Arizonaโ Authorities Investigate Alleged Illegal Gambling Ring Linked to โขCasinos
PHOENIX – Arizona Departmentโ of Gaming (ADG) officials confirmed today โฃthey are investigating “Operationโค Royal Flush,” an alleged illegal gambling ring with โคpotential 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 beenโฃ marked by โdebate overโข its potential for corruption. A counselor with โฃthe National Council โขon Problem Gambling helpline,โค identifiedโ only โas Sarah,โ has witnessed firsthand the financial devastation gambling can inflict. “Most of theโข people whoโค callโฆare men who gotโ in over their heads betting tens of thousands of dollars with money they didn’t have,” she said. “They often jeopardize theirโข jobsโค or โhouses โthrough gambling. What are they doing to tryโค and keep you โฃcomingโข back?โฆThey’re not โขbeing generous, these casinos and these apps aren’t charities.”
Currently, 16 of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized Indigenous โฃtribes operateโฃ casinos, contributing substantially to state revenue. According to the ADG’s fiscal year 2025 report, 88%โข of casino winnings fromโค Indigenous communities flow into the Arizona Benefits Fund, which hasโ provided over $2.3 billion as 2003 for โeducation, emergency preparedness, and wildlife conservation.
however, the โincreasing accessibility of gambling, โขnotably through mobile sports betting,โ is raising alarm bells. A February study from UC san Diego Today revealed a surge in gambling addiction following the legalization of sports betting.โ Total sports wagers jumped from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, with 94% ofโข those wagersโ placed โขonline.
The ADG reported 124 serious โincidents related to gamblingโฃ in fiscal year 2024, and Director Jackie Johnson stated the department โis activelyโ safeguarding patrons and enforcing regulations against โคunlawful operations. Theโ current investigation,”Operation Royal flush,” represents a significant escalation in these enforcement efforts.
Arizona legalized sports betting in 2021.The โฃstate’s gambling laws are complex, encompassing tribal gaming compacts, state-regulated casinos, and online sports โขbetting platforms. The ADG is responsibleโข for overseeing all forms of legalโ gamblingโค within the state and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Further details regarding “Operation royal Flush” are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.