Legalize Cash-Prize Esports Tournaments in Arizona – Allow Gamers to Compete and Win
Legalize Cash-Prize Esports Tournaments in Arizona – Allow Gamers to Compete and Win
The Issue
Who is impacted?
Arizona’s gamers, from aspiring esports athletes in Phoenix to casual competitors in Tucson, are barred from participating in cash-prize tournaments on platforms like CheckMate Gaming (CMG). Arizona’s outdated gambling laws (A.R.S. § 13-3301) classify these skill-based competitions as illegal gambling, blocking thousands of players from joining a global esports community. As an avid gamer in Arizona, I’ve felt the frustration of being unable to compete on CMG, a platform that offers critical opportunities to hone skills, earn recognition, and pursue esports dreams. This restriction sidelines Arizona’s youth, students, and professionals who want to compete fairly in games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and more.
What is at stake?
If Arizona’s laws remain unchanged, our state risks falling behind in the booming $2.5 billion esports industry. Other states like California and Florida host major tournaments, attract tourism, and generate millions in revenue by allowing skill-based gaming. Arizona’s gamers are forced to sit on the sidelines or risk using unregulated platforms, which offer no consumer protections. Legalizing cash-prize esports would unlock economic growth, create jobs in event hosting and tech, and give our players a chance to shine on national stages. Without change, Arizona’s talent will be stifled, and our state will miss out on a cultural and economic revolution.
Why is now the time to act?
The esports industry is growing faster than ever, with global viewership expected to hit 700 million by 2026. Arizona cannot afford to lag behind as other states embrace this opportunity. The Arizona Legislature’s 2026 session is the perfect moment to amend A.R.S. § 13-3301 to exempt skill-based esports from gambling laws, ensuring platforms like CMG are accessible. Immediate action will empower Arizona’s gamers, boost our economy, and position our state as an esports leader. Sign this petition to demand change now – let’s reach 500 signatures and show our leaders that Arizona’s gaming community deserves a fair shot!
Sincerely,
Bradley Scott Ruminer II
bradley.ruminer@gmail.com
71
The Issue
Who is impacted?
Arizona’s gamers, from aspiring esports athletes in Phoenix to casual competitors in Tucson, are barred from participating in cash-prize tournaments on platforms like CheckMate Gaming (CMG). Arizona’s outdated gambling laws (A.R.S. § 13-3301) classify these skill-based competitions as illegal gambling, blocking thousands of players from joining a global esports community. As an avid gamer in Arizona, I’ve felt the frustration of being unable to compete on CMG, a platform that offers critical opportunities to hone skills, earn recognition, and pursue esports dreams. This restriction sidelines Arizona’s youth, students, and professionals who want to compete fairly in games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and more.
What is at stake?
If Arizona’s laws remain unchanged, our state risks falling behind in the booming $2.5 billion esports industry. Other states like California and Florida host major tournaments, attract tourism, and generate millions in revenue by allowing skill-based gaming. Arizona’s gamers are forced to sit on the sidelines or risk using unregulated platforms, which offer no consumer protections. Legalizing cash-prize esports would unlock economic growth, create jobs in event hosting and tech, and give our players a chance to shine on national stages. Without change, Arizona’s talent will be stifled, and our state will miss out on a cultural and economic revolution.
Why is now the time to act?
The esports industry is growing faster than ever, with global viewership expected to hit 700 million by 2026. Arizona cannot afford to lag behind as other states embrace this opportunity. The Arizona Legislature’s 2026 session is the perfect moment to amend A.R.S. § 13-3301 to exempt skill-based esports from gambling laws, ensuring platforms like CMG are accessible. Immediate action will empower Arizona’s gamers, boost our economy, and position our state as an esports leader. Sign this petition to demand change now – let’s reach 500 signatures and show our leaders that Arizona’s gaming community deserves a fair shot!
Sincerely,
Bradley Scott Ruminer II
bradley.ruminer@gmail.com
71
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on July 19, 2025