No, you cannot play online poker legally in Arizona.
Although poker has long been a popular pastime in Arizona, it has yet to be legalized in the state.
This means that participating in poker and other similar gambling activities could be illegal and punishable by law. The illegal status also means that players are not protected by any legislation.
Why Not? What Are the Online Poker Laws in Arizona?
You cannot play online poker in Arizona because it falls under the definition of “gambling,” which is considered illegal in Arizona’s state laws. So, while Arizona online poker isn’t outlawed specifically, the game’s classification as a form of gambling makes it illegal. Consequently, casinos and gambling rooms are not allowed to operate legally in the state, both offline and online.
However, Arizona's gambling laws almost exclusively target individuals or organizations that organize and promote illegal gambling activities. This means players face comparatively little legal risk when they play Arizona online poker, especially from sites not domiciled in the state. That said, players who use these sites are still taking a couple of big risks.
These sites are known as offshore gambling sites and are not subject to federal or local Arizona laws regarding poker and other gambling activities. Offshore sites such as ACR Poker and Ignition welcome Arizona citizens.
Although offshore gambling sites are accessible to Arizona residents, MyPokerCoaching does not recommend playing on these sites. There’s no guarantee of your funds’ safety or the integrity of the game when you use these sites. There’s always a risk of not recovering your winnings or losing your money entirely due to a lack of fair play, which is why these sites are not recommended.
The only legal option is to join one of the sweepstakes poker sites, so you can go ahead and try your luck at ClubsPoker.