Alaska Online Sportsbooks Bill Lobbied by Local Lawmakers

Local legislators have introduced one Alaska online sportsbooks bill which aims to give residents online betting options in the state. Representative Davis Nelson filed House Bill 145 (HB 145) that would legalize internet sports wagering in The Last Frontier.

What are the Main Proponents of the HB 145?

According to HB 145's text, it strives to authorize mobile sports wagering in all its regulatory functions. Namely, it will impose taxes on mobile sports wagering revenue, and will have checks for potential operators. Moreover, online sports betting operators would not be tethered to any brick-and-mortar gaming elements in the state.

If the Alaska online sportsbooks bill gets approved, it will allow the Department of Revenue to license up to 10 online sports betting operators. If more than 10 applicants are interested in acquiring a license, the Department of Revenue will award them accordingly. 

Getting a license will be based on projected gross revenues, relevant experience in other states, and projected tax revenues. Furthermore, operators may only apply for a license if they currently offer online sports betting in at least three other states.

Lastly, operators that acquire a license need to pay a license fee of $100,000. The operating licenses are valid for one year.

HB 145 also imposes other rules for operators, especially when it comes to promotions. Operators are banned from promoting or advertising mobile sports wagering to persons under 21 years of age. Moreover, HB 145 also requires licensees to provide information on gambling disorders and resources on their mobile wagering systems.

Potential for HB 145 and Online Casinos in Alaska

Currently, Alaska does not have land-based, real money online casino operators, and sportsbooks. HB 145 is the first bill that seeks to introduce gambling in the Last Frontier. However, Alaska doesn't have professional sports franchises, or Division I colleges, which equates to a potentially small market.

That said, if approved, the Alaska online sportsbooks bill will become law and would take effect on January 1, 2026. Alaska is in the same boat with Hawaii, who are also discussing online sportsbook legalization.