Arizona Expands Problem Gambling Funding as Gaming Regulator Continues

PHOENIX: Arizona approved a six-year continuation for its gaming regulator and expanded problem gambling spending authority.

The budget change gives the Arizona Department of Gaming more room to support prevention, education, treatment and recovery services across the state.

The Arizona Department of Gaming announcement said Gov. Katie Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1671, continuing the department after legislative review. The agency also received expanded expenditure authority through Senate Bill 1847 and the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget.

Problem Gambling Spending Authority Increased

The department’s Division of Problem Gambling received $4 million in total authorized spending under the new state budget. The agency said that represents a 20% increase from the fiscal year 2026 budget.

The legislature also granted annual $500,000 expenditure authority for the department to use event wagering funds to support problem gambling services. For the first time, the Division of Problem Gambling will also have grant oversight authority, allowing it to expand programs for people seeking support.

Elise Mikkelsen said the budget will strengthen long-running problem gambling assistance supported through partnerships with Arizona’s Tribal Nations and the Arizona Lottery. She said the state continues to see strong demand from individuals and families seeking information, resources and treatment for gambling-related harm.

The funding increase comes as Arizona continues to regulate a broad gambling market that includes tribal gaming, event wagering, fantasy sports contests, horse racing, simulcast wagering and combat sports. The department also supports education, prevention and treatment programs through its Division of Problem Gambling.

Gaming Department Continued for Six Years

Senate Bill 1671 continues the Arizona Department of Gaming, the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission and the Arizona Racing Commission for six years. The continuation confirms their authority to carry out duties assigned by the legislature.

Department Director Jackie Johnson said Arizona created the gaming department in 1995 and that the continuation will allow the agency to keep focusing on consumer protection and integrity. She also credited Gov. Hobbs and state lawmakers, including continuation bill sponsor Sen. Shawnna Bolick.

The department said its regulatory portfolio now covers tribal gaming, event wagering, fantasy sports, racing and pari-mutuel or simulcast wagering, as well as boxing and mixed martial arts. That gives the agency oversight responsibilities across both gambling and combat sports in Arizona.

Self-Exclusion and Youth Gambling Campaigns Continue

The agency also highlighted its responsible gaming and safer play campaigns. Its Take Back the Game initiative, run with the Arizona Media Association, promotes awareness of gambling self-exclusion options in English and Spanish across Arizona media outlets.

The campaign tells viewers that if gambling is no longer fun, they can self-exclude from Arizona casinos, sportsbooks and fantasy sports operators. The department also said its Too Young to Bet campaign emphasizes the risks associated with youth gambling.

The Arizona action reflects a wider focus on responsible gambling prevention as legal betting markets continue to mature. For state regulators, the funding increase gives Arizona more authority to expand treatment access and public education while continuing oversight of licensed gambling activity.

RELATED TOPICS: Responsible Gambling