Alaska has a conservative attitude toward gambling. Therefore, there are no commercial casinos in the state. In addition, the land of ice and snow allows little of the freedom of movement that most other states enjoy. However, there’s a way to play casino games for real money in Alaska, and you’ve come to the right place.
Key Things You Need to Know
- There are no licensed online casinos or sports betting sites in Alaska. However, no law prevents Alaska residents from gambling at offshore casinos.
- Not all offshore casinos are trustworthy, but we did the research to provide you with the safest offshore casino sites that are reputable as well as licensed and regulated by international gaming authorities.
- If you’re an Alaskan player, you can still gamble on the go, as these offshore casinos are fully optimized for mobile. Some even offer native Android and iOS real-money casino apps.
- There are no land-based casinos where you can play slots or table games in the state of Alaska, so US-friendly online casinos are the only option for casino gaming. This is why we made sure to only recommend offshore casino sites that offer a wide variety of games and use random number generators for fairness and transparency.
Types of Legal Gambling in Alaska
As one of the least gambling-friendly states, Alaska houses no lottery, casinos, or AK racetracks. The sparsely populated state leaves little room to establish casino gambling, even if the industry is regulated in the future.
The immense geographical size of the Last Frontier, coupled with its low population, only lends itself to one form of gambling: real-money online casinos. However, at the time of this review, Alaska does not have regulated online casinos. The good news is that you can still gamble online from the comfort of your home in Alaska.
While there are no commercial casinos or even a lottery, there are a few bingo halls in Alaska. Here are the few legal ways you can gamble in the Last Frontier:
- Charitable bingo and raffles
- Home poker games
- Cruise ships with casinos
The third option is not technically gambling in Alaska, as these ships cannot offer games until they leave Alaskan waters. However, considering the significant maritime movements of ships in the region, we decided to add this option for avid Alaska gamblers.
Charitable Gambling
Technically, the only legal form of gambling in Alaska is charitable gaming, which the state authorizes in various forms. Additionally, “dog musher” contests are also permissible, as well as several other games associated with the state’s culture.
Social gambling in a private residence is also allowed.
Bingo Halls
Alaska has had bingo halls dating back to 1960. Bingo is the game of choice in areas with a sufficient population to support it. Despite being the largest state (area-wise) in the US, Alaska has a population of nearly 800,000. Therefore, establishing full-fledged casinos is challenging, even if lawmakers allow it in the future.
So, all the roads lead to Alaska online casinos!
Alaska Online Casinos vs. Local Casinos
In most other states with physical gaming venues, some gamblers may struggle to choose between land-based and online casinos. However, the decision is easy in Alaska.
With no commercial casinos in Alaska or any neighboring states, the only alternative for Alaskan gamblers is offshore online gambling sites. In most cases, online Alaska casinos are an excellent option, thanks to their generous online casino bonuses, expansive game libraries, and fast payouts. The best fast-paying casinos also tend to accept small deposits. Whether you are still learning how to play slots online or simply want to dip your feet into online gambling, there are many small deposit casinos available.
The best Alaska online casinos feature almost every slot variation and table game you may be looking for. All you need to do is join an AK casino site to enjoy a safe, secure, and fun online gambling experience.
Gambling in and Near Alaska
With no Vegas-style casino gaming, the only gambling options in Alaska are a few remote bingo halls on Indian reservations.
Metlakatla Bingo Hall
Address: 8th and Waterfront, Metlakatla, Alaska 99926
Metlakatla Bingo Hall is the state’s only Class II gaming casino. This 70-seat bingo hall offers electronic bingo and pull tabs. Customers can also enjoy free coffee and a smoke shop in this establishment, which opens every Thursday and Saturday.
Klawock Bingo
Address: 407 Bayview Blvd, Klawock, Alaska 99925
This 65-seat bingo hall features video pull-tab machines and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Tudor Bingo Center
Address: 1436 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
This bingo center in Anchorage is an enormous facility offering slot machines and gaming tables, in addition to many bingo tables.
Many traditional gamblers flock to this gaming venue to witness a gerbil contemplate its next move during a roulette “rat race”—one of the few remaining rodent roulette races in Alaska.
Chances Casino
Address: 240 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A8, Canada
This 380-seat community gaming center is located in British Columbia. Chances Casino falls under Canadian gambling laws, offering bingo, slots, horse racing, and eTables. You can also find food, beverages, and other amenities overlooking scenic ocean views.
Other Forms of Gambling in Alaska
Read our guides to learn more about other forms of legal gambling in Alaska:
- Alaska online sportsbooks
- Alaska online racebooks
- Alaska racetracks
- Alaska bingo
- Alaska sportsbooks
- Alaska casinos
- Alaska lottery
- Alaska online poker
Casino Games You Can Play in Alaska
While Alaska has strict gambling regulations, there are still opportunities to enjoy various casino games online. Here’s a breakdown of popular games that Alaskan players often seek out:
Poker
Poker remains a popular card game in the world. In Alaska, online platforms offer various poker variants like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. The game combines skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a card game where the objective is to have a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. It’s a game that allows for strategy and quick decision-making. Online platforms often provide multiple blackjack variants, including single-deck and multi-deck games.
Roulette
This classic casino game offers players the chance to bet on the outcome of a spinning wheel. There are different versions available online, including American and European Roulette. The American version has an additional ’00’ on the wheel, giving the house a slightly higher edge.
Slots
Slot machines are perhaps the most accessible casino games, requiring no skill or strategy. Alaska’s online casinos offer a wide range of slot games, including classic 3-reel slots and more complex video slots with various themes and bonus features.
Video Poker
Video poker combines elements of slots and traditional poker. Players aim to make the best five-card hand possible, and the better the hand, the higher the payout. Variants like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild are commonly available.
