It recently emerged that the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Arizona is building a new land-based casino in downtown Tucson, and it’s expected to open in 2026.
Let’s dive straight in and take a closer look at everything we know so far about this latest casino project and discuss the current legal landscape for online gambling in Arizona to see if online casinos may one day be legally permitted by state authorities.
Is it legal to play at online casinos in Arizona?
While it’s perfectly legal for anyone aged 21 or above living in Arizona to play slots, table & card games, and other similar games at several fully licensed and regulated land-based casinos, online casinos authorised by the state have yet to be legalised.
If online casino gambling is eventually allowed, it will come under the watchful eye of the ADG (Arizona Department of Gaming).
However, Arizona citizens do have other options.
For example, they can travel to another state where online casinos are legally permitted and play there, or they can play at offshore casinos that operate outside of US jurisdiction, the latter of which is not recommended as not all ‘offshore’ casino sites can be trusted.
Some of them are unlicensed and unregulated, and controlled by untrustworthy operators. The other option for anyone living in Arizona who wants to play hundreds of computer-generated and live dealer online casino games is to play on a handful of legal sweepstakes casinos, also known as social casinos or social gaming sites.
No gambling is involved on these sites, which is why they are legal. They run on a two-coin digital currency system, which has no monetary value in the real world.
When you sign up to a sweepstakes casino, a casino may have a bonus for new players. which includes a certain number of free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. If you decide to claim the bonus, always read the Ts and Cs to ensure you get the most out of it.
These virtual coins can be used to play any of the games on that website. Gold Coins can be topped up, for free, in several ways, so don’t worry if you run out of them. However, although no purchase is necessary on a sweepstakes casino when your Sweeps Coins run out, they won’t be topped up for free.
Sweeps Coins can be used to win real-world prizes, such as merchandise for your favourite brands, vouchers for your favourite online stores, the latest electronic gadgets, vacations, and even cash prizes.
If you run out of Sweeps Coins, you can purchase them in packages or bundles by using Visa or PayPal or whichever online payment method that site accepts. Any cash prizes that you win and redeem can be withdrawn using the same payment method registered in your name.
What we know so far about the new land-based casino being built by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in downtown Tucson, Arizona
The new 65,000 square-foot gaming venue that’s being constructed by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Arizona is being built near Interstate 10 at West Grant Rand in downtown Tucson on the former site of the Century Park 16 movie theatre.
Some of the main games will include traditional table & card games, such as blackjack and roulette, Class III slot machines, a special room for high-stakes players, and a sportsbook. The new venue will have ample parking for 1,050 vehicles, a food court, and a restaurant.
Arizona’s newest casino is set to be built close to the Pascua Tribe’s historic home, known as Pascua Village or Old Pascua.
US Congress allowed the land and community of Old Pascua to be taken into federal trust by introducing the Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act (HR 4881) back in 2021, which essentially granted tribal sovereignty to the land. The act allowed the development of the new casino on the Old Pascua land.
The construction is expected to take place in two phases.
In phase 1, everything from the casino itself to the parking lot, bars, food court, and restaurant will be built, followed by the hotel, parking garage, and conference centre in phase 2. Once opened, it will be the third land-based casino owned and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
What are my safest options if I want to try a sweepstakes casino in Arizona?
If you live in Arizona and want to try a sweepstakes casino, your safest options are to read reviews before you begin, and make sure to do some proper research and only go to reputable sources and operators. Even if you’re not gambling with real money, you don’t want your fun ruined.
Final thoughts
While you’re waiting for the new Tucson casino to open in 2026, your options are fairly limited if you live in Arizona if you want to play casino games. Instead of joining an offshore casino or travelling to another state where online casino gambling is allowed, the safest option is to play at a sweepstakes casino.