Alaska

Casino Gambling in Alaska. Find out everything you need to know about betting online in the state of Alaska.

The state of Alaska maintains a traditional view towards casino gambling. As a result, the state does not have any commercial casinos. The freedom of online casino wagering enjoyed by many other states is also limited in the country of ice and snow. It is unlikely that the state will bring forward any bills anytime soon.

In-land Alaska Casino Gambling

Having said that, the state does have two tribal casinos. Under the Indian Gaming Regulation Act of 1988, two Class II gaming locations were given approval by the Federal National Gaming Commission (NIGC) to provide bingo and pull tab games. Unfortunately, Class III games (slots and casino games) are not permitted. In this state however, people can also engage in a small selection of card games, tip jars and punchboards.

Is There Any Legal Gambling in the State?

Unfortunately there isn’t even lottery to play in the state. There are however charity bingo halls and raffles as well as the option to host social poker games from home!

The population of Alaska is relatively small (under 800,000) in comparison to other states. This makes it hard for the state to establish brick-and-motor Casinos. This does however pave the way towards online Casino Gambling in Alaska if laws allow.

Casino Legalisation timeline of Alaska

Gambling first came around in the U.S in some form back in 1959. Below is a brief history of Alaska’s casino laws since:

• 1986: The Indian Gaming Regulation Act is approved by the government, enabling officially designated tribes in Alaska to operate Class II games. 
• 1990: Alaska’s Gaming Board supports the legalisation of gambling. Voters overwhelmingly, however, oppose the initiative.
• 1995: A measure outlawing card, dice, wheel gambling approved by the state legislature. The state of Alaska’s politicians forbid cruise liners from operating casinos there.
• 2003: State legislators put up HB240, which would establish a lottery system. The suggestion is rejected.  Another video poker-related bill, SB 187 was defeated as well.
• 2004: HB509, which was intended to establish an Alaska Gaming Commission, is rejected by the senate. 
• 2008: A bill that would have established Class III regulated gaming establishments is rejected. 
• 2016: The Alaska Gaming Reform Act, which addresses the Charitable Gaming Operation, is approved.
• 2022: Alaskan state representative Adam Wool submits Bill 385 in effort to allow mobile sports betting there. There are no further movements on this as of yet.