State gaming officials say they saw a big spike in how much money Arizonans bet on sports and events this June.
State gaming officials say the roughly $664 million bet this June was a 22% increase from the same month last year.
The World Cup, which takes place every four years, began in June.
And it’s the month when professional basketball and hockey leagues hold their championships. Despite the rise in the amount bet, records show the state took in about $2 million less in taxes than in June of 2025.
A gaming department spokesperson says this is due to players having won more and sports books offering more free bets, which they can claim as deductions.
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