to play.

Online poker is only legal in six states: Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

When could Arizona legalize online poker?

At this time, there aren’t any bills up for debate in the Arizona legislature that could legalize online poker. Part of the reason for this is the pushback from the state’s 26 tribal casinos which would stand to see a considerable hit to their brick-and-mortar facilities even if they were to work with an online casino partner following legalization.

In theory, the soonest online poker could be legalized would be during the 2024 legislative session, though this seems highly unlikely.

Best Arizona online poker sites

Once Arizona legalizes online poker, we expect these sites to be highly competitive in the chase to be the best platform.

🃏 PokerStars Arizona ⭐ User-friendly interface with exceptional customer support
🃏 BetMGM Poker Arizona ⭐ Offers a wide range of stakes suitable for all players
🃏 PartyPoker Arizona ⭐ Features unique and innovative game formats
🃏 WSOP Poker Arizona ⭐ Provides extensive training resources for new players

How could you sign up at an Arizona online poker site?

Online poker sites aren’t yet legal in Arizona, but once that status changes, the sign-up process will be largely similar regardless of the operator you’re choosing to use. Here’s what registration will look like.

  1. Use a bonus code or referral link: To help streamline the process of signing up, we’ll link to specific online casino platforms on our review pages once they are available. We will also provide any bonus codes that may be needed to maximize the welcome offers.
  2. Create account credentials: Once you’ve opened the registration form, you’ll be asked to provide an email address and password to use when logging into your account. You may also need to come up with a unique username, and/or choose and answer security questions to help protect your account.
  3. Verify your identity: Next, you’ll need to confirm you’re eligible to gamble in Arizona and aren’t prohibited by your age, career, or any other legal reasons. To do this, you must provide your legal name, address, phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number.
  4. Agree to terms: In most cases, checking a box will be enough to confirm your agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of use, though you may also need to agree to a privacy policy. Once you checked all the required boxes (and optionally chosen to receive promotional emails from the site), click “Submit” or “Complete” to finalize your registration.
  5. Make a deposit and find a table: Before you can start playing online poker, you’ll need to deposit funds into your account. Different sites will have different payment methods, so be sure to check carefully so you aren’t blocked from making a deposit. Also, be sure any amount you use to fund your account will allow you to qualify for the site’s welcome bonus.

Arizona casinos with poker rooms

Though there are 26 casinos in the state, there are only nine Arizona casinos with poker rooms. These are those casinos and the addresses of the venues.

  • Bucky’s Yavapai Casino: 1500 AZ-69, Prescott, AZ 86301
  • Casino Del Sol: 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85757
  • Desert Diamond Casino Tucson: 7350 S Nogales Hwy, Tucson, AZ 85756
  • Desert Diamond Casino West Valley: 9431 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305
  • Gila River Casino Lone Butte: 1077 S Kyrene Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226
  • Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin Casino Resort: 15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139
  • Hon-Dah Resort Casino: 777 AZ-260, Pinetop, AZ 85935
  • Talking Stick Casino & Resort: 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
  • We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort: 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264

Which online poker games could come to Arizona?

When online poker is legalized in the state, the following are just a few of the popular poker games that could come to Arizona.

  • Texas Hold’em: Typically played as part of a tournament, Texas Hold’em is one of the most iconic poker games played at casinos. Players are dealt two of their own cards to use while five cards will be dealt face-up as community cards. Through several rounds of betting, players will try to create the best five-card hand they can.
  • Omaha Hi: Omahi Hi plays has many similarities to Texas Hold’em, but the key difference is players are dealt four cards instead of two at the start of each hand. Once again, five community cards are available to come up with the best possible five-card hand, but players are required to use exactly two cards from their deal and exactly three of the community cards when scoring their hand.
  • 7-card stud: 7-card stud was one of the most popular poker variations before Texas Hold’em and the World Series of Poker rose to prominence. While players must again put together a five-card hand, they are instead dealt seven cards with no community cards on the table.
  • 5-card Draw: One big difference between 5-card draw and the other poker games listed above is that 5-card players can choose to discard cards from their hand and be dealt a new one to replace however many they dumped. You’ll find 5-card draw to be a simple game to learn, and the fast pace of play keeps the money moving at the table.
  • Short-deck poker: Similar to Texas Hold’em, short-deck removes the 2, 3, 4, and 5 cards from the deck before playing (thus the name). As a result, flushes are valued higher than a full house, so be aware of that key difference before hitting the table! This is typically a high stakes game, though lower stake options are occasionally available.

