Alaska’s lawmakers have traditionally shown little enthusiasm for the expansion of gambling. However, House Bill 145 could signal a fresh direction. On March 21, Representative Jesse Nelson introduced this proposal, which would allow local operators to enter the online sports betting market in the Last Frontier.
The measure outlines a licensing system, tax structure, and operator standards. It also represents the most structured attempt yet of online gambling regulations in the state.
The bill has been referred to the House Labor and Commerce Committee. If it advances, the House Finance Committee will evaluate its fiscal implications. Alaska’s legislative session is set to close in mid-May.
This means HB 145 faces a compressed timeline if it hopes to move forward. Will it advance far enough before legislators pack up?
Because we don't have nearly enough gaming-related legislation this year, there's now a bill proposing to authorize online sports betting in Alaska:https://t.co/Tvl6183KlH pic.twitter.com/NOwzpeB5Dq
— Geoff Zochodne (@GeoffZochodne) March 24, 2025
Licensing Model
Uup to ten licenses would be up for grabs under this proposal. Each license would require an annual fee of $100,000. Applicants must already hold valid licenses in at least three other U.S. jurisdictions. This provision is intended to attract experienced operators.
Applicants would be required to undergo background checks and implement security protocols. The bill includes consumer protections such as identity verification, secure data practices, and age restrictions. Operators would be prohibited from advertising to individuals under the age of 21.
Wagering Scope
If enacted, the bill would permit:
- Single-game wagers
- Parlays
- Teasers
- Prop betting
- Live betting
More notably, wagers would be allowed on both professional and collegiate sports as well as international events like the Olympics.
The proposal positions the Alaska Department of Revenue as the sole regulatory body. Its responsibilities would include issuing licenses, enforcing compliance, and monitoring betting activity for irregularities.
Tax Policy
The bill proposes a 20% tax on adjusted gross sports wagering receipts. This figure places Alaska in the national middle tier. It is higher than legacy markets like Nevada but well below states with aggressive tax policies such as New York.
Supporters of the bill point to the absence of a state income tax as a reason to explore new sources of revenue. Still, lawmakers remain cautious. Alaska’s population is spread across a large and remote geography. It has no professional sports franchises and little existing gambling infrastructure. These factors may limit the financial upside.
Anti-Expansion History
Looking back at recent industry news, over the past two decades, Alaska has rejected multiple gambling-related bills. A lottery proposal, introduced by former Governor Mike Dunleavy in 2020, never advanced. In 2022, House Bill 385 aimed to establish a local online sports betting market but stalled in a committee.
Today, Alaska remains one of a few states without a lottery, without licensed commercial casinos, and without any local sportsbook regulation. Some residents participate in daily fantasy contests. In the past few months, a similar situation has developed in Hawaii, a jurisdiction traditionally opposed to gambling regulations.
Next Steps for Lawmakers
As of March 28, HB 145 remains in committee. Should it progress through both chambers before the session ends, it would move to the governor for review. That scenario is possible but not guaranteed.
In the meantime, many Alaskans continue to trust the best offshore sportsbooks, which our experts have exhaustively reviewed, and which are available to U.S. bettors.
Whether HB 145 advances or not, its introduction signals a renewed interest in bringing sports wagering under state supervision. The coming weeks will reveal whether lawmakers view this session as a moment to act or another opportunity to wait.
