Alaska

Alaska gets forgotten a lot. Probably due to being far away from the rest of the United States, but also for being vasts lands of nothingness — besides great nature, that is. It’s also been forgotten in the context of sports betting. Is it allowed? Is it not?

Keep reading and we’ll provide answers. You’re about to find out everything you ever wanted to know about Alaska’s sports betting scene in one tiny guide. There is a lot to cover so let’s get right into it.

Quick Alaska Facts

StateAlaska
?? Sports Betting Laws?Not Available
? Population700'000
? Minimum Gambling AgeN/A
?? Retail Sports Betting?Not Available
? Online Sports Betting?Not Available
? Mobile Sports Betting?Not Available
? Online Horse Betting?Not Available
? DFS? Available
Last updated on: November 19, 2024

Is Sports Betting Legal In Alaska?

No, sports betting is NOT legal in Alaska. Matter of fact, gambling as a whole is illegal in Alaska. The state is one of the strictest against any form of betting sctually. Not only that, but there’s little hope things change.

There have been a few bills passed around to legalize sports betting — but they went nowhere.  Furthermore, because the state is so small population-wise, the major sportsbooks aren’t really lobbying in Alaska to change sentiment over gambling. Ironically, the state is being forgotten here too.

This leaves Alaskans with one option: go offshore. These offshore sites work perfectly fine in the state because they operate in foreign countries and by foreign regulations. Plus, offshore sites are arguably better playing experiences for bettors OVER commercial operators. Allow us to explain why that is the rest of this article:

Nov 19, 2024 10:16 AM

Sports betting, including mobile sports betting, remains illegal, with ongoing discussions and legislative proposals highlighting the state's cautious approach to potentially regulating and legalizing these activities in the future.

Alaska Sports Betting Timeline

Alaska's sports betting timeline is short and sweet because, well, nothing of note has really happened over the years:

2020-2022

February 22, 2022 - Rep. Adam Wool introduces HB 385, a bill aiming to legalize and regulate online sports betting in Alaska, including a tax on daily fantasy sports and online sports betting revenue. Although the bill progresses to the Labor and Commerce Committee, it stalls there when the Legislature adjourns in May 2022.

February 12, 2020 - Gov. Mike Dunleavy makes the initial push to legalize sports betting in the state. Introducing legislation that would have authorized a state lottery and included sports betting, the latter was discreetly added to the list of lottery games outlined in the legislation.

Best Sportsbooks In Each Category in Alaska

Best overallBetUS
Best bonusesBetUS
Most unique bonusesBetNow
Top VIP programMyBookie
Best reputationBovada
Best sportsbookBetOnline
Best casinoEverygame
Best mobile appXBet
Best for live bettingEverygame
Best for new playersBovada
Best up-and-coming sportsbookXBet
Last updated on: November 19, 2024

Top 7 Alaska  Sports Betting Sites

The amount of offshore betting sites that exist is as vast as Alaska’s own land. They are indeed everywhere, which can be overwhelming when trying to pick one. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and honed in on the best bookies worth scoping out first. Here’s our short list:

  1. BetUS - Extensive range of betting bonuses that pay big time.
  2. XBet - Really top-notch mobile betting app.
  3. BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
  4. Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
  5. BetNow - Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
  6. Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
  7. MyBookie - Innovative rewards program for long-term betting.

#1 BetUS

BetUS Website Preview
Our score: 4.1/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
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Pros
Lucrative promotions
Huge betting menu
Cons
High rollover requirement
Free play only lasts 7 days
When it comes to betting, it’s not just about calling the right plays — it’s about making sure every dollar you wager works as hard as you do. That’s where BetUS comes in, offering a promotion-packed experience that Alaskans won’t want to miss. Let’s talk free-play bonuses because every site offers these, but not like BetUS does. Forget the modest welcome offers you see elsewhere — BetUS is dishing out up to $3,125 in free play right from the jump. Even better, if you deposit with crypto instead, that bonus climbs to a jaw-dropping $5,000. It might sound too good to be true, but trust us — BetUS is for real. Think the deals stop there? Not even close. BetUS also has a refer-a-friend deal that needs to be called out. Max it out, and you could pocket up to $6,000 in free play — a far cry from the measly $200 you’ll find on other sites. Plus, every time you bring a friend on board, you’re entered into a raffle for prizes like Super Bowl tickets or the latest tech gear. And those are just the headline offers. BetUS is constantly rolling out new promotions, whether you’re into the thrill of casino games, the convenience of crypto, or looking for special event deals. All that free play isn’t just a gimmick either, it’s legitimately a smart way to hedge your bets and get more out of every wager. For Alaskans who are serious about squeezing maximum value from their betting experience, BetUS is a no-brainer. With offers like these, the competition doesn’t even come remotely close.

