With Super Bowl LV on the horizon, the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) would like to remind Arizonans of some tips to help you follow Arizona law. The Super Bowl – one of the most popular sporting events in the world – is also one of the most popular events to bet on. However, if you plan on wagering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Kansas City Chiefs, don’t place your bets yet. Sports betting in Arizona remains illegal, though social gambling, like sports pools, are not if you follow a few simple rules.
“For those who choose to make a friendly social gambling wager for Super Bowl LV, the Arizona Department of Gaming asks that you follow Arizona law,” said Ted Vogt, ADG Director. “Whether you are participating in an office or home pool, make sure to follow these tips to keep your game legal.”
ADG urges grid pool administrators to keep these guidelines in mind to ensure legal wagers:
• Arizona Law [A.R.S. 13-3301(7)] specifies social gambling is not to be conducted as business, which means that hosts cannot receive financial benefit, unless they are participating in the game.
• Social gambling requires all pool money be paid to the winner(s), and that only participants can win.
A few things to be on the lookout for that indicate illegal gambling are where a grid pool host:
• Charges a fee to participate (“suggested” or “voluntary” donations, rental fees, etc.),
• Keeps a percentage of the pool for administering the game,
• Requires a minimum purchase to participate (food or beverage, etc.), and
• Creates unequal odds (assigns numbers to the first column and row before filling the grid with names).
Learn more about gambling in Arizona by viewing ADG’s Gambling Tips to Remember: http://bit.ly/TipsToRemember
ADG takes complaints about illegal gambling seriously. If you have a tip concerning suspected illegal gambling, contact (602) 771-4263.
