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Arizona sportsbooks took in $663.9 million in wagers in June, up 22.3% from a year earlier. The state’s answer to that kind of growth, arriving right on schedule every September, is a reminder to keep it under control.
The Arizona Department of Gaming and the Arizona Lottery opened Responsible Gaming Education Month on Sept. 1, backed by a statewide proclamation from Gov. Katie Hobbs recognizing September 2026 for the observance.
“Promoting responsible gaming is at the heart of our mission and our commitment to keeping players safe,” said Alec Thomson, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “This Responsible Gaming Education Month, we are proud to highlight our efforts to promote responsible play, including our partnership with the Arizona Department of Gaming and shared investments in education, awareness and direct support for those who need it.”
What the campaign is asking bettors to do
The push carries a name, Responsible Play for a Stronger Arizona, built with the Arizona Media Association. A new public service announcement anchors it, running on digital, streaming, and social platforms alongside print, TV, and radio spots in English and Spanish.
If you bet in Arizona, the advice is aimed squarely at you:
- Set a time and dollar limit before you start, and stop when you hit it.
- Treat betting as entertainment, not income.
- Step away and take breaks, especially during a long slate.
The message is aimed at anyone who logged on to place a bet this year.
Which, based on the June numbers, is a lot of people.
Where Arizona bettors can get help
Arizona’s problem gambling helpline runs 24 hours a day at 1-800-NEXT-STEP, with treatment counseling, financial counseling, and voluntary self-exclusion available for anyone who needs to step away from betting altogether. Cities and towns are also being asked to adopt their own proclamations and post those resources on local community pages, using a sample proclamation and quick reference guide the state built for the month.
The timing is not incidental. Arizona’s sports betting handle has climbed by double digits year over year, and a market moving that much money is exactly the kind of market where a state agency wants its safety messaging seen, not filed away.
The betting handle is not slowing down. Arizona just wants the people betting on it to know when to.
Johnson said as much when the campaign launched.
“Arizona has a long-standing commitment to promoting responsible gaming and empowering consumers aged 21 and older to make informed choices about their play, and we are proud to partner with the Arizona Lottery to advance this important work,” said Jackie Johnson, director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “By identifying and embracing new opportunities … we are taking meaningful action to keep responsible gaming at the forefront and ensure that Arizonans have the awareness, resources, and support they need to make informed choices.”