#2 XBet

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Our score: 4/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
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Pros
Great mobile app
Slick-looking design
Cons
Contests and bonuses are boring
Mobile betting has completely changed the industry. It’s opened the floodgates to far more betting, and different types of betting (in-play). That’s why we had to pick a platform with one of the best mobile betting experiences around. We saw no better choice than XBet. The first thing that literally stands out about XBet is the sleek, modern vibe of its mobile site. While other platforms feel like they’re stuck in a time warp, with designs that haven’t changed since who knows when, XBet is all about staying fresh. They’ve been keeping their interface up-to-date with regular tweaks (we’ve seen it update firsthand), resulting in a clean, forward-thinking design. Of course, the app isn’t just style. It’s also substance. XBet’s mobile app is fast, responsive, and handles everything you throw at it — whether you’re bouncing between sports bets or diving into their extensive casino offerings. We glided through the site and noticed almost no lag. Errors were also nowhere to be found. And here’s the kicker: when we talk about an “app,” we don’t mean something you have to download to your phone (and take up memory space). XBet keeps it simpler than that. You can access all their features straight from your phone’s web browser. No downloads, no hassle— just open your browser, head to XBet, and you’re ready to roll. Easy as that! This mobile betting wave isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and XBet is perfectly positioned to lead the charge. Alaskan bettors that are mobile-minded have to start here — HAVE TO!

#3 BetOnline

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Our score: 4/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on BetOnline
Pros
Deep sportsbook menu
Posts betting odds fast
Cons
Sportsbook bonuses are weak
When it comes to picking a betting site, few things, if any, should be more important than the variety of bets you can place at it. After all, you’re here to bet, aren’t ya? And maybe get the best value while doing it, right? If you answered yes to either those questions, then check out BetOnline. BetOnline is the ultimate all-in-one betting site. Whether you’re into sports betting, horse racing, casino games, or poker, BetOnline wraps it all into a single platform that delivers across the board. It’s a place where you can handle all your betting needs without feeling like you’re missing out on anything. But what truly sets BetOnline apart is the sheer number of betting options at your fingertips. This applies to all the platforms, but especially the sportsbook. Of course, the lion’s share of the sportsbook menu is dedicated to the big leagues like NFL, NBA, or NHL. But the same sportsbook also offers curling (we know Alaskans love cold weather sports), rugby, sambo wrestling, and other niche things. With this type of diversity, there’s truly something for everyone here. What’s even better is all these bets are offered at incredibly bettor-friendly prices. BetOnline is either in line with competing sportsbooks or sometimes, even better. But very rarely do bettors get the short end of the stick on the bet they’re placing. One last thing we’ll mention: BetOnline doesn’t waste any time getting their gambling lines up. The moment one game ends, the odds for the next are usually posted within minutes. Some bettors see this as a strategic edge since early lines can be more favorable. Whether you’re on board with that theory or not, one thing’s clear: BetOnline’s sportsbook delivers in every way that counts.

#4 Bovada

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Our score: 4.3/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on Bovada
Pros
Reliable bookie
Simple user experience
Cons
Sportsbook deals pay peanuts
We completely get it — jumping into the world of online betting, especially with an offshore site, can feel like a leap of faith. But when it comes to Bovada, you can trust that you’re in good hands. This isn’t some seedy operation. Quite the opposite actually. Bovada is a tried-and-true platform with a reputation that’s hard to match. Bovada has been around longer than most of the big players in the industry today such as DraftKings and FanDuel. Over the years, they’ve built up a huge and loyal following. And that doesn’t happen by screwing over their customers. No, no, it’s because Bovada consistently delivers a straightforward, no-nonsense betting experience that just works. What’s great about Bovada is that they keep things simple. You don’t have to navigate through a maze of menus or deal with confusing features. The platform is designed to get you where you want to go — whether that’s placing a quick bet on your favorite team or exploring the wide array of casino games they also offer. Speaking of casino, Bovada’s is loaded with all the classic games you’d find in a real Vegas casino — slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. We love falling back on the casino when there are no sports to bet on or when you just want to switch it up. What really sets Bovada apart is how they prioritize the bettor. From the ease of use to the range of options available, it’s clear that Bovada is all about making your experience a good one. For Hawaii bettors looking for a platform that’s both reliable and straightforward, Bovada is a top choice.

