Are Daily Fantasy Betting Sites in Phoenix Still Illegal?!

Anyone wanting to play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games in Phoenix will be frustrated, as none of the major players operate in Arizona due to its strict legal position on sports betting, including DFS, which – on the whole – had avoided the federal ban that ran between 1992 and 2018. The situation may change in future, with neighbouring states taking an increasingly favourable stance on fantasy sports.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games are illegal in Phoenix, as they are across Arizona, because, under State Law, they are considered a form of gambling.

Fantasy sports leagues have been around for some time but betting on them – notably through DFS games such as those offered by bellwether sites Draftkings or FanDuel –  has only become particularly popular in recent years.

Fantasy Sports generally avoided the federal ban on sports betting in America, which ran between 1992 and 2018, because of a provision in the law that classed them as games of skill rather than games of chance.

You cannot play Daily Fantasy in these states:

Arizona, Louisiana, Washington State, Iowa and Montana – DFS is illegal under State law, which takes precedence over federal laws.

The fact of the matter is: anyone looking to take part in fantasy sports betting in America should be aware of existing State laws. In Arizona, and therefore in Phoenix, offering, promoting, or playing DFS games is illegal. That should be the end of the story – but according to some reports, a large number of people are taking part in DFS illicitly or via loopholes – such as playing from other states.

The Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) is working to get such games legalised in all these states – and changes to the federal sports betting regulations could mean a softening in attitudes and changes at State level.

Neighbouring States, including New Mexico, California and Utah – and with the surprising exception of Nevada, where it is considered gambling and therefore requires a licence – do allow DFS sites to operate, and with the relaxation of federal sports betting rules, pressure is mounting on Arizona to change its stance.