Alaska gambling laws are among the strictest in the whole USA, meaning that most forms of USA online gambling are illegal in the state. Below we give you all the details on Alaska’s gambling laws.
Our Online Alaska Casino Reviews
On top of Alaskans not being able to play at any land-based casinos, take part in lotteries, pari-mutuel wagering, and sports betting, they are also not allowed to play any games at Alaska online casinos. Alaska, also known as The Last Frontier due to its geographical location at the top of the map, is renowned for its beautiful scenery and for being the home of two World Series of Poker champions, Greg Hobson and Perry Green. Even so, the state’s gambling laws are incredibly strict, and pretty much all forms of gambling are banned. This, sadly, extends to Alaska online casinos. Indeed, the only places one can gamble for real-money in Alaska are at state-approved bingo halls run by native tribes. Otherwise, there are charities, or on the casino cruise ships which dock in Canadian or International waters.
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The Legality of Gambling in Alaska: Land-Based Casinos & Online Casinos In Alaska
Like so many other states in the USA, Alaska has taken a very unwavering stand when it comes to gambling. Indeed, at the time of writing, Alaskans have no brick-and-mortar casinos to play at, even on Indian reservations. Additionally, they cannot take part in sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering on horse or dog racing (even off-track), and there are no state or intra-state lotteries. The only types of gambling allowed is on Dog mushers’ contests, at a small number of bingo halls run by charities and native groups, on some forms of charitable gambling, and a number of non-conventional sports. This practically complete ban also extends to online gambling in Alaska. Below, we take a more in-depth look at Alaska gambling laws and what they mean both to Alaskans and to visitors to The Last Frontier. The state of Alaska has taken a pretty strong stand against gambling of most forms. This stems from the 1990 vote. Here, the majority of the state’s representatives voted against the legalization of gambling and the creation of an official gaming commission.
Three years later, the National Indian Gaming Commission ordered the construction of a casino on tribal land near Klawock. Immediately, the state passed a law to ban dice, card and wheel games, effectively stopping its operation. The reason this went through, despite the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which was enacted by the United States Congress in 1988, is that the tribal lands in Alaska do not fit the exact definition of Indian Lands. Indeed, even today, the only types of gambling halls you’ll find on tribal lands in Alaska are bingo halls. In 1995, however, things seemed to be shifting slowly as the state allowed casino cruises to enter its ports. These legally allowed Alaskans the opportunity to go onboard to gamble. The one-off fee charged casinos and the tax revenue from winnings added up to around half a million dollars to Alaska’s income, but even this did not entice the state to allow gambling in Alaska. In fact, the licenses were never renewed. Having said that, casino cruises still go near the state’s ports and residents of, and visitors to, The Last Frontier can play there legally given the boat is in International or Canadian Waters.
Things aren’t this black-and-white across the board, though. For example, while the state lottery was rejected through a vote in 2003, the majority of citizens seemed to be in favor of it. Pull-tab games, meanwhile, were made legal in 1984, and charities and businesses can apply for permission to sell them. Also, while pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing is illegal – even off-track – dog mushers, which is the state’s official sport, is completely legal. This sport sees dogs powering transportation methods, and, in this context, sees contests where the first mushers to reach the finish line win. Moreover, other games of skill or chance are also allowed. These include Canned Salmon Classic, Deep Freeze Classic, Fish Derby, Goose Classic, Ice Classic, King Salmon Classic, Mercury Classic, Race Classic, Rain Classic, Snow Machine Classic and numbers wheels. At this point, you may be wondering what all this means for Alaska online casinos and the news isn’t great: the state does not allow online casinos to operate from within its borders, nor does it regulate them. Moreover, the law in itself does not specifically mention gambling over the internet as being illegal. The state believes that the current definition of ‘gambling’ in the law extends to include this. So, ultimately, while there are no records of anyone having been convicted of online gambling in Alaska, our advice is to remain well within the law and not to try your luck.
