ADG granted ‘expanded expenditure authority’ for additional problem gambling funding

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has been granted a 20% increase in problem gambling spending for fiscal year 2027 to $4m, allowing for additional investments in prevention, education, treatment and recovery services. 

“Arizona first established the Department of Gaming in 1995 – and more than 30 years later, we remain excited about world-class regulation benefiting the entire state,” ADG Director Jackie Johnson said. 

“I’m grateful to Governor Hobbs and leaders in the state legislature, particularly continuation bill sponsor State Senator Shawnna Bolick, who thoroughly reviewed our agency with a deep commitment to public service, and I am pleased that the Department secured its continuation, which will allow us to strengthen our focus points in robust consumer protection and integrity.” 

Governor Katie Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1671 into law on June 30, providing continuation approval for the Arizona regulator over a six-year term and affirming the ADG’s authority to “carry out the roles and responsibilities delegated by the legislature.”

The legislation also granted the ADG an annual $500,000 expenditure authority for the agency to use event wagering funds to support problem gambling. For the first time in the Department’s history, the ADG will also have grant oversight authority to expand programs to assist those in need.

On April 14, the ADG launched a new on-demand responsible gambling initiative to offer free self-paced training to residents and those currently working within the industry.

The training is organized across three self-paced phases, covering the fundamentals of the risks associated with gambling, how problem gambling differs from safe play and connecting with others to address the issue. 

Those taking part in the initiative will also be able to go through optional continued learning quizzes at the conclusion of each phase.