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Legal Sports Betting in Alaska
Sports betting in Alaska faces an uncertain future, with the state yet to legalize and regulate the industry. Despite the growing popularity of sports wagering across the United States, Alaska has been slow to address the issue, leaving residents without legal options for placing bets on their favorite teams and events.
| State | Alaska |
| Sports Betting Law Passed | No ❌ |
| Launch date | N/A |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes ✔️ |
| Retail Sports Betting | No ❌ |
| Retail Casinos | No ❌ |
Top 5 Alaska Sportsbooks
While there are currently no legal Alaska online sports betting sites, residents can still access offshore online sportsbooks to bet on their favorite sports. Some top contenders include:
These sportsbooks are known for their user-friendly platforms, competitive odds, and extensive betting markets! They are also likely to offer enticing bonuses and promotions to attract new customers in Alaska.
BetUS
BetUS is a well-established name in the sports betting industry, known for its sleek mobile app and wide range of betting options. The sportsbook has a strong presence in many states with legal sports betting and is one of the major players in the Alaska market.
BetUS offers the widest range of betting markets in Alaska
As a leader in the sports betting industry, BetUS is offers Alaska residents an extensive selection of betting markets across various sports and events. From popular leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB to niche sports and international competitions, BetUS provides Alaskan bettors with a comprehensive wagering experience.
BetUS boasts the best mobile betting app in Alaska
BetUS is renowned for its user-friendly and feature-rich mobile betting app. You can expect a seamless mobile wagering experience with BetUS, allowing you to place bets, track your wagers, and access live scoring updates all from your smartphones or tablet.
Pros
✅ Extensive betting markets
✅ User-friendly mobile app
✅ Competitive odds
✅ Generous bonuses and promotions
✅ Strong reputation in the industry
BetNow
BetNow is another well-known sports betting site with a strong presence in the US market, particularly in Alaska. This bookie became famous for its daily fantasy sports offerings and has successfully transitioned into the sports betting arena. BetNow brings expertise and innovative features to the Alaskan sports betting scene.
BetNow offers the most competitive odds in Alaska
BetNow is known for providing competitive odds for countless sports and events. Alaskans can enjoy attractive lines and pricing from BetNow, ensuring they receive the best value for their wagers.
BetNow has the most user-friendly platform in Alaska
BetNow’s platform is designed with the user in mind, offering an intuitive interface and easy navigation. Alaska bettors can expect a smooth and enjoyable wagering experience when using BetNow’s website or mobile app, making it simple to place bets, track results, and manage their accounts.
Pros
✅ Competitive odds
✅ Sleek platform
✅ Wide range of betting options
✅ Responsive customer support
✅ Fast and reliable payouts
Bovada
Bovada is one of the most recognized names in the online sports betting industry, known for its extensive betting markets, competitive odds, and user-friendly platform. The sportsbook offers a wide range of sports and events, including popular leagues, international competitions, and niche offerings like esports and politics.
Bovada’s live-streaming feature is unmatched
Bovada is particularly well-known for its live-streaming service, which allows users to watch selected games and events directly on the sportsbook’s platform. This feature is especially valuable for Alaska bettors who may not have access to certain broadcasts due to their location.
Bovada offers a wide range of payment options, including cryptocurrencies
Bovada accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash, and vouchers. The sportsbook’s inclusion of digital currencies is particularly appealing to Alaska bettors who value anonymity and fast transaction times.
Pros
✅ Live streaming service for selected games and events
✅ Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
✅ 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email
✅ Bitcoin accepted for deposits and withdrawals
BetOnline
BetOnline is a popular online sportsbook that has been serving bettors since 2001. The sportsbook offers a diverse range of betting markets, covering major professional leagues, college sports, international competitions, and niche offerings like esports and entertainment.
BetOnline’s extensive selection of prop bets appeals to Alaska sports fans
One of BetOnline’s standout features is its extensive selection of prop bets, which allow users to wager on specific events or outcomes within a game. This variety of betting options is particularly appealing to Alaska bettors looking for more unique and engaging ways to wager on their favorite sports.
BetOnline offers fast payouts and reliable customer support for Alaska bettors
BetOnline prioritizes fast payouts for its users, processing withdrawal requests quickly and efficiently. The sportsbook also provides reliable customer support, with representatives available to assist Alaska bettors via live chat and email.
Pros
✅ Extensive selection of prop bets
✅ Competitive odds and lines
✅ Wide variety of payment options, including cryptocurrencies
✅ Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
*Were you hoping to find sportsbooks such as BetMGM, DraftKings, or FanDuel available? These services do not provide online sports betting to people living in Alaska. This situation may evolve, but for now, these platforms, along with Unibet, BetRivers, Fox Bet, or PointsBet, are not accessible in Alaska. Instead, consider exploring the options featured on MyTopSportsbooks. These sites deliver competitive odds and more substantial bonuses compared to the brands frequently advertised on TV.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Alaska?
No, online sports betting is not currently legal in Alaska. The state has not passed legislation to authorize and regulate online sports wagering, and there are no legal online sportsbooks operating in Alaska. However, Alaska residents can still access offshore online sportsbooks, which are based outside of the United States and operate in a legal gray area. These sportsbooks accept bets from Alaska residents. These sites adhere to the highest standards of fairness, security and transparency.
Despite the growing popularity of sports betting across the United States, Alaskans should not expect legal sports wagering to arrive in the state anytime soon. The combination of Alaska’s vast land area, small population, and absence of major professional sports teams makes the prospect of legalization less appealing for sportsbooks. As a result, sports betting companies are less likely to invest resources in lobbying the state government to initiate the legalization process and begin offering online sports betting promotions.
While the road to legal sports betting in Alaska faces significant obstacles, there have been a few attempts to start the conversation about legalization. In February 2022, Representative Adam Wool introduced HB 385, a bill that would authorize and regulate online sports betting in the state. However, when the Alaska Legislature adjourned in May 2022, the bill remained in front of the House Labor and Commerce Committee without further progress.
As the Alaska Legislature reconvened on January 23, 2023, the future of sports betting in Alaska remains uncertain. The lack of momentum behind HB 385 and the absence of strong support from the sports betting industry suggest that Alaskans may have to wait longer for access to legal online sports wagering.
Alaska Sports Betting – Recent Updates
- February 24, 2022 – Representative Adam Wool introduces HB 385 to legalize online sports betting. The bill fails to progress.
- February 12, 2020 – Governor Mike Dunleavy proposes The Alaska Lottery Corporation Act (SB 188 and HB 246) to allow various forms of legal gambling, including sports betting
- May 20, 2020 – Alaska Legislature adjourns early due to the coronavirus pandemic, causing the proposed bills to expire
Six Reasons to Choose These Alaska Betting Sites
We’ve rigorously evaluated the online sports betting landscape in Alaska, drawing on years of personal experience with various platforms. This deep dive into the world of online bookmakers has equipped us with the knowledge to discern the essentials.
Engaging in online betting is not just about the thrill; it’s about ensuring your security and ensuring you’re receiving optimal value. Below are the five critical attributes we prioritize when endorsing sports betting sites, along with examples of sportsbooks that excel in each area.
Don’t forget to explore the leading Alaska betting apps for an exceptional mobile betting experience.
Potential legal sports betting sites in Alaska
With Alaska potentially opening up its sports betting market in the following decade, major players like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM are keen to make their mark. Despite these big names often offering less favorable odds and bonuses due to their hefty advertising budgets, they are poised to enter the market if the state legislature gives the green light. While the exact number of licenses to be issued remains uncertain, Alaskans currently have the option to explore the online sports betting sites we endorse, which often provide better value.
Alaska’s Sports Betting Journey
The push for legal sports betting in Alaska faces unique challenges due to its small population and remote location. To date, there have been no significant legislative efforts to legalize sports betting in Alaska since the overturning of PASPA in 2018. This lack of movement means Alaska has not joined the growing list of states with legal sports betting markets. Here’s a timeline with key legislative attempts and discussions around sports betting in Alaska:
- 2018: Following the Supreme Court’s PASPA ruling, no legislative action has been taken by Alaska to legalize sports betting.
- 2020: The global pandemic shifts legislative priorities, impacting discussions around gambling and sports betting.
- 2021: Interest in sports betting continues to grow among some Alaskan lawmakers and constituents, but no significant legislative proposals are made.
- 2022: Representative Adam Wool introduces House Bill 385 (HB 385), aimed at legalizing sports betting by establishing a regulatory framework. The bill seeks to authorize online sports betting and impose a tax on betting revenue. However, it doesn’t progress significantly in the legislative process.
- 2024: There have been discussions and some interest from lawmakers, but no formal bills have been introduced to legalize sports betting in Alaska.
Gambling in Alaska
Gambling is highly restricted in Alaska, with limited legal options available to residents:
- Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Operates in a grey area, with platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel accessible to residents.
- Charitable Gaming: Includes activities like bingo and raffles, regulated by the state.
- Dog Mushing Betting: Reflecting Alaska’s unique cultural sports, betting on dog mushing contests like the Iditarod is a notable exception to the state’s restrictive gambling laws.
Alaska’s Unique Sports Culture
Alaska’s sports culture is distinct from much of the United States, focusing on sports that reflect its unique environment and heritage:
Dog Mushing
Alaska’s official state sport, holds a special place in the hearts of residents. It’s not just a sport but a vital part of the state’s history and culture, reflecting the traditional means of transportation over snowy terrains.
- Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race: The most famous dog mushing event, often called “The Last Great Race on Earth.” This annual race covers approximately 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, attracting competitors and spectators from around the world.
Ice Hockey
Popular at youth, amateur, and semi-professional levels throughout the state. Betting on Alaska Ice Hockey Teams has become a widespread activity among fans, adding an extra layer of excitement to the games! Here are the main Alaskan hockey teams:
- Alaska Anchorage Seawolves: The University of Alaska Anchorage’s NCAA Division I ice hockey team, competing in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). The team plays its home games at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.
- Alaska Nanooks: Representing the University of Alaska Fairbanks, this NCAA Division I ice hockey team competes in the CCHA (Central Collegiate Hockey Association). The Nanooks play their home games at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks.
- Alaska Aces (Defunct): Previously Anchorage’s professional ECHL ice hockey team until 2017. The team had a strong following and played its home games at the Sullivan Arena.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Horse Racing in Alaska
While retail sports betting is not available, Alaska residents can participate in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) as the state does not prohibit these contests. However, horse racing betting is not operational in Alaska, with no live tracks or sanctioned betting facilities within the state.
Future Prospects for Sports Betting in Alaska
With the introduction of bills like HB 385, there’s a clear indication of interest in legalizing sports betting in Alaska. However, the state’s cautious stance on gambling expansion and the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks mean that significant progress towards legalization may require more time.
