The Current Legal Landscape of Sports Betting in Alaska
As of early 2026, sports betting remains illegal in the state of Alaska. The Last Frontier is one of the few states in the US with highly restrictive gambling laws, and this extends to both online and retail sports wagering. There are no casinos, card rooms, or racetracks in the state. The primary forms of legal gambling are limited to bingo halls and pull-tab games operated by licensed charitable organizations and Native American tribes.
Over the years, there have been several attempts to legalize sports betting, but none have gained significant traction in the state legislature. In 2020, Governor Mike Dunleavy introduced a bill that would have created a state lottery and legalized sports betting, but it failed to advance out of committee. Another attempt was made in 2022 with House Bill 385, which also stalled. The most recent effort, House Bill 145 in 2025, which aimed to authorize mobile sports betting, also did not pass.
The lack of progress on this front can be attributed to several factors. Alaska's small and widely dispersed population, coupled with the absence of any professional sports teams, makes it a less attractive market for major sportsbook operators. Consequently, there is less lobbying pressure on lawmakers to change the status quo.
Alternatives to Traditional Sports Betting in Alaska
While traditional sports betting is not an option, Alaskans can still engage in sports-related contests through Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and social sportsbooks.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
DFS sites like DraftKings and FanDuel operate in a legal gray area in Alaska. These platforms are not explicitly illegal, and they argue that their contests are games of skill rather than chance. As a result, Alaskans can participate in DFS contests, which involve building a fantasy team of players and competing against other users for cash prizes.
Social Sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks like Fliff offer a legal alternative that simulates the sports betting experience. Users can make picks on sporting events using virtual currency. While you can't win real money directly, you can redeem winnings for gift cards and other prizes.
Types of Wagers Available on Alternative Platforms
On DFS platforms, the most common type of contest is the classic salary-cap game, where you build a lineup of players under a set budget. There are also other formats like "Pick'em" contests, where you predict whether a player will go over or under a certain statistical benchmark.
Social sportsbooks mimic the offerings of real-money sportsbooks, with common wager types including:
- Moneylines: A simple bet on which team will win the game.
- Spreads: A bet on the margin of victory.
- Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored in a game.
- Props: Bets on individual player performances or specific events within a game.
Tax Implications for Gambling Winnings
Since sports betting is not legal in Alaska, there are no state-specific tax laws for gambling winnings. However, any winnings from legal forms of gambling, such as DFS, are subject to federal income tax. It is important to keep a record of your wins and losses and report them on your federal tax return.
The Future of Sports Betting in Alaska
Given the repeated failure of past legislative efforts, it is unlikely that sports betting will be legalized in Alaska in the immediate future. For now, residents of the Last Frontier will have to continue to rely on DFS and social sportsbooks for their sports gaming entertainment. There are no neighboring states with legal sports betting, as Alaska's only land border is with Canada.
Responsible Gaming
Even when participating in legal forms of gambling like DFS, it is crucial to do so responsibly. Set a budget and stick to it, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are resources available to help:
- The National Council on Problem Gambling: Offers a national helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
- Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
By staying informed and gambling responsibly, Alaskans can enjoy the thrill of sports gaming while minimizing the risks.