Do you know that Alaska holds a record for one of the most interesting facts about online gambling?
Well, if you didn’t know, you are about to discover some mind-blowing things. We will also explore in detail some of the best online casinos in Alaska in 2024.
Understanding the Alaska online casino industry is crucial for enthusiasts. This will help you engage in safe gaming and also help you choose an Alaska online gambling platform that aligns most with your needs and matches your preferences.
While Alaska’s unique position makes this a topic worthy of focus, one of the questions that arises is, “Are real money online casinos legal in Alaska?” Let’s find out!
Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Alaska?
At the time of writing, Alaska has yet to legalize real money online casinos. This comes after several attempts to legalize online gambling in Alaska have failed.
In 2020, Governor Mike Dunleavy’s proposed bills, SB 188 and HB 246, failed due to the pandemic. Similarly, Alaska State Representative Adam Wool proposed a bill under HB 385 for online sports betting in 2022. This year, Jesse Sumner suggested gambling on ferries under HB 197.
While the Alaska Gaming Commission has no specific regulations on this, Alaska Statutes § 11.66.200 (2022) — Gambling states that:
A person commits the offense of gambling if the person engages in unlawful gambling.
My Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Alaska
Sweepstakes online casinos are an alternative to traditional casinos. These online casino sites in Alaska offer players casino-style games without real money gambling involved. That way, they do not violate any state regulations.
The process is simple: buy the casino’s virtual currency to play online casino games. Want to try it? See some of the best sweepstakes online casinos here.
WOW Vegas Casino in Alaska
| Casino Type | Social Casino |
| Welcome Bonus | 250,000 WOW Coins + 5 Free Sweepstake Coins |
| Payouts | 97.33% |
| Best Online Casino Alaska for | Mobile gaming |
Wow Vegas Casino is a recently introduced gambling site that has won the hearts of many. This casino hosts about a million players with hundreds of entertaining casino game. The casino is recommended for Alaskans for its outstanding mobile app.
Upon registration, players are offered 250,000 wow coins and five sweepstakes coins. This reward is spread across three parts. There’s also a special first purchase offer where players can buy 1,500,000 wow coins for $9.99.
→ The Sugar Rush slot game features a gaming experience with vibrant visuals, engaging gameplay, and potential rewards, making it my preferred game choice.
McLuck Casino in Alaska
| Casino Type | Social Casino |
| Welcome Bonus | 7,500 gold coins + 2.5 sweepstakes coin |
| Payouts | 96% |
| Best Online Casino Alaska for | No purchase bonuses |
Another social sweepstake Alaskans can enjoy their favorite casino games is the McLuck casino. When you register on this sweepstakes casino site, you are eligible for online casino bonuses of 7,500 gold coins and also a free 2.5 sweepstakes coins.
Aside from the welcome offer, online casino enthusiasts in Alaska consider McLuck a top pick for its mobile site. Since it doesn’t have an app yet, the website is optimized for different devices, allowing access to its diverse casino games.
→ My favorite from this game collection is the Coin Quest. It has an adventurous treasure hunt theme game, which keeps players engaged and eager for more.
Pulsz Casino in Alaska
| Casino Type | Social Casino |
| Welcome Bonus | 5,000 gold coins + 2.3 sweepstakes coin |
| Payouts | 97.4% |
| Best Online Casino Alaska for | Extensive game library |
The Pulsz casino joins the list as one of the best Alaska online casino sites. The casino, launched in 2020, offers several Vegas casino-style game options, including table games. This feature makes it a sought-after casino.
Similar to the previously discussed sweepstakes casinos, Pulsz Casino also offers new players a generous bonus. The offer includes 5,000 gold coins and 2.3 sweepstake coins for registration, and 15 free SC for purchasing a $9.99 coin package.
→ Although Roulette is a popular choice in online casinos, Pulsz Casino’s American Roulette 3D offers a unique twist on the traditional game. This makes it my most preferred choice.
High 5 Casino in Alaska
| Casino Type | Social Casino |
| Welcome Bonus | 250 game coins, 5 sweep coins and 600 diamonds |
| Payouts | 97% |
| Best Online Casino Alaska for | Welcome Bonus and Promotions |
High 5 is one of the longest-operating sweepstakes and maintains its reputation in the industry. Recently, it bagged the “Top Social Casino” award. This award has attracted more players and partnerships with several top industry software providers.
