Online Sports Betting in Alaska 2024

As of now, online and in-person sports betting remain illegal in Alaska, with no active sportsbooks in the state. Despite attempts like House Bill 385 in 2022, progress has been limited.

In this guide, we’ll break down the latest on AK sports betting laws, legal alternatives for making picks, and tips for handling potential winnings. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of what’s next for Alaska sports betting and the current options available.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Learn what current sports betting options are legal in Alaska.
• Explore the history of Alaska sports betting legislation.

Top Social Bookmakers in Alaska

For now, Alaska residents can still enjoy sports picks through social sportsbooks, a legal workaround that uses virtual currency for placing bets and winning prizes. Following our experience, we have gathered the top social sports betting sites for Alaskan residents.

Online Gambling Scene in Alaska: An Overview

Gambling options in Alaska are highly restricted, with few options available. Traditional gambling activities like sports betting and casino gaming are illegal, while certain social forms of gambling, like sweepstakes and bingo, are allowed under specific conditions.

Here’s an overview of the legal status of different types of gambling in Alaska:

Gambling Type	Legal?	Current Situation	Legal Age
Online Sports Betting	No	Online sports betting is not legal, and there are no licensed sportsbooks in the state.	—
Retail Sports Betting	No	In-person sports betting is also prohibited, with no legal options for placing sports wagers locally.	—
Social Sportsbooks	Yes	Sweepstakes sites allow virtual sports picks without using real money.	18
Horse Racing	No	No active racetracks or sanctioned horse betting options are available.	—
Daily Fantasy Sports	Yes	DFS is allowed, letting players legally enter contests for prizes.	18
Casino Gaming	Limited	Alaska has a few tribal casinos, but real-money gaming options are generally prohibited across the state.	21
Lottery	No	Alaska does not have a state lottery, and previous efforts to establish one have not advanced.	—
Bingo	Yes	Limited bingo halls operate, mainly as charitable gaming options.	18

Popular Sports and Teams in Alaska

Alaska’s sports landscape is unique, shaped by the state’s remote location and small population. Although there are no major league professional teams, Alaskans passionately support local and regional sports, with favorite teams spanning minor league, college, and out-of-state professional leagues.

Here’s an overview of the top sports Alaskans enjoy and can engage with through these social betting options.

Baseball

MLB Betting: While Alaska doesn’t have major league teams, local minor league baseball teams like the Anchorage Bucs and the Anchorage Glacier Pilots draw a loyal following. Alaskans can support these teams and make social bets on popular MLB teams through sweepstakes platforms.

Ice Hockey

NHL Betting: Hockey is one of Alaska’s most popular sports, led by the once-iconic Alaska Aces, who won three Kelly Cup championships before disbanding.

Today, many Alaskans follow the NHL, particularly teams like the Vancouver Canucks. Social sportsbooks provide an option for Alaskans to make picks on NHL games, keeping the hockey spirit alive.

College Sports

NCAAB Betting: College teams bring a lot of pride to Alaskans, especially the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves, competing in NCAA basketball and hockey.

The annual Great Alaska Shootout also brings in college basketball teams from around the U.S., and sweepstakes sportsbooks allow fans to participate in college sports picks legally.

Football

NFL Betting: Though Alaska has no NFL team, many fans root for the Seattle Seahawks in nearby Washington. Sweepstakes sportsbooks let Alaskan fans make picks on NFL games, creating a legal way to participate in the action.

Dealing With Your Winnings Taxes in Alaska

In Alaska, where cash-based sports betting remains illegal, there is no state tax on sports betting winnings. However, here’s what Alaskan bettors need to know if they win money from legal gaming activities outside the state or from federal tax obligations:

• Federal Tax on Winnings: Even though Alaska doesn’t have a state income tax, any gambling winnings, including those from out-of-state betting, are subject to federal tax. The IRS requires reporting of all gambling income, regardless of the amount.
• W-2G Tax Form: If your gambling winnings exceed certain thresholds (e.g., $600 from sweepstakes or $1,200 from slots), the payer may issue a Form W-2G, which reports your winnings to the IRS. You’ll need to include this information when filing your federal taxes.
• Deductions for Losses: You can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return. Be sure to keep accurate records of both winnings and losses.

If you have specific questions about the process, we recommend you check out our full guide on taxes for sports betting.

So, What’s Next for Alaska Online Sports Betting Scene?

As of November 2024, Alaska has not legalized sports betting. Efforts to introduce sports betting legislation, such as House Bill 385 in 2022, have not progressed, leaving the legal status unchanged.

As the future of sports betting in Alaska remains uncertain, the Last Frontier State’s sparse population and unique geographic challenges have contributed to a lack of momentum in legislative efforts. While neighboring states have moved forward with sports betting legalization, Alaska has yet to follow suit.

AK residents and visitors interested in sports betting should stay informed about any potential state legislative developments, as changes could occur in the future.

References

1. House Bill No. 385 — Retrieved Nov 13, 2024
2. The Alaska State Legislature Bills & Laws — Retrieved Nov 13, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions