Arizona Regulator Approves Circa to Launch Online Sportsbook

Circa Sports is officially approved to enter its seventh US market.

The Arizona Department of Gambling has approved Circa’s application for a mobile sports betting license. The approval comes after the operator gained market access due to a partnership with the San Juan Southern Paiute. The tribe had previously partnered with Betway, which exited the US back in 2024.

This makes the Las Vegas-based operator the fourteenth online platform available in the state.

Circa Targets Sharps, High Rollers

Circa Sports has been one of the few Nevada-based platforms to survive the hyper-competitive US online sports betting market. While it isn’t as widespread as Caesars or BetMGM, it hasn’t tried to compete directly with the industry leaders.

Instead, Circa has focused on attracting high rollers and betting sharps to its platform. It does this by limiting promotions and offering higher limits and fewer restrictions for bettors. The operator doesn’t limit hot bettors, giving players a chance to win more when they get on a hot streak.

While Circa’s tactics drive many casual bettors away, it has paid off for the operator. While it sees a far smaller handle than other online sportsbooks, higher wager amounts allow it to earn steady profits in the crowded US sports betting industry.

Circa Has Edge on Prediction Industry

As more Americans make the switch from sportsbooks to sports prediction markets, Circa Sport’s focus on a niche group of bettors gives it a unique edge.

One of the biggest appeals of prediction platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket is the lack of bet limits. This includes no limits on each transaction, as well as a commitment to never limit players regardless of their play. This gives serious bettors a sense of security for active bettors, leading them to move away from regulated sportsbooks. 

US sportsbooks have been open about not targeting sharps and winning bettors. As a result, they set extremely low limits for bettors who start getting hot, sometimes restricting them to wagers of $1 or less. 

Circa rejects this strategy, which will help it compete better with prediction platforms. While the rival industry is still growing, Las Vegas sportsbooks will likely continue to hold their own. 

Tax Hike Could Be Coming to Arizona

Earlier this year, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs proposed that the state adopt a tiered tax system for sportsbooks. It would resemble the one currently used in Illinois, where operators are taxed between 20% and 40% based on their adjusted gross revenue. While the idea didn’t gain much momentum, it opened the door for future discussions around a tax hike.

Arizona’s 10% online sportsbook operator tax rate is among the lowest in the US. This has made it an attractive market for sportsbooks like Circa, but a significant tax hike could change that. Fortunately, Circa’s application and approval show that the industry isn’t ready to give up on the Copper State quite yet.