Expert tips when playing online poker in Arizona

We asked a few poker pros to share their expert tips for playing poker online. Once online poker is available in Arizona, this advice can help you win more money and make the most of your gambling experience.

  • Set time and money limits: The most important thing to remember when gambling is to do so responsibly. Setting limits on the amount of money and time you spend playing online poker will help combat gambling addiction and problematic betting behaviors.
  • Start by playing lower-stakes games: Not only do lower-stakes games tend to have a higher pool of potential opponents but also playing at these tables will help you practice betting strategies and master the fundamentals of the game. Once you’re consistently winning at the lower stakes games, you can move up to higher stakes tables.
  • Raise before the flop if you’re planning to play: Unlike live poker where limping into the play (calling the big blind without a raise) is more common, online poker tends to see more pre-flop betting action. This can also help you recognize which players are tending to limp into hands and allow you to target them while making your wagers.

Why choose a mobile poker app vs. an online poker website?

There are both advantages and drawbacks to playing on a mobile poker app vs. an online poker website. Here are a few of the pros and cons of choosing a mobile poker app.

Pros

  • Easier to play on-the-go: While playing at an online poker website typically requires you to sit at your computer or play on a laptop, mobile device users can play anywhere. Additionally, if you’re planning to use a mobile device anyway, apps typically perform better than accessing the web on your device.
  • Notifications: Notifications tend to rule our days, with text messages, email, and app alerts seemingly constant. If you’re planning to play poker on a mobile device, having these notifications enabled can remind you about the start of tournaments, bonuses you may be eligible for, and much more!
  • Exclusive bonuses: To encourage players to download the mobile app, some online poker platforms will make bonuses exclusively available to app users. These same bonuses won’t apply if you haven’t downloaded the app and logged into your account, so it can work in your favor to get some betting credits and play a few hands from mobile.

Cons

  • Smaller screens can pose a challenge: We’ve all fat-fingered when typing a text message or playing a game on a mobile device, trying to tap one button but hitting something else instead. With the smaller screen, it’s far easier to make a bet that you didn’t mean to make or fold a favorable hand, and no one wants to lose that money. Additionally, with a smaller display, playing on a mobile device can put more strain on your eyes.
  • Mobile gaming will sap your device’s battery faster: Mobile betting apps require geolocation services to constantly confirm you’re within state lines while gaming. This technology will drain your battery faster than using other mobile apps that don’t require geolocation, and we’d hate to see your device run out of charge while you’re about to win big!

FAQ

Do all casinos in Arizona offer poker?

No, all casinos in Arizona do not offer poker. Of the state’s 26 casinos, only nine offer in-person poker rooms.

Is it safe to play at offshore poker sites in Arizona?

No, it is not safe to play at offshore poker sites in Arizona. Offshore poker sites don’t abide by any local regulations, payments aren’t guaranteed or insured, and they aren’t required to protect your personal or financial information.

Are there any active bills to legalize online poker in AZ?

No, there are no active bills to legalize online poker in AZ. While online sports betting has proven profitable for the state and for gambling operators thus far, it is unlikely Arizona will see an expansion to allow online poker or online casino gaming any time soon.

Are there any exceptions for charitable poker events in Arizona?

Yes, there are exceptions to Arizona law that allow for participation in charitable poker events. The organizations hosting these events must be 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations under the Internal Revenue Code, and the charity must have been in operation for at least five years. Charitable poker events may not be held online.

How can I stay informed about changes in Arizona's online poker laws?

You can stay informed about changes in Arizona’s online poker laws by checking in with BettingAZ.com. Our team of betting experts and insiders will continue to provide updates on gambling policies throughout the state as they become available.

Can I legally host private poker games in my home in Arizona?

Yes, in most cases you can legally host private poker games in your home in Arizona. To be compliant with state law, you must not charge fees for entry and must have a bona fide relationship with all participants (friends and family). You cannot use a public space, a “house” bank is not permitted, and you may not advertise the game in any fashion. If these requirements are met, you’re good to go!

What are the penalties for playing online poker in Arizona?

Arizona has not defined penalties for playing online poker unless you are under 21 years of age. Those who gamble or attempt to gamble while underage could be subject to fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, community service, and/or jail time.

Are there any social or play-money poker options available in Arizona?

Yes, there are social and play-money poker options available in Arizona. Social casinos are permitted to operate in Arizona, as well as every state (including D.C.) aside from Washington.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley is a sports researcher and betting expert at Betting AZ. He has spent 10 seasons as a hockey broadcaster for junior teams in Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. When not writing or cohosting his NHL podcast, Pod Snipe Celly, he is mostly out fishing or playing bar trivia.