Authorization

• Arizona has legal gambling casinos that are open to the public. Any gambling done at these facilities is legal, as it occurs on land owned by Native American tribes. Online gambling is not available at these casinos and gambling outside of these facilities is illegal if it is for profit. For instance, a poker night at home is legal if no fees are charged and the purpose is not for making a profit.
  
  

Federal Restrictions

• The Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, enacted on Oct.13, 2006, makes it a crime to be in the business of online gambling. It is important to note that "mere participation" does not violate the law. For a person to violate the act he must be involved in operating, managing funds or otherwise profiting from online gambling as a business endeavor.
  
  

State Action

• Despite the passing of federal legislation, Arizona has not directly enacted legislation regarding online gambling within the state. Part of the reason for this is that operators of online gambling sites are global, and prosecuting companies all over the world is beyond the resources and ability of the state. Arizona, however, is taking a hard look and a hard stance on association between online gambling sites and legitimate businesses such as banks and casinos.
  
  

Association

• As of September 2010, Goldwater Bank of Arizona has been the subject of allegations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Goldwater is being required to implement anti-money laundering safe guards, and pay at least $733,800, to settle allegations of involvement with illegal online gambling. The FBI asserts that approximately $13.3 million located in a Goldwater account can be traced to online gambling companies, such as Pokerstars.com, located within the United States. The amount fined to Goldwater, is the amount of estimated profit that the bank made from all the gambling transactions conducted through the illegal account.