Understanding Arizona's Sentencing Guidelines for Gambling Charges

If you or someone you know has been charged with illegal gambling in Arizona, it's important to understand the potential criminal penalties and sentencing guidelines. While gambling is legal in some forms in the state, such as at licensed tribal casinos and for certain charitable gaming, engaging in unauthorized gambling activities can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. Let's take an in-depth look at Arizona's gambling laws and sentencing structure.

Arizona's Definition of Gambling

Under Arizona law (ARS 13-3301), gambling is defined as risking something of value for an opportunity to win a benefit from a game or contest that relies on an element of chance, even if some skill is involved.1 This broad definition encompasses many common gambling activities like playing poker for money, betting on sports, and participating in office pools. There are a few key exceptions outlined in the statutes:14

• Amusement gambling, which includes games played for entertainment where the player actively participates, the outcome is not controlled by someone else, and the prizes are not offered as a lure to separate players from their money
• Social gambling, where players compete on equal terms and no one benefits other than the winnings from the game itself
• Regulated gambling, including state lottery games and licensed horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering
• Gambling activities conducted by licensed non-profit organizations for charitable purposes

So if you place a friendly bet with your buddies while watching the Cardinals game at home, that would likely fall under the social gambling exception. But if you're running a bookie operation or an underground poker club, you could find yourself facing criminal charges.

Gambling Charges and Classifications

Engaging in unauthorized gambling as a player is a class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $2500 fine.14 However, more serious charges are possible depending on your level of involvement:

• Benefiting from gambling (class 5 felony): Knowingly obtaining any benefit from gambling, whether directly or indirectly1
• Promoting gambling (class 5 felony): Conducting, organizing, managing, directing, supervising or financing gambling activities; or knowingly providing advice or assistance for those purposes13
• Possession of a gambling device (class 1 misdemeanor): Knowingly possessing any device, machine or equipment that is used or intended to be used for illegal gambling14
• Possession of a bingo gambling device (class 2 misdemeanor): Same as above but specifically for bingo-related equipment14

As you can see, running an illegal gambling operation or working for one, even in an advisory role, is treated much more severely than simply placing illegal bets as a player. A class 5 felony conviction can result in up to 2.5 years in prison for a first offense.4

Sentencing Factors and Ranges

If you are convicted of a gambling offense in Arizona, whether a misdemeanor or felony, the specific sentence you receive will depend on a number of factors, including:4

• The facts and circumstances of your case
• Whether you have any prior criminal history
• Whether there are any aggravating or mitigating factors as outlined in ARS 13-701

For a class 1 misdemeanor like simple gambling or possession of a gambling device, the baseline sentencing range is:4

• Mitigated: 0 days in jail
• Minimum: 1 day in jail
• Presumptive: 3 days in jail
• Maximum: 6 months in jail

However, the judge has discretion to impose probation instead of jail for a misdemeanor offense. If sentenced to probation, you would need to comply with various conditions like regular check-ins, counseling, community service, and avoiding any further illegal activity.4 For a class 5 felony like promoting gambling, the baseline sentencing ranges are:4

• Mitigated: 6 months in prison
• Minimum: 9 months in prison
• Presumptive: 1.5 years in prison
• Maximum: 2 years in prison
• Aggravated: 2.5 years in prison

Prison is mandatory for felony convictions in Arizona unless the offense is eligible for probation. Whether probation is an option depends on the specifics of your case and criminal record.4 Some aggravating factors that could increase a sentence include:4

• Presence of an accomplice
• Especially cruel or heinous manner of committing the offense
• Lying or being uncooperative with law enforcement

On the other hand, some mitigating factors that could decrease a sentence include:4

• Age, health issues, or impaired mental capacity
• Accepting responsibility and showing remorse
• Making efforts to pay restitution to any victims

An experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case and present the most compelling arguments for leniency if you are facing sentencing for a gambling conviction.

Fines, Fees and Forfeiture

In addition to potential jail or prison time, a gambling conviction will typically come with monetary penalties as well. For misdemeanors, the law sets the following maximum fine amounts:4

• Class 1 misdemeanor: $2,500
• Class 2 misdemeanor: $750

For felonies, the maximum fine is $150,000 across all class levels.4 However, courts will look at factors like the extent of any economic loss caused by the offense and the defendant's financial resources in determining the specific fine amount within that statutory cap. On top of base fines, you may be ordered to pay various surcharges and fees, such as:4

• 83% surcharge on base fines ($20 minimum for misdemeanors, $25 minimum for felonies)
• $20 probation surcharge
• $50 assessment to the state general fund
• $13 assessment to the judicial collection enhancement fund

As you can see, these surcharges and assessments can significantly increase your total financial penalty even if the base fine is relatively small. Another costly consequence of an Arizona gambling conviction is the forfeiture of any money or property used in or derived from the illegal activity.14 This means the state can seize any gambling devices, cash, or other assets that it proves are connected to the offense. Forfeiture happens through a separate civil proceeding from your criminal case.10

Defenses to Gambling Charges

Of course, being charged with a gambling crime doesn't necessarily mean you'll be convicted. Depending on the circumstances, you may have viable defenses. Some common defenses to gambling charges include:4

• Lack of knowledge or intent: Gambling offenses require a "knowing" mental state, so if you didn't realize you were engaging in illegal gambling, that could be a defense.
• Social gambling: If you were simply placing bets with friends on equal terms, your activity may fall under Arizona's social gambling exception.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a gambling offense that you wouldn't have otherwise committed, entrapment could apply.
• Violations of constitutional rights: If the evidence against you was gathered through an illegal search or interrogation, it may be excluded from your case.

An experienced gambling defense lawyer can assess what defenses may be available to you and craft a strategy to fight the charges or negotiate a favorable plea deal. In some cases, it may be possible to get the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Problem Gambling and Diversion

While illegal gambling is a crime, problem gambling is increasingly being recognized as a public health issue. If your gambling offense stems from a legitimate gambling disorder, that may be a mitigating factor at sentencing.4 Arizona law (ARS 13-901.01) also allows for some non-violent offenders to be diverted into a treatment program in lieu of criminal prosecution if they are assessed as having a gambling disorder or substance abuse issue.4 Eligibility depends on the level of the offense and the defendant's criminal history. If granted diversion, the defendant is placed on probation and must complete an approved treatment program, which may include counseling, support group meetings, and other rehabilitative services.14 If the program is successfully completed, the criminal charges are dismissed. This allows the individual to get help for their underlying disorder while avoiding the stigma and collateral consequences of a criminal conviction.Some signs that you or a loved one may have a gambling problem include:15

• Constantly thinking about or planning to gamble
• Lying about gambling or hiding it from others
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve anxiety
• Trying unsuccessfully to cut back on gambling
• Jeopardizing a job, relationship or other important matters due to gambling
• Committing crimes to finance gambling

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone close to you, know that help is available. The Arizona Department of Gaming's Division of Problem Gambling operates a confidential helpline that connects callers to treatment resources across the state.16 You can reach the helpline 24/7 at 1-800-NEXT-STEP.