The Arizona Department of Gaming announced today $30,845,042 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2025. This amount represents an approximate 7.9 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2024.

The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88 percent of tribal gaming contributions, providing significant dollars to support instructional improvement in schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism, and wildlife conservation throughout the state.

Tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the 3rd quarter of the Stateߣs FY 2025 are as follows:

Instructional Improvement Fund/Education ߝ $15,373,169

Trauma and Emergency Services Fund ߝ $7,686,584

Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs ߝ $2,776,054

Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund ߝ $2,196,167

Tourism Fund ߝ $2,196,167

Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention ߝ $616,901

FY 25 Qtr 3 Total: Tribal Gaming Contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund ߝ $30,845,042

Per the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Tribes with casinos also contribute a percentage of their Class III gross gaming revenue to cities, towns, and counties. Currently, there are 26 Class III casinos in Arizona, which ADG regulates in partnership with Arizona tribes. Since the inception of tribal gaming in Arizona, over $2.34 billion in cumulative tribal contributions has been contributed to the state and its cities, towns, and counties since FY 2004.

The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) has taken action against an overseas gaming company in Curaçao that is allegedly operating illegal online gaming sites, Bovada.com and Bovada.lv (Bovada), accessible to Arizona residents. Following an investigation into the matter, the ADG sent a cease-and-desist letter to Harp Media B.V., which operates Bovada, on November 8, 2024.

The operation of Bovada in Arizona is alleged to be a felony criminal enterprise and Bovada has been directed to desist from any future illegal gambling operations or activities of any type in Arizona. Due to the unregulated and illegal online gaming offerings on Bovada, Harp Media B.V. is claimed to be in violation of Arizona gaming laws, including:

1. Promotion of Gambling (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3303.
2. Illegal Control of an Enterprise (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2312.
3. Money Laundering (Felony) — Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2317.

Harp Media B.V. has been directed to immediately cease all online (or other) gambling operations and activities in Arizona, and take the necessary steps to immediately prevent and exclude Arizona residents from gambling on their websites.

“We are actively monitoring the evolving landscape of online gaming and taking proactive steps like this helps us protect Arizona’s communities and economy from illegal activities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “Our enforcement team is committed to preventing unauthorized operations from establishing a foothold here. Arizona will not be a safe haven for unlicensed or unlawful gaming, nor will we allow unlawful entities to compromise the integrity of gaming within our state.”

In light of these developments, the Arizona Department of Gaming urges residents to exercise caution with online gaming activities. Only legal, regulated operations provide important consumer protections not found in the illegal market, helping ensure a safer experience for participants. Certain online event wagering is legal in Arizona. A list of all licensed and regulated event wagering operators legally taking bets in Arizona can be found on the Department’s website at gaming.az.gov.

Bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $732 million on sports in September of 2024, according to a new report by the Arizona Department of Gaming. This represents an approximate 20% increase when compared to September of 2023.

The state collected approximately $3.96 million in privilege fees in the month. You can view the full September report on the ADG website: LINK.