The site offers a welcome bonus of 250 free gold coins, five sweeps coins, and 600 diamonds. High 5 Casino is a good option for players in Alaska because of its extensive casino game collection that includes table games and live dealer options.
→ Of the over 1000+ available games, High 5 Casino’s Bankrush Bonanza is my favorite slot for its engaging reels and bonus features.
Funzpoint Casino in Alaska
| Casino Type | Sweepstakes |
| Welcome Bonus | 400,000 gold coins and 1,000 entries |
| Payouts | 97% |
| Best Online Casino Alaska for | Unique games |
Funzpoint Casino is another top sweepstake online casino where players in Alaska can play online games without violating any regulations. Despite offering only in-house developed games, the Funzpoint Casino in Alaska has proven to be one of the most reputable casinos.
Starting with a no-deposit welcome offer of 1,000 standard Funzpoint gold coins, players are invited to explore the casino’s unique game selection. The casino’s periodic wheel spin is an attractive and rewarding feature that distinguishes it from other social casinos.
→ Although Funzpoint casino has limited game selections, the Four Seasons Keno is my favorite because of its uniqueness and high payout percentage.
Want to Bet Real Money? Try Land-Based Casinos in Alaska
Do you want to bet real money? If your answer is “yes”, then this should interest you. While there are no land-based casinos in Alaska, you can play real money games at bingo halls (local casinos) and gaming centers.
These establishments are easily spotted on the map and offer a chance to enjoy gambling responsibly.
Northern Lights Bingo in Anchorage
Northern Lights Bingo Hall offers an exciting atmosphere similar to a typical casino, with lights, a lively crowd, and engaging games. However, instead of machines, players use paper to play bingo. The on-site diner also adds to the enjoyable experience.
Feeling lucky?! Come here! This bingo hall is my favorite place of all of them. Everyone is so kind and professional. Building is one of the biggest, clean and there’s no machines!
Just you and your dauber, next thing you know, you BINGO!! YEAH!!
Albertha Wilson, a player
- Address: 703 W Northern Lights Blvd #100a, Anchorage, AK 99503
- Phone Number: +1 907-278-2975
- Website: nlbfun.com
- Opening Hours: 11 am – 11 pm
- Review on Google: 4.2/5
Tudor Bingo Center in Anchorage
If you are a fan of local gambling and want to enjoy fast-action bingo, Tudor Bingo Center is a place to visit. The customer service is commendable, and staff members are willing to teach and assist players where necessary.
I love Tudor Bingo. Whether I win or not, I have fun, and all the staff there are the best and so helpful. Especially teaching me how to use the electronic bingo card machine.
Walter Nielson, a visitor
- Address: 1436 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
- Phone Number: +1 907-561-4711
- Website: tudorbingocenter.com
- Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12 pm — 1 am
- Friday – Sunday: 1:30 pm — 2 am
- Review on Google: 4.5/5
Tribal Bingo in Sitka
The Tribal Bingo casino in Sitka is the largest casino there. While the casino’s primary gaming option is bingo, it offers a serene atmosphere for players to enjoy their game and also interact with each other.
- Address: 235 Katlian St, Sitka, AK 99835
- Phone Number: +1 907-747-7290
- Website: sitkatribe.org
- Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Review on Google: 4/5
Baranof Bingo in Kodiak
If you want a smoke-free and alcohol-free venue where you can enjoy a premium bingo game, this is the place to be. The casino offers only bingo and can take up to 300 people at once. This gives room for interaction, but if you want privacy, this may not exactly be your best option. Nevertheless, it promises non-stop fun.
It was fun. The people were friendly. I didn’t win but had a blast!
April Ligon, a happy player who rated Baranof Bingo 5/5
- Address: 312 W Marine Way, Kodiak, AK 99615
- Phone Number: +1 907-486-6735
- Website: sunaq.org/bingo
- Opening Hours: Unavailable
- Review on Google: 4.7/5
Native Association Bingo in Fairbanks
This is another land-based bingo hall you can consider if you reside in Alaska. The casino offers both computer and paper bingo, ensuring that players’ specifics are catered to. Furthermore, the casino has friendly workers and childcare facilities to help parents/guardians concentrate while playing.
They have childcare on-site during bingo… They have computer bingo and paper bingo, so you may decide how to play. It was good fun and would recommend this bingo hall to anyone.”
