There is no definite answer to the question, is online poker legal in Arizona? This is necessitated by the fact that Arizona does not have explicit laws which allow or prohibit online poker. Rather, they are different pieces of legislation that talk about ‘gambling’ as well as ‘wagering’. These pieces of legislation are open to interpretation and many think that they do not outlaw online poker. 

Just to put the above into perspective, let’s check out the definition of gambling (which is prohibited by the way under the law) according to the Revised Statutes, Title 13, Criminal Code: 

“ ‘Gambling’ or ‘gamble’ means one act of risking or giving something of value for the opportunity to obtain a benefit from a game or contest of chance or skill or a future contingent event but does not include bona fide business transactions which are valid under the law of contracts including contracts for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or commodities, contracts of indemnity or guarantee and life, health or accident insurance.”     

This definition, therefore, leaves the question of online poker legality in Arizona in a grey area. This grey area has been viewed by poker players, poker operators, and poker sites as a tacit acknowledgment that poker is legal. To further cement this position, Arizona hasn’t charged or prosecuted any poker player or operator for engaging in online poker hence the reason many think that it’s legal and accepted. 

When to Expect ‘Explicit’ Legislation Legalising or Outlawing Online Poker 

The legal grey area of online poker has led many offshore poker sites to establish operation and accept players from Arizona. As each day passes, more and more poker sites open shop, and more players flock to the sites. This has led many to suggest that explicit laws targeted towards online poker will soon arise. Is this really the case? Well, the answer to many is not really. 

Arizona at the present moment doesn’t have any commercial casinos and this is expected to continue in the near future. There haven’t been any plans put forward to commercialize the tribal casinos operating in Arizona. Whenever talks about the ‘commercialization’ of the tribal casinos have arisen, there have been strong reactions to the contrary and this is expected to continue in the process, leaving other gambling operations such as online poker to continue operating in a legal grey area.   

Why It’s Good to Play Online Poker in Arizona 

The absence of a legal framework should not dissuade players from enjoying online poker in Arizona. Rather, this should push players to engage in the game. This is necessitated by the fact that the absence of explicit online poker laws brings many great advantages to players which include: 

• Play at any offshore poker site they prefer for as long as it holds a license that permits it to accept Arizona players 
• Partake in different poker tournaments from all around the globe without any restrictions 
• Benefit from poker sites’ bonuses and promotions even those with territory restrictions.