The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has intensified its enforcement campaign against illegal gambling by issuing five new cease-and-desist orders to platforms that allegedly offered betting and gambling services to Arizona residents without holding the licenses required under the state's Event Wagering Act, the law governing legal sports betting in Arizona. The action, announced on 10 July 2026, forms part of an ongoing effort to protect the regulated market and consumers.
The enforcement action, led by the Arizona Department of Gaming, under the direction of Director Jackie Johnson, targets BetOpenly, Bookmaker, ClubWPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc., and Raffle Creator. According to the regulator, these operators allegedly provided unauthorized sports betting, online poker, casino-style games, raffles and other gambling products without state authorization. In certain cases, the platforms were also accused of allowing access to individuals under the state's minimum gambling age of 21 years.
The ADG stated that the investigated operators may have violated Arizona law by engaging in illegal gambling promotion, operating illegal enterprises and potentially facilitating money laundering. The cease-and-desist orders require the companies to immediately stop offering gambling services to Arizona residents and warn that failure to comply could result in civil enforcement actions, criminal investigations, asset forfeiture and the recovery of funds obtained through unauthorized gambling activities.
Arizona regulates sports wagering under the Event Wagering Act, enacted in 2021, which authorizes only retail and mobile sports betting and licensed fantasy sports contests through operators approved by the ADG. The licensing framework provides for up to 20 event wagering licenses, divided between federally recognized tribal gaming partners operating under gaming compacts and professional sports organizations. In contrast, real-money online casinos, online slot machines, roulette, blackjack and online poker remain prohibited for Arizona residents. Holding an Event Wagering Act license requires operators to meet strict suitability standards, undergo financial and background investigations, implement responsible gaming programs, comply with anti-money laundering requirements and remain under continuous regulatory oversight.
As part of its "Check Your Bet" public awareness campaign, the ADG continues to encourage consumers to verify that any sportsbook or gaming platform appears on the state's official list of licensed operators before placing wagers. With this latest enforcement action, Arizona reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy toward unlicensed gambling operators and strengthens the integrity of its regulated sports betting market.
