Alaska Betting Sites: Legalities and Future Plans

States are legalizing sports-based gambling like wildfire across the US, but are there legal Alaska sports betting options? Unfortunately, at this time sports betting is still illegal in The Last Frontier. Our write-up takes a look at the current laws, plans, and potential options for Alaska betting sites.

You won’t find any links to the self-proclaimed best betting sites Alaska has to offer here. Since we only recommend trustworthy and licensed bookies on our site, and any Alaska sportsbooks operating are doing so unlawfully, we aren’t able to share any legal options with you.

What Betting Options are Legal for AK Residents

Unfortunately, there aren’t many legal gambling options for people in Alaska. Outside of a few casinos on Native American land, gambling is not allowed as the state has yet to discuss any regulations or laws. Gaming machines like slots and horse racing are also expressly prohibited.

Closest States with Legal Sports Betting

While most people living in the continental US can visit a nearby state to place sports bets, it’s harder to do so for Alaskans for obvious reasons. Given the state’s unique geographic location, it might be easier to head to Canada and use Canadian betting sites.

One thing you should be aware of if you take this route, however, is that you’re still on the hook for US gambling tax income. Otherwise, if you’re planning a trip to the lower 48 – see our sports betting sites list, here are our favorite states to bet online in:

Best Betting Sites Alaska: What Makes a Market Legal?

We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to only bet with legal bookmakers. There are several reasons for this. First of all, licensing agencies and gambling boards oversee, implement and enforce regulations to protect gamblers. Alaska does not have a gambling authority, which leaves you unprotected.

Secondly, under a state gambling board, Alaska betting sites would have to abide by strict player safety protocols, like third-party payout testing, age verification, and they would have to make problem gambling organizations easily accessible for those who request it.

Unfortunately, without these rules in place, Alaska sports bettors won’t be able to frequent any NFL betting sites. We believe this to be for the best as regulations would provide a crucial safety net for Alaska online sports betting.

Alaska Online Sports Betting Laws

Alaska gambling laws are quite restrictive. Considering it’s one of five states in the entire country without a state lottery, the state’s government doesn’t seem too concerned about enacting any legislation.

That’s not to say it hasn’t been attempted, though. Alaska state Governor Mike Dunleavy failed in getting legislation across in 2020 that would have legalized gambling, Alaska betting sites for mobile devices, and a state-owned lottery in an attempt to diversify revenue streams.

However, since the state is so sparsely populated (with only 800,000 residents populating an area of 570,000 sq. miles), it doesn’t have any major sports teams and betting is therefore likely not a concern for most of the population.

The table above shows all the legal forms of gambling in Alaska. As you can see, there are only two options currently allowed. That means there won’t be a list of the best betting sites Alaska players can use any time soon.

While we’re disappointed with the lack of Alaska betting sites, we understand why it’s on the legislative back burner given the population and geography of the state. Therefore, we suggest taking a look through our list of states with legal sports betting if you’re deadset on placing a wager.

History of Gambling in Alaska

As we mentioned throughout this guide to Alaska betting sites, the history of gambling in Alaska is quite sparse. It’s never had a state lottery, horse racing isn’t permitted, and there are no legal poker rooms in the Frontier State.

However, there have been some important developments over the years. Events like the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and the crackdown on violations of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) seem like they may prove to be catalysts for legalizing AK online sports betting.

However, gambling websites in Alaska are likely to stay illegal for the foreseeable future. There have been no discussions on legalizing and regulating AK sportsbooks and there’s nothing on the docket for the upcoming legislative sessions either.

Though it might be hard to stay optimistic given these recent developments, we’re still holding out hope. Historically conservative states like Louisiana were previously thought to have no chance at legal sports betting, and have nevertheless made it a fully regulated industry.

What is the Future of Sports Betting in Alaska?

Until some progress is made regarding Alaska betting sites, gamblers in the state must go elsewhere to get their gambling fix. While nothing specific is blocking the road to legalization, inertia is notoriously hard to overcome, especially in bureaucratic settings.

We find this a shame as loads of states across the nation use legal gambling to raise millions of dollars helping schools, public works and infrastructure projects get crucial funding. But until a bill is passed, only sports bettors in legal sports betting states can place bets.

Frequently Asked Questions

While we tried to make our write-up on the best betting sites Alaska could one day offer as comprehensive as possible, our readers occasionally have more specific questions, which we answer below. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at info@bestbettingsites.com.

⚖️ Is online gambling and sports betting legal in Alaska?

 No, online gambling and sports betting is not legal in Alaska. That means if you see a bookmaker offering its services to people in the Frontier State, you should avoid it at all costs because it may pose a security risk. Check out our section about Alaska betting sites for the full details.

🛡️ What is the Alaska legal gambling age?

The legal gambling age in Alaska is 21 years of age or older. This applies to pull-tabs, daily fantasy sports and bingo. Read more about Alaska gambling laws for a fully detailed overview. 

🚨 How legal are offshore sites like MyBookie and Bovada?

Offshore bookmakers are 100% illegal in Alaska. You should avoid gambling with these sites at all costs as you would be violating UIGEA. While it's rare for law enforcement to target individuals, it has and does happen. Read our overview of what a legal sports betting market for several other reasons to avoid offshore bookmakers. 

🔎 Can I play at an online sportsbook in another state if I am in Alaska?

No, you will be IP blocked from playingby operators in legal states, though you can still register and create accounts in most cases. While unfortunate for Alaska betting fans, the best way to wager on sporting events is to travel to other states with legal sportsbooks.