Land-Based Gambling In Alaska Today
While Alaska gambling laws ban the existence of commercial casinos within the state – even on tribal lands within its perimeter – there are a number of bingo halls run by native tribes and charities where you can play bingo. Below are five of the most popular with the legal gambling age included too.
| Casino | County | Legal Age |
| Big Valley Bingo Center | Wasilla | 19+ |
| Mic Bingo Hall | Metlakatla | 19+ |
| Tudor Bingo Center | Anchorage | 19+ |
| Eagle River Bingo & Casino | Eagle River | 19+ |
| Downtown Bingo | Fairbanks | 19+ |
Online Gambling in Alaska and Gambling Laws
In Code Section 11.66.200 of the Alaskan Constitution, gambling is defined as ‘staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event not under one’s control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that person will receive something of value in event of a certain outcome.’ This makes it very clear that practically all forms of gambling – bar the ones that are legally allowed – are banned. Sadly, this can also extend to mean gambling at Alaska online casinos and, in fact, many of the legislators believe it does, hence why it’s never been updated. Moreover, while no one’s ever been tried or convicted for playing online, the reality is that many games you can play online at Alaska casinos are banned through definite legislation, such as the 1993 illegalization of card, dice and wheel games.
Those living in or visiting The Last Frontier, however, have ways of playing their favorite casino games both socially and for real money. Social gambling (i.e. doing so without wagering or winning any money) can be done legally online or even via a dedicated app. Many games are offered on social media platforms like Facebook. Meanwhile, while ‘casinos’ on tribal lands in Alaska only offer bingo, cruise ships docked in international or Canadian waters can allow Alaskans onboard. They can play games like roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat, craps, pai gow poker, and the rest. Moreover, Daily Fantasy Sport, which sees players using their imagination and logic to assemble imaginary teams of athletes pertaining to different sporting teams, is legal simply because it’s a game of skill rather than chance. Our advice on all this, therefore, is to stay well within the law and not to risk being caught playing at Alaska online casinos.
What should I know about Online Alaska Casinos?
- Alaska has taken one of the toughest stands against gambling in state. Indeed, Alaskans and visitors to The Last Frontier can only play Daily Fantasy Sports, play bingo at bingo halls run by charities or Indian tribes, enter dog musher contests, and take part in a few other less-known sports.
- Gambling at Alaska online casinos is also banned. In fact, while Alaska gambling laws do not specifically mention online gambling, lawmakers believe the current definition of gambling still applies to it.
- Playing at offshore registered casinos from within Alaska is not recommended. On top of breaking the law, this could also put you in danger and leaves the state powerless should a dispute arise.
- Social gambling (i.e. playing casino games for no money) is completely legal. You can do so either online or through dedicated apps, including those on social media platforms like Facebook.
Gambling Laws Governing Offshore Casinos & What It Means For Alaska Players
Because Alaska gambling laws are so strict (practically no forms of gambling are legal) and because Alaskan online casinos is neither allowed to operate nor is it regulated, many may look for alternative methods to play online. One such option is to play at offshore registered casinos. These are online casinos registered in jurisdictions where gambling online is legal and regulated. This may indeed seem like a great way of bypassing the law, but things aren’t that simple. For a start, Alaskan gambling laws ban this practice simply by banning residents and visitors from playing casino games in general, be it online or offline. Secondly, it’s important to keep in mind that different jurisdictions have different laws, some of which you may not be accustomed to. As such, you may be putting yourself, your money, your rights and your data in peril and leaving yourself helpless should any disputes arise. The state would also be powerless in many circumstances surrounding these events. As such, we really do not recommend playing at any offshore registered casinos while in the state of Alaska.
Online Casino Games For Alaska
If you’re looking to play casino games for real money at Alaska online casinos, then you’re not in luck as Alaska gambling laws ban practically all forms of gambling both in real life and online. At the time of writing, Alaskans looking to play their favorite casino games including roulette, blackjack online, poker, baccarat, online craps, and so on, can do so in one of two ways. Either through social gambling that doesn’t see them wager or win any money or at one of the cruise casinos that anchor in international or Canadian waters. The only form of online gambling that is permitted in the state is Daily Fantasy Sport, which is considered to be a game of skill rather than a game of chance, and therefore doesn’t fit the current definition of gambling in Alaskan laws. Currently, there are four Daily Fantasy Sports available to Alaskans. These are Online Daily Fantasy NHL, Online Daily Fantasy NFL, Online Daily Fantasy NBA and Online Daily Fantasy MLB.
