Alaska has some of the harshest gambling laws in the United States, meaning that most forms of online gambling are prohibited. Below, we provide comprehensive information on Alaska’s wagering laws.
Our Online Alaska Casino Reviews
In addition to being prohibited from participating in land-based casinos, lotteries, pari-mutuel wagering, and sports betting, Alaskans are also prohibited from playing any games at Alaska online casinos. Alaska, also known as The Last Frontier due to its geographical location at the summit of the world map, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and for being home to two World Series of Poker champions, Greg Hobson and Perry Green. However, the state’s wagering laws are extremely stringent, and virtually all forms of gambling are prohibited. This unfortunately applies to Alaska online casinos. Indeed, the only sites in Alaska where real-money gambling is permitted are state-approved bingo halls operated by indigenous tribes. Aside from that, there are charities and cruise ships with casinos that dock in Canadian or international waters.
The Legal Status of Gambling in Alaska: Land-Based and Online Casinos
Like many other states in the United States, Alaska has adopted a very firm stance on gambling. At the time of writing, even on Indian reservations, there are no brick-and-mortar casinos available to Alaskans. In addition, residents are prohibited from participating in sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering on horse or canine racing (even off-track), and state or intrastate lotteries. Dog mushers’ contests, a small number of bingo halls operated by charities and native groups, certain forms of charitable gambling, and a number of non-conventional sports are the only forms of gambling permitted. This prohibition extends to online wagering in Alaska as well. Below, we examine in greater detail Alaska’s wagering laws and what they entail for both Alaskans and visitors to The Last Frontier. The state of Alaska has adopted a strong stance against most forms of gambling. This resulted from a referendum in 1990. In this state, the majority of representatives voted against legalizing gambling and establishing an official gaming commission.
The National Indian Gaming Commission ordered the construction of a casino on tribal land near Klawock three years later. The state immediately passed a law prohibiting dice, card, and wheel diversions, effectively ending their operation. The reason this was permitted despite the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which was enacted by the United States Congress in 1988, is because the tribal lands in Alaska do not precisely match the definition of Indian Lands. Bingo halls are still the only form of gambling establishments found on tribal lands in Alaska. In 1995, however, things appeared to be steadily changing, as the state began allowing casino cruises into its ports. These permitted Alaskans the legal opportunity to gamble onboard. The one-time fee levied to casinos and the tax revenue from winnings contributed approximately $500,000 to Alaska’s income, but this was not enough to convince the state to legalize gambling. The licenses were in fact never renewed. However, casino excursions continue to operate near the state’s ports, and residents and visitors of the Last Frontier are permitted to gamble on board as long as the vessel is in international or Canadian waters.
Things are not always this black and white, however. Even though the state lottery was voted down in 2003, it appeared that the majority of citizens supported it. 1984 saw the legalization of pull-tab games, and charities and enterprises can now apply for permission to sell them. Additionally, while pari-mutuel wagering on horse and canine racing is illegal – even off-track – dog mushers, the state’s official sport, is entirely legal. In this context, the first mushers to cross the finish line are deemed the winners. In addition, other games of skill or chance are permitted. Included are the Canned Salmon Classic, the Deep Freeze Classic, the Fish Derby, the Goose Classic, the Ice Classic, the King Salmon Classic, the Mercury Classic, the Race Classic, the Rain Classic, the Snow Machine Classic, and the number wheels. At this juncture, you may be wondering what all of this means for online casinos in Alaska. Unfortunately, the state does not permit or regulate online casinos to operate within its borders. In addition, the regulation itself does not expressly prohibit online gambling. The state believes that the current legal definition of “gambling” encompasses this. In conclusion, despite the fact that no one has been convicted of online gambling in Alaska, we advise you to stay within the law and not attempt your luck.
Present-day Land-Based Gambling In Alaska
While Alaska’s gambling laws prohibit commercial casinos, even on tribal lands within the state’s borders, there are a number of bingo halls operated by native tribes and institutions where you can play bingo. Below are the five most renowned, as well as their minimum gambling age requirements.