Jerrad Ziegler, a reviewer
- Address: 613 Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
- Phone Number: +1 907-452-4834
- Website: Unavailable
- Opening Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 6 – 10 pm
- Tuesday and Friday 6 pm – 12 am
- Sat-Sun 12:30 – 4 pm, 6 – 10 pm
- Review on Google: 4.2/5
Reminder: Gambling Rules in Alaska
Gambling rules in Alaska are strict, with most forms of gambling prohibited. State laws ban traditional casinos and sports betting.
However, there are exceptions for charitable gaming, such as bingo and raffles. Also, Sweepstakes-style online casinos and social gaming are permissible, but real money online gambling remains illegal.
- Online Casinos Allowed: No
- Land-Based Casinos Allowed: Yes
- Best Sweepstakes Online Casino in Alaska: Wow Vegas Casino
- Best Land-Based Casino in Alaska: Baranof Bingo
- Legal Age for Gambling in Alaska: 21
- Winnings Taxable in Alaska: No (but you must verify)
Why Don’t You Have to Declare Taxable Winnings in Alaska?
Since Alaska does not impose a state income tax, gambling winnings are not subject to taxation at the state level. Therefore, you do not have to declare taxable winnings. This means that any money you win from gambling activities, such as bingo or sweepstakes, does not need to be reported as taxable income on a state tax return.
However, it’s important to note that federal tax regulations may still apply to such winnings. Therefore, it is important to always consult a tax professional for guidance.
Other Legal Gambling Activities in Alaska
While traditional casinos and online gambling are not permitted in Alaska, there are other legal gambling activities that players in Alaska can engage in.
Under the Alaska Gaming Reform Act of 2016, these activities are limited to certain types of charitable gaming involving raffles, bingo, and pull-tab games.
These games must be operated by nonprofit organizations and require appropriate permits or licenses from The Alaskan Tax Division. Similarly, players can engage in several friendly games without financial stakes in social in-home gaming. However, it must not have commercial interests or house advantage.
Additionally, some establishments offer legal forms of gambling, such as skill games and fishing derbies. Here, participants pay entry fees to compete for prizes based on their performance. Furthermore, SB 157 provides that venues offering arcade-style amusements can operate lawfully in the state.
History of Gambling in Alaska
Alaska gambling laws restrict many activities, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been attempts to introduce permissible gaming activities. Likewise, lawmakers in the state have proposed various bills and measures to change this stance.
Here’s a breakdown:
- 1960: The Legislature legalized gaming, while the Alaska Department of Revenue regulates online gambling in Alaska.
- 1988: The Alaska Legislature legalized operators, authorized pull-tabs, and increased prize limits.
- 1989: An administrative order transferred gaming functions to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
- 1993: The same gaming functions were transferred back to the Department of Revenue. Furthermore, House Bill 168 reformed charitable gaming, regulating vendors and raising minimum payments.
- 1995: Cruise ship gambling was legalized, generating over $500,000 in revenue before the law expired that year.
- 1996: Three new gaming activities were legalized – Sled Dog Race Classic, Snow Machine Classic, and Deep Freeze Classic. Pull-tabs and bingo donations to lobbyists and political organizations were also prohibited.
- 2014: Through HB 268, changes were made to games of chance and skill contests.
- 2016: The Alaska Gaming Reform Act was approved.
- 2018: Governor Bill Walker signed HB 18 into law, adding to the “race classic” definition.
- 2022: Adam Wool proposed HB 385 to legalize mobile sports betting in Alaska, but the bill hasn’t passed beyond the Labor and Commerce Committee.
What’s Next for Alaska Online Casinos?
With the back and forth in legalizing gambling activities in Alaska, the future of online casinos in the state of Alaska remains uncertain. However, as other states in the US continue to legalize these activities, Alaska may face increased pressure to follow suit.
Some state legislators have already expressed interest in exploring the potential for legalizing online gambling and casinos. An example is Representative Adam Wool’s proposed legislation in 2022, which was targeted at legalizing online sports betting. This indicates a growing willingness among lawmakers to consider new gambling options.
But notwithstanding, there is still a long way to go before it takes effect. Any change would require careful consideration of the potential social impacts and a strong regulatory framework to ensure responsible gaming practices.
So, Will You Bet From Alaska Tonight?
Now that you’ve learned about the limited legal online gambling options and commercial casinos in Alaska, you can use this information to find one that suits you.
Whether it’s going to a local Alaska casino to enjoy bingo or at an online sweepstakes casino.
Need further information concerning what states allow online casino? Don’t forget to consult our comprehensive guide.