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Payment Options At Alaska Casinos Online
Because online gambling in Alaska is banned, players cannot use any payment methods or currencies, including virtual currencies, to play casino games online at Alaska casinos or offshore registered ones. If, however, you are out of Alaska and in a place whose jurisdictions allow online gambling, then always check the information page on the website of your online casino of choice or our casino reviews. Like this you can make sure the payment methods and currencies accepted fit your requirements.
Alaska Online Casinos FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Alaska?
No, it isn’t. Alaska has taken one of the toughest stands against all forms of gambling in the state and the current definition of gambling in Alaskan law includes online gambling. The only way to legally gamble in Alaska is either to go to a Bingo Hall operated by charities or native tribes. Alternatively, you can visit one of the cruise ships docked in international or Canadian waters.
Can I play at an online casino in Alaska via mobile or tablet?
No device can be used to gamble for real-money in Alaska. This is unless you take into consideration Daily Fantasy Sports, which can be legally played from within The Last Frontier. Indeed, while no one has been convicted of online gambling in Alaska, we certainly do not recommend breaking the law.
What casino games can I play at Alaska online casinos?
Apart from Daily Fantasy Sport, no form of gambling can take place online while in Alaska – that includes pari-mutuel wagering, off-track betting, sports betting and all casino games. If, however, you simply wish to play casino games without betting or potentially winning or losing any money, then you can use your computer, as well as your laptop, notebook, mobile phone or tablet, to play at social casino sites or on dedicated apps.
Is it possible to play online casino games with dollars?
No currency may be used to gamble in Alaska, including dollars. This is because most forms of gambling are banned by Alaska gambling laws. As always, do make sure not to break the law when looking to gamble. If, however, you are out of the state and in a place where you can gamble legally, then check the information provided on our casino review to make sure that the currencies and payment methods accepted fit your needs.
Are the online Alaska casinos on this site regulated?
Any online casino mentioned on this website is guaranteed to be legal and regulated, as well as to have all the measures in place to protect you, your money, your data and your rights. Of course, since Alaska gambling laws do not permit online gambling from within the state, then the only casinos we mention on this page are Alaska bingo halls, which are state-approved.
Am I eligible to receive an online casino bonus at an Alaska Casino?
Since Alaskans and visitors to The Last Frontier are not legally allowed to play online at Alaska casinos for real money, then players are not eligible to receive any types of bonuses, be it free spins, welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonuses or the rest. Nevertheless, for those who are out of the state and somewhere where gambling online is legal, then we’d definitely recommend shopping around for the best bonuses on offer. But do remember that not all that glitters is not gold and if a bonus seems too good to be true, then it may actually be so.
How do I start playing for real money at an Alaska online casino?
Sadly, there is no way of gambling online in Alaska and therefore no way to start playing at Alaska online casinos. The only way to play your favorite casino games is through social gambling websites or dedicated apps. This can only be done given that you are not wagering any money.
Which online casino payment options are popular in Alaska?
Because gambling online in Alaska is banned, we have no data on this. We also do not recommend that you play online at offshore registered casinos, be they registered in the US or elsewhere. Since this can still be deemed to be illegal, it may also put you, your money, your data and your rights in danger.
Do I need to pay taxes on my gambling winnings in Alaska?
As mentioned above, while online gambling and many other forms of gambling are illegal due to Alaska gambling laws, one way of playing your favorite casino games is on casino cruise ships docked in Canadian or International waters. Citizens who play and win on these ships have their adjusted gross income from gambling subjected to a 33% tax.
Stay Safe and Well Within the Law When Looking to Gamble at Alaska Online Casinos!
We hope this has answered all your questions related to gambling at Alaska casinos. As always, be sure to remain well within the law of the jurisdiction you are in and to never wager more money than you can afford to lose. With that in mind, good luck!