Casino County Age Limit
19+ Big Valley Bingo Center in Wasilla
Mic Bingo Hall Metlakatla 19+
19+ at Tudor Bingo Center Anchorage
Eagle River Bingo & Casino, Eagle River (Age Limit:
19+ Downtown Fairbanks Bingo
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 the event of a certain outcome.” This makes it abundantly clear that virtually all forms of gambling, with the exception of those that are permitted by law, are prohibited. Unfortunately, this can also refer to wagering at Alaskan online casinos, and many legislators believe it does, which is why it has never been updated. Moreover, despite the fact that no one has ever been prosecuted or convicted for playing online, the reality is that many games that can be played online at Alaska casinos are prohibited by law, such as the 1993 prohibition on card, dice, and wheel games.
Those who reside in or visit The Last Frontier can, however, play their favored casino games for both fun and real money. Social gambling, in which no money is wagered or won, is permissible online and even via a specialized app. Facebook and other social media platforms offer a variety of activities. In contrast, while ‘casinos’ on tribal lands in Alaska offer only bingo, cruise ships docked in international or Canadian waters may allow Alaskans to embark. They may participate in games such as roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat, dice, pai gow poker, and others. Moreover, Daily Fantasy Sport, in which participants use their imagination and logic to assemble fictitious teams of athletes from various sporting teams, is legal because it is a game of skill as opposed to chance. Therefore, our recommendation is to remain within the law and not risk being caught playing at Alaskan online casinos.
What do I need to know about Online Casinos in Alaska?
Alaska has adopted one of the toughest anti-gambling stances among states. In fact, Alaskans and visitors to The Last Frontier can only participate in Daily Fantasy Sports, bingo in bingo halls operated by charities or Indian tribes, canine musher competitions, and a few other lesser-known sports.
Gambling at online casinos in Alaska is also prohibited. Legislators believe the present definition of gambling still applies to online gambling, despite the fact that Alaska’s gambling laws do not specifically mention online gambling.
Playing at offshore casinos registered outside of Alaska is not recommended. In addition to breaking the law, this could place you in danger and render the state powerless in the event of a dispute.
Social gambling, which consists of playing casino games for free, is entirely lawful. You can do so online or through dedicated apps, including those on Facebook and other social media platforms.
What It Means For Alaska Players Regarding Offshore Casino Gambling Laws
Due to the stringent nature of Alaska’s gambling laws (virtually all forms of gambling are illegal) and the fact that Alaskan online casinos are neither permitted to operate nor regulated, many may seek out alternative ways to play online. One such alternative is to gamble at offshore casinos. These online casinos are registered in jurisdictions where online wagering is permitted and regulated. This may appear to be a great method to circumvent the law, but things are not that straightforward. To begin with, Alaskan wagering laws prohibit this practice by prohibiting residents and visitors from playing casino games in general, regardless of whether they are played online or offline. Second, it is essential to remember that different jurisdictions have different laws, some of which you may not be familiar with. Consequently, you may be putting yourself, your money, your rights, and your data at risk and leaving yourself defenseless in the event of a dispute. In addition, the state would be impotent in a number of circumstances surrounding these events. Consequently, we do not recommend participating at any offshore-registered casinos while in Alaska.
Online Casino Games For Alaska
If you want to play casino games for real money in Alaska online casinos, you’re out of luck, as the state’s wagering laws prohibit virtually all forms of gambling, both offline and online. At the time of writing, Alaskans interested in playing their beloved casino games, such as roulette, blackjack online, poker, baccarat, and online craps, have two options. Either through non-monetary social wagering or at one of the cruise casinos that anchor in international or Canadian waters. The only form of online gambling allowed in the state is Daily Fantasy Sport, which is considered a game of skill rather than chance and therefore does not meet the current definition of gambling in Alaskan statutes. Alaskans currently have access to four Daily Fantasy Sports. These include Online Daily Fantasy NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB.
