The physical remoteness of Alaska doesn’t mean that the Frontier State wants to be kept out of the wave of sports betting legalization in the United States. State legislators are seeking ways to introduce laws that could legalize gambling, including sports wagering, and expand gambling in Alaska.
As things stand at the moment, Alaska doesn’t have any state endorsed casinos. Several Native American reservations run gambling establishments, but – for the most part – Alaskan gamblers are being kept out in the cold (pun intended). Even the tribal casinos are subject to strict state laws that govern them (no slot machines, no horse race betting, no dog race betting). Gambling is also allowed on cruise ships sailing off Alaska’s coast.
But a group of Alaskan lawmakers want to change all that and have started to push for legal card rooms and sports betting through a new bill, House Bill 103.
According to State Representative Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, “HB103 will expand the gaming laws in Alaska to include operation of card rooms hosting banked and non-banked card games. Card rooms in the state of Alaska have been contemplated for years, now is the time to stop contemplating and make them a reality. Let’s bring the cards out of the back rooms and in a fun, social setting for all to enjoy.”
Some of HB 103 Key Highlights:
– The legalization of poker rooms and casinos that remain open 24/7, which will be combined with other entertainment destinations such as restaurants and shops.
– The establishment of an Alaskan Gaming Commission to regulate the market.
– A $100,000 licensing fee to be paid by casino operators.
– Card rooms will pay a 9.5% tax on their gross gaming revenue to the state.
– An opening to introduce sports betting – turning the illegal market into a legal one.
