The latest Arizona Department of Gaming report has revealed an increase in sports betting activity in September, the month that marked the beginning of the 2024-25 NFL regular season. The handle climbed 47.3% from in August.
Mobile sportsbooks dominated, accounting for $719.6 million of the $732.1 million handle. Meanwhile, bettors spent $12.5 million with the state’s retail sportsbooks.
Arizona sports betting revenue came to $77.4 million in September, which included $77.1 million from mobile sportsbooks. Retail sportsbooks collected $342,611 for the month.
Revenue more than doubled compared to August, when sportsbooks generated around $37.4 million. Both handle and revenue were also up year-on-year in September. Handle rose 19.9% from $610.7 million in September 2023, while revenue jumped 29.6% year-on-year. Last September, revenue was $59.7 million.
Roughly $39.7 million of the revenue was taxable, resulting in nearly $4 million in privilege fees paid by Arizona sportsbooks. This marks a 79% increase from the $2.2 million collected in August.
Which sportsbooks contributed the most?
Arizona’s five leading mobile sportsbooks, listed below, accounted for around 89% of the total handle and close to 91% of September’s revenue total.
| Operator | September Handle | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | $260.4 million | $26.5 million |
| FanDuel | $224.3 million | $27.4 million |
| BetMGM | $85.7 million | $8.8 million |
| Caesars | $38.6 million | $3.5 million |
| Fanatics | $34.9 million | $3.8 million |
While DraftKings led in terms of wagers with $260.4 million, FanDuel Sportsbook took the top spot in revenue with $27.4 million. The other three Arizona sports betting operators making the top five in September included BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics, which was one of the latest sportsbooks to launch in the state. Fanatics launched its sportsbook in Arizona in April through a partnership with the Tonto Apache Tribe.
Arizona is home to 13 licensed online sportsbooks. Beyond the top five, other options include Bally Bet, bet365, BetRivers, Desert Diamond, ESPN BET, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Bet, and Sporttrade. Each mobile operator is partnered with a state sports team or federally recognized tribe. For instance, BetMGM operates through a deal with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.
Cardinals lose four NFL games in September
The Cardinals got off to a slow start to the NFL regular season in September, losing three of their first four games. If Arizona bettors were backing the team winning, it could explain the more positive month for sportsbook revenue. However, the Cardinals turned their performance around in October, winning three of their four games.
As of the end of November, the Cardinals are tied for first place in the NFC West, alongside the Seattle Seahawks who are also 6-5. The Cardinals’ next game is against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 1.