Banking Options At Online Alaska Casinos
Due to the prohibition on online gambling in Alaska, players cannot use any payment mechanism or currency, including virtual currencies, to play online casino games at Alaska casinos or casinos registered offshore. If you are outside of Alaska and in a jurisdiction that allows online gambling, you should always verify the information page on your preferred online casino’s website or our casino reviews. Thus, you can ensure that the recognized payment methods and currencies meet your requirements.
Alaska Online Casinos FAQs
Is online wagering legal in Alaska?
No, it’s not. Alaska has taken one of the toughest stances against gambling, and the current definition of gambling in Alaskan law encompasses online gambling. To legally wager in Alaska, one must visit a Bingo Hall operated by charities or indigenous tribes. You can also tour a cruise ship docked in international or Canadian waters.
Can I access an online casino via mobile or tablet in Alaska?
Alaska prohibits the use of any device for real-money gambling. With the exception of Daily Fantasy Sports, which can be played legally in the Last Frontier. Despite the fact that no one has been convicted of online gambling in Alaska, we do not advocate violating the law.
What casino activities are available at online casinos in Alaska?
Other than Daily Fantasy Sports, no other form of online gambling is permitted in Alaska, including pari-mutuel wagering, off-track betting, sports betting, and all casino games. If, on the other hand, you wish to play casino games without betting or the possibility of winning or losing money, you can use your computer, as well as your laptop, notebook, mobile phone, or tablet, to play at social casino sites or on specialized applications.
Can dollars be used to play online casino games?
No currency, including dollars, may be used to wager in Alaska. This is because Alaska’s wagering laws prohibit most forms of gambling. Always ensure that you are not breaking the law when gambling. If, on the other hand, you are out of state and in a jurisdiction where gambling is legal, check our casino review to ensure that the accepted currencies and payment methods meet your requirements.
Are the online casinos in Alaska listed on this website regulated?
Any online casino mentioned on this website is guaranteed to be legal and regulated, as well as to have safeguards in place to protect you, your funds, your personal information, and your legal rights. Alaska’s gambling regulations prohibit online gambling from within the state, so the only casinos listed on this page are state-approved bingo halls.
Am I eligible for an online casino incentive at a casino in Alaska?
Since it is illegal for Alaskans and visitors to The Last Frontier to gamble online for real money in Alaska casinos, players are ineligible for all bonuses, including free spins, welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, and the rest. However, if you are located outside of the United States and in a jurisdiction where online gambling is permissible, we strongly advise you to shop around for the best bonuses available. But keep in mind that not everything that glitters is gold, and if an incentive seems too good to be true, it probably is.
How do I begin gambling for real money at an online casino in Alaska?
Unfortunately, Alaska does not allow online gambling, so there is no means to begin playing at Alaska online casinos. You can only play your favored casino games via social gambling websites or specialized apps. This is only possible if you are not betting any money.
What are the most prevalent online casino payment methods in Alaska?
Because online wagering is illegal in Alaska, we have no data on this. We also do not recommend playing at offshore online casinos, whether they are registered in the United States or elsewhere. Since this may still be deemed unlawful, you, your money, your data, and your rights may be at risk.
Do I need to pay taxes on my wagering winnings in Alaska?
As mentioned previously, online gambling and many other forms of gambling are prohibited in Alaska due to the state’s gambling laws. However, casino cruise ships docked in Canadian or international waters are one way to play your favorite casino games. Citizens who participate and win on these ships are subject to a 33 percent tax on their adjusted gross income from gambling.
Stay Safe and Legal When Participating in Online Gambling in Alaska Casinos!
We hope this has clarified any concerns you had about gambling in Alaska’s casinos. Always observe the laws of the jurisdiction you’re in, and never risk more than you can afford to lose. In light of this, best of success!