PHOENIX — Gamblers in Arizona continued to wager at record levels in January, starting the year off strong with over $560 million in bets.

About $563 million in event and fantasy sports bets was wagered in January, the first time the monthly total has surpassed half a billion dollars since sports gambling became legalized in September.

Bettors in the state have gambled about $2.3 billion in four months, with reports for the busy months of February and March still to come.

“With over half a billion dollars wagered in January, it is clear that Arizona has become a top ten event wagering market nationally,” Ted Vogt, director of the Arizona Department of Gaming, said in a press release.

“A big thank you to Arizona Department of Gaming Staff and event wagering & fantasy sports stakeholders, whose work has contributed to the strong start in the state.”

Arizona collected $1.75 million in taxes for its general fund, almost mirroring the $1.7 million brought in during December.

DraftKings remained the most popular app, taking in $173 million. FanDuel remained the second most popular, bringing in $149 million.

There was about $21 million in free bets provided to players in December.

The credits for those free bets, which are designed to lure people to the online and retail sports books, phase out over several years.

They start at 20% of gross receipts in the first two years then drop to 15% and then 10% before ending in the sixth year.

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