Live Dealer Games
For those looking for a more authentic casino experience, live dealer games provide real-time interaction with a human dealer through a video feed. Popular live dealer games include live blackjack, live roulette, and live baccarat.
Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Alaska
Alaska has opposed gambling ever since the formation of its statehood in 1959. There are no land-based Alaskan casinos or a state lottery. Here’s a quick timeline of casino legislation in Alaska:
- 1986: The government approves the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, allowing federally recognized tribes in Alaska to host Class II games, including pull tabs and bingo.
- 1990: The Alaska Gambling Board backs legalized gambling. However, state voters rejected the proposal.
- 1995: The state legislature clears a bill prohibiting card, wheel, and dice games. Alaska lawmakers ban cruise ships from offering casino games in state waters.
- 2003: State lawmakers propose HB240, aiming to create an Alaska state lottery. However, the proposal is voted down. SB 186—another bill that would regulate video poker—is also rejected.
- 2004: The legislature votes down HB509, which was designed to create an Alaska Gaming Commission.
- 2008: Alaska voters reject a legislative proposal introducing Class III regulated gambling facilities.
- 2016: The legislature approves the Alaska Gaming Reform Act, which covers the Charitable Gaming Program.
- 2022: State Rep. Adam Wool introduces HB 385, seeking to legalize mobile sports betting in Alaska.
Alaska Online Gambling FAQs
Are there casinos in Alaska?
Alaska does not house any commercial casinos, although the state is home to two tribal casinos. The Federal National Gaming Commission (NIGC) approved two Class II gaming venues to offer bingo and pull tab games under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. However, Class III games (slot and table games) are not allowed in these tribal casinos in Alaska.
In addition to bingo and pull tab games, Alaskans can play punchboards, tip jars, and a limited variety of card games.
Is online casino gambling in Alaska legal?
Currently, no gambling laws in Alaska cover online casinos, poker, or AK sports betting. While we’re not sure when state lawmakers will bring such legislation, we suggest you subscribe to our site to stay updated on all related news.
Although there are no state-licensed Alaska online casinos, you can still play online through the leading offshore online casinos in the state. In addition, there are no laws concerning online gaming, which means you won’t face any legal trouble for playing your favorite casino games in Alaska.
Who regulates online gambling in Alaska?
Currently, no one regulates online gambling in Alaska. However, if the state legislature approves it in the future, the future Alaska Lottery Commission will most likely regulate the industry. Although such a commission does not exist at the time of this writing, it’s only a matter of time before we see a regulated state lottery in Alaska. There have been several recent attempts to create a state lottery recently, including by the governor in 2020.
However, another likely regulator candidate for a potential online gambling industry in Alaska is the Alaska Department of Revenue. This agency currently oversees charitable gaming—the only legal form of gambling in Alaska.
When will online casinos be legal in Alaska?
As we write this review, a bill is in the pipeline to regulate online sports betting in the state. However, there is no consideration for regulating Alaska online casinos. Considering the decades-long history, we don’t think legal online Alaska poker, sports betting, or casino gambling is coming to the state any time soon.
But the good thing is that residents don’t need to wait for regulated Alaska online casinos. There are many legitimate offshore AK online casinos that accept players from the state. So, for the best and safest US online gambling experience, we recommend you join one of the Alaskan online casinos we suggested in this guide.
Is an Alaska lottery in the cards?
Alaska has been a resource-rich state, thanks to its oil industry. Residents receive an annual check based on the state’s fluctuating oil prices. Since 1959, the money has flowed, leaving few reasons for lawmakers to seek alternatives to fill the state’s coffers.
However, the Last Frontier’s economic situation has changed since COVID-19. As a result, the historically anti-gambling state is now considering legalizing gambling in Alaska.
In 2020, Gov. Mike Dunleavy proposed lottery legislation. Although nothing is official, a state lottery appears likely to emerge in the near future. If this happens, any lottery proceeds will be earmarked for education and community programs.
Will I face legal trouble for gambling online in Alaska?
You’re unlikely to face any issues while playing at AK online casinos. According to state law, a person commits the offense of gambling if they engage in “unlawful gambling.” The law further defines “unlawful” as anything not specifically mentioned as legal. This simply means that Alaska’s default position on gambling is that it’s against the law. That said, thousands of gamblers play through offshore sites in Alaska every day.
Still, you should consult a gambling attorney to learn more about the online gambling laws in your state.
How do I stay safe playing online casino games in Alaska?
Gambling online is usually safe, though you must always consult your best friend: your common sense.
While most Alaska-facing casino sites are safe, there are a handful of shady sites operating in the state. You can avoid those operators by making informed decisions. For instance, do some research before joining an AK gambling site. You can also check our recommended Alaska online casinos for the safest online gambling experience.
Which cruise ships to Alaska have casinos?
Casino cruises that stop in Alaska waters include the Norwegian Pearl, MS Oosterdam, Sea Princess, and Rhapsody of the Seas. However, these ships can only allow casino gaming once they travel beyond Alaskan waters into international territory.
What is the best online casino in Alaska?
The answer to this question depends on what you expect from a gambling site. For instance, if you’re looking for the best online casino gaming, you should check out Wild Casino or Ignition.
However, if you’re looking for the best two-in-one online casino and sportsbook, we recommend you try BetOnline or Bovada.
What is the legal online gambling age in Alaska?
There are Alaska online casinos that accept players who are 18 years old. You can participate in live bingo and pull tabs if you’re 19.
What laws cover online gambling in AK?
Gambling, in general, is covered by Alaska Statutes and Codes, Section 11.16.110 through Section 11.16.270. While none of those regulations refer to online gaming specifically, keep in mind that the local authorities are free to argue that Alaska laws still apply to online play. Fortunately, no players have been prosecuted so far.