Dayne-O’Brien, Arizona Department of Gaming: “Arizona has one of the most expansive gaming markets in the US”
Dayne O’Brien, Public Information Officer at the Arizona Department of Gaming, spoke to Focus Gaming News about the state’s rapidly expanding gambling market.
Exclusive interview.- Arizona’s gaming landscape is rapidly expanding, and the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) is committed to keeping regulation ahead of this growth.
In this exclusive Focus Gaming News interview, public information officer Dayne O’Brien reflects on the first half of the year and explains how the ADG is intensifying enforcement against illegal operators while broadening consumer protections and responsible gaming resources. O’Brien also details the statewide “Check Your Bet” campaign and outlines priorities for 2026.
The gaming market is expanding rapidly. What is your assessment of the first half of the year in Arizona? What are the main challenges for the rest of the year?
Arizona has one of the most expansive gaming markets in the country, covering tribal gaming, horse racing and simulcast wagering, event wagering, fantasy sports, unarmed combat sports, lottery, and bingo. As the market continues to grow and illegal gambling trends evolve, the Department’s top priorities remain strict enforcement against illegal operators, increasing consumer protection, and expanding resources for those impacted by gambling harms.
To meet these challenges, the Department is strengthening its intelligence unit and working in partnership with the Arizona Attorney General and policymakers to ensure Arizonans are protected and the 2021 Amended and Restated Tribal-State of Arizona Gaming Compact is upheld. At the same time, the Department is expanding its public education campaigns to include statewide PSAs to raise awareness about the risks of illegal operators, which continue to threaten both consumers and the integrity of Arizona’s regulated gaming industry.
A recent report shows that Arizona tribal gaming contributions to the benefits fund increased in the fourth quarter of FY 2025. What do you think are the reasons for this expansion?
The Department is not in a position to speculate on the specific causes behind the increase in tribal gaming contributions. However, it is relevant to note that FY 2025 included the launch of Desert Diamond Casino – White Tanks at San Lucy, which may have contributed to the overall growth in revenues.
The ADG has recently launched its first statewide campaign focused on protecting consumers. What is the objective of the initiative, and how can you describe its implementation?
The campaign is designed to inform and empower the public by emphasising the risks of engaging with illegal operators and providing them with tools to identify legal, regulated options. It aims to reduce consumer vulnerability, prevent exploitation, and help individuals make informed decisions if they choose to participate in gaming activities. The campaign kicks off with a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs), developed in collaboration with the Arizona Media Association, which will be aired across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms. Available in both English and Spanish, the PSAs will:
- Educate the public on how to identify legal, regulated gaming operators in Arizona
- Emphasise consumer protection and the safeguards provided by regulated gaming environments
- Highlight the role regulated gaming plays in supporting Arizona communities and essential services
- Promote the 1-800-NEXT STEP helpline, which connects individuals to confidential, 24/7 support for problem gambling
What measures is the ADG taking against illegal operators? What are the main steps taken to ensure a safe gaming environment?
The Department combats illegal operators through cease-and-desist actions, targeted law enforcement operations and seizures, and coordinated efforts with local, state, and federal partners. Education and training remain key components, with resources provided to law enforcement partners, tribal regulators, industry stakeholders, and the public on recognising and reporting illegal gambling. The Department is also working closely with prosecutorial agencies and expanding its intelligence unit to monitor trends, collect tips, and identify illegal operators, particularly in the online space.
To ensure a safe gaming environment, the Department collaborates with tribal gaming regulators to share information and coordinate enforcement, works with licensed operators to flag suspicious activity and prevent consumer deception, and enforces compliance with problem gambling requirements. The Department further prioritises educating the public about licensed operators, raising awareness of suspicious activities, providing clear avenues for reporting suspected illegal gambling or fraud, and maintaining adaptable, stringent enforcement operations to protect Arizonans and uphold the integrity of the state’s regulated gaming industry.
“Education and training remain key components, with resources provided to law enforcement partners, tribal regulators, industry stakeholders, and the public on recognising and reporting illegal gambling.”
Dayne-O’Brien, public information officer at the Arizona Department of Gaming.
What resources and initiatives is the ADG implementing to promote responsible gaming practices?
To promote responsible gaming, the Department offers a voluntary self-exclusion program that allows individuals to ban themselves from Arizona tribal casinos, event wagering, and fantasy sports contests. Through its Division of Problem Gambling, the Department also provides financial counselling and other support services for individuals and families impacted by gambling harms.
The Department is finalising the rollout of its first-ever Responsible Gaming Training for staff, tribal casinos, and the public, and will be closely collaborating with the Arizona Lottery to coordinate responsible gaming initiatives. More information on these efforts will be shared during Responsible Gaming Education Month in September.
In addition to the statewide PSAs, the Department has launched the Check Your Bet webpage, a centralised resource to verify regulated operators and access consumer protection tools. The webpage includes:
- A searchable list and interactive map of authorised Tribal Casinos in Arizona
- A searchable list and interactive map of licensed Event Wagering and Fantasy Sports Operators and their retail locations
- Information on Advanced Deposit Wagering Providers (ADWPs), Off-Track Betting (OTB) locations, and permitted horse racing tracks in Arizona
- How to access the Division of Problem Gambling’s Helpline, a confidential Problem Gambling Self-Screening Quiz, and additional supportive resources
- How to request voluntary Self-Exclusion
- Guidance on submitting tips about suspected illegal gambling to the Department and filing consumer complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office
For more information, visit the Check Your Bet webpage at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.
Thinking about the future plans, what are your main priorities for 2026?
Looking ahead, the Department’s priorities remain centred on safeguarding the integrity of Arizona’s gaming industry while protecting the public. Key focus areas include:
- Strict Enforcement: Continuing to take strong action against illegal gambling and unlicensed operators, supported by expanded intelligence and enforcement capabilities, and strengthened partnerships with prosecutorial agencies and local, state, and federal law enforcement.
- Consumer Protection & Education: Enhancing tools and resources to help the public identify regulated operators and avoid fraudulent or unsafe gambling, while increasing transparency through educational campaigns and accessible reporting channels.
- Responsible Gaming & Problem Gambling Efforts: Expanding resources provided through the Division of Problem Gambling and coordinating closely with industry stakeholders, including the Arizona Lottery, to strengthen prevention and support programs.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with tribal governments, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure the Department remains adaptable to an evolving market while upholding its regulatory responsibilities to protect Arizonans and preserve the integrity of gaming statewide.