#5 BetNow

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Our score: 4.2/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on BetNow
Pros
Tons of promo options
Only sportsbook rebate around
Cons
Could improve casino section
We really value the ability to do all our betting in one spot. Forget fumbling around between different sites — we want a one-stop shop instead. Welp, that’s BetNow. Sports, casino, horse racing, it’s all here for the taking! But what even impressed us more than that were the promotions. Sure, you might not see the sky-high bonuses you’ll find at places like BetUS, but BetNow more than makes up for it with a diverse array of deals. We’re talking four different welcome bonuses, three reload offers, and three rebate programs. This is on top of other deals like the referral bonus. This kind of variety is incredibly rare in the betting world. Most platforms stick to a single sign-up bonus and one reload offer. But this is pure laziness. Lazy because betting sites should know better. They should know bettors have different needs and you can’t box them all into the same thing. Kudos to BetNow for offering options so bettors can choose what’s right for them. Moving on though, there is one deal that needs to be called out, and that is BetNow’s sportsbook rebate. This offer is one-of-a-kind—no other bookmaker out there does this. BetNow gives you a 2% refund on your net sportsbook losses. It might not sound like much, but we’ll take any rebate on sports we can get cause it’s non-existent. By offering it, BetNow sure knows how to stand out in this crowded marketplace.

#6 Everygame

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Our score: 3.8/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on EveryGame
Pros
Awesome in-play betting system
Great selection of soccer bets
Cons
Dated-looking platform
Bonuses aren't lucrative at all
Once known as Intertops, Everygame has rebranded but still carries with it decades of industry expertise. This platform ticks a lot of boxes: a comprehensive betting menu, a variety of bonuses, and solid customer support. But rather than rehashing things we’ve already said, let’s talk about something they’ve really stepped up lately — live betting. Live betting is one of the hottest trends in the industry right now, and for good reason. The ability to place bets while the action unfolds adds a whole new level of excitement and strategy to the game. While many sportsbooks rushed to offer in-play betting, the results haven’t always been stellar. But not at Everygame. Where Everygame shines is the speed and accuracy of its live odds. While no live betting system is flawless due to unavoidable broadcast delays, Everygame does a remarkable job of keeping up with real-time action. This is particularly noticeable in fast-paced sports like basketball, where some platforms can lag behind by nearly a minute. That kind of delay can ruin your betting experience, but at Everygame, the odds stay refreshingly close to the action. Plus, the in-play platform is stable — no annoying lags or errors when you’re trying to lock in that perfect bet. Imagine spotting a great line, only to have the platform glitch and deny your wager? It’s a bettor’s nightmare, but thankfully, it’s a rare occurrence at Everygame. Mobile-minded bettors need to give Everygame a hard look off the back of its in-play feature.

#7 MyBookie

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Our score: 4/5
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Play now on MyBookie
Pros
Elite rewards program
All-in-one betting spot
Cons
Rewards program is invite only
We all love a good bonus, which is why sites like BetUS and BetNow are so popular. But here’s the thing about bonuses — they’re usually one-and-done. You know what’s not though and has lasting value? A solid rewards program. When it comes to rewards programs, MyBookie is ahead of the curve. Their VIP program offers some of the highest payouts in the industry, and let’s be honest, that’s what really matters. Unlike a one-time welcome bonus, MyBookie’s rewards are ongoing and uncapped, meaning your potential for free play grows the more you bet. Now, many online sportsbooks have tried — and often failed — to replicate the kind of rewards programs you’d find in a Las Vegas casino. Sure, they can’t offer you a free room or a buffet pass, but MyBookie makes up for it with substantial free play credits. There’s one catch though — MyBookie’s rewards program is invite-only. But that exclusivity is what makes it valuable — more rewards for fewer players essentially. To get in, you’ll need to be consistent with your betting, both in frequency and amount. It’s not for the casual bettor, but if you’re serious about your wagers, the rewards can be worth the effort.

Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Caesars?

None of these big-name operators are legally allowed to operate in the state — not as sportsbooks at least (DraftKings and FanDuel’s DFS sites work fine in Alaska). This will remain the case until the state passes legalization for sports betting, which is not very likely. So don’t hold your breath of ever seeing these platforms in the state. Ever!

This is why we’re all-in on offshore betting sites. They work right now, and we anticipate them being the only way for Alaskans to bet for the foreseeable future. Of course, not all offshore betting sites are created equal. That’s why you should start with the seven sites we listed above.

Betting Apps In Alaska

We have an in-depth guide to betting apps you ought to read. It’s just like this page, but laser-focused on mobile-betting. These days, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than a platform that delivers a killer on-the-go experience. It’s seriously a non-negotiable and that guide will get you going in the right direction.

