Arizona Authorities Investigate Alleged Illegal Gambling Ring Linked to Casinos
PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) officials confirmed today they are investigating “Operation Royal Flush,” an alleged illegal gambling ring with potential ties to several state casinos. the inquiry, details of which remain largely confidential, comes amid growing concerns about the expansion of sports betting and it’s impact on problem gambling within the state.
Arizona’s long history with gambling has been marked by debate over its potential for corruption. A counselor with the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline, identified only as Sarah, has witnessed firsthand the financial devastation gambling can inflict. “Most of the people who call…are men who got in over their heads betting tens of thousands of dollars with money they didn’t have,” she said. “They often jeopardize their jobs or houses through gambling. What are they doing to try and keep you coming back?…They’re not being generous, these casinos and these apps aren’t charities.”
Currently, 16 of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized Indigenous tribes operate casinos, contributing substantially to state revenue. According to the ADG’s fiscal year 2025 report, 88% of casino winnings from Indigenous communities flow into the Arizona Benefits Fund, which has provided over $2.3 billion as 2003 for education, emergency preparedness, and wildlife conservation.
however, the increasing accessibility of gambling, notably through mobile sports betting, is raising alarm bells. A February study from UC san Diego Today revealed a surge in gambling addiction following the legalization of sports betting. Total sports wagers jumped from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, with 94% of those wagers placed online.
The ADG reported 124 serious incidents related to gambling in fiscal year 2024, and Director Jackie Johnson stated the department is actively safeguarding patrons and enforcing regulations against unlawful operations. The current investigation,”Operation Royal flush,” represents a significant escalation in these enforcement efforts.
Arizona legalized sports betting in 2021.The state’s gambling laws are complex, encompassing tribal gaming compacts, state-regulated casinos, and online sports betting platforms. The ADG is responsible for overseeing all forms of legal gambling within the state and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Further details regarding “Operation royal Flush” are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