Start Betting In Alaska Today — Our Guides

We want you to be the best bettor possible — a bettor that actually makes a profit from this (or at least doesn’t lose their but off). That requires a little extra studying though. Studying the intricacies of betting. In that regard, start with the intricacies below. Master these and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful bettor:

Payment Methods Available For Alaska Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks have designed their payment process — both cash-in and cash-out — to be as frictionless as possible. This starts by accepting a wide array of payment methods like the following:

  • VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
  • Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
  • Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play.
  • Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method.

Notice how crypto is an option above? Here’s another thing that’s strictly available to offshore betting sites. Even in states that legalized betting, the use of crypto is barred across the board. Bummer because crypto is cheap and fast, which makes it a suited option for offshore platforms.

Alaska Casinos

There are no legal casinos in Alaska. That's why we strongly recommend you to use an online sportsbook or online casino. It's going to be the ONLY way to play blackjack, roulette, slots, or any of the other common casino games you're used to.

History Of Alaska Legalization Efforts

We track the progress of sports betting in all state, but as mentioned before, there's not much to track in Alaska. Here's a small snippet of what's transpired up to now:

Major National Changes In 2018

In 2018, the Supreme Court reverses Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PAPSA)  — thus ending Nevada's monopoly on sports betting, Gambling on sports is now federally legal and it's on states to act for themselves. Welp, Alaska does not act and betting remains banned.

Fast-Forward to 2020 and Hope for Change

There have been a few attempts to bring casinos to the Frontier state, the first being in 1987 and the last in 2008 which was easily written off with a heavy decline by all government officials. For now, we can assume that there’s no effort being made to bring sports betting to Alaska, unless oil tanks (which it has in March 2020 due to COVID-19) and Alaska will be looking for other streams of revenue for the state.

Alaskan residents can visit other states, but it’s not a quick trip across state lines as they’re fairly isolated in the Northern tips of North America. The best option for Alaskan bettors is to sign up at an offshore online sportsbook such as Bovada and place their wagers on the internet.

Betting On Alaska Sports Teams

Admittedly, there are almost zero options here. That's because Alaska has no pro sports teams — and no one even nearby (Seattle is the cloest unless you want to count Canadian pro teams). They also don't have a Division I collegiate program. This means the sports culture in Alaska is pretty tame.

We suppose there are some minor-league level teams in the state. Bets can be had on the Alaska Aces (hockey), Anchorage Bucs (baseball), or Anchorage Glacier Pilots (baseball), but that's really it. Alaskans prefer to do their own winter sports than support any one team.

Other Types Of Betting In Alaska

Don’t look hard for legal betting options because there’s almost none in Alaska.  Given the state’s population of Native Americans (it’s pretty high), you’d think there would at least be tribal casinos. Nope — not even that.

Lottery is also a no-go. In fact, Alaska is also one of five states in the US without a state-run lottery.

Bettors looking for some kind of action can fall back on bingo halls. Yes, bingo halls. There are three (located in tribal land) that offer bingo and video marines.

One other option: daily fantasy sports (DFS). You can enter contests and tournaments in Alaska at the top platforms — DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, among others.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

We have state-by-state guides to betting across the country, not just Alaska. Here is our directory of 'em in case you need to brush up on other states:

Responsible Gaming In Alaska

While we’ve spent this whole article endorsing gambling, we want to close out with one important warning: keep betting fun. There obviously is a dark side to gambling where it’s not fun and it just presents issues — financial loss, stress, depression, or all the above. This typically happens when a bettor loses control over the habit.

Here are some potential signs that gambling is getting out of control:

  • Chasing Losses: Continuously betting more money in an attempt to win back what you’ve lost is a major red flag.
  • Betting Beyond Your Means: Spending more on gambling than you can afford, or using money meant for essential expenses like rent or bills, is a clear sign of trouble.
  • Increased Time Spent Gambling: If you find yourself spending more and more time gambling, to the detriment of other activities or responsibilities, it might be time to reassess.
  • Neglecting Responsibilities: If gambling is interfering with your work, relationships, or daily life, it’s important to take a step back.

The above list isn’t all-comprehensive by any means but they are the biggest signs we see of problem gambling. If you’re ever displaying even one, it might be worth either stepping back or reaching out for additional support. If you decide on the latter, here are some resources to help:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.

Alaska-specific resources:

Alaska 2-1-1 Helpline (https://www.alaska211.org)

A 24/7 helpline offering referrals and information on local treatment programs and support groups for problem gambling in Alaska.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services – Gambling Addiction Resources (http://dhss.alaska.gov)

Provides access to various resources for gambling addiction, including counseling and support services for individuals and families in Alaska.

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (https://alaskamentalhealthtrust.org)

Offers funding and resources for mental health services in Alaska, including those related to gambling addiction.