Legal Sports Gambling In Alaska
Alaska is a beautiful state surrounded by some of the nation’s most captivating nature. It’s the largest state by area, though one of the smallest in terms of population. For sports fans, there aren’t any local teams to rally behind. This doesn’t mean that Alaska residents should miss out on all the fun and competition, especially in regards to sports betting. Sports betting is an exciting way to get involved with your favorite sports teams. You can also turn a nice profit if you bet on the right teams and outcomes.
For Alaska residents, there are certain guidelines and policies you must consider when betting on sports. This guide will not only educate you on those policies, but also show you how to legally and safely wager on sports at legally sanctioned sporstsbooks that accept Alaska residents.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Alaska As Of 2024?
Alaska state law says that gambling is illegal. This isn’t surprising given the state’s population level and landscape—it’s not exactly the ideal state to host a casino. This means that state regulated sports betting is illegal. However, this law only applies to in-state sports betting.
There are no state or federal laws that make it illegal for Alaskan gamblers to place bets at legally licensed and regulated sportsbooks as long as they are operating legally within the industry and are located outside of the United States.
You will find more specific information about existing US gambling laws and how they apply to Alaskan sports fans below.
Most Trusted Online Sportsbooks Open To Alaska Players In 2024
Below you will find our recommendations for the most reputable, high quality and legitimate online sportsbook destinations that accept bettors from Alaska. They have each been vetted by our team of industry professionals, and all meet our stringent requirements for inclusion in this guide.
These requirements include a highly sophisticated security profile, legitimate credentials such as legal licensing and compliance certifications and competitive betting lines, odds and paylines.
They must provide exceptional customer support, US friendly banking options and a premium betting experience from start to finish. They all payout your winnings quickly and efficiently.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Rating /5 | USA | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $1,000 | 4.9 | Yes | Play Now |
| Betonline Sportsbook | 50% Max $1,000 | 4.4 | Yes | Play Now |
| Spotsbetting.ag | 50% Max $1,000 | 4.1 | Yes | Play Now |
How Do US Federal Gambling Laws Impact Sports Betting in Alaska?
There’s something called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, or PASPA, that restricts sports betting in 46 states. Unfortunately, Alaska is one of the states barred from having legalized state based sports betting.
The Federal Wire Act prohibits US based online sports betting, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) regulates banks and other financial institutions in regards to processing transactions from online gambling.
These laws strictly prohibit state licensed sports betting opportunities in Alaska. You won’t find a bookie or Nevada-style sportsbook that’s operating legally. This doesn’t mean Alaska residents can’t place bets on sports. By using one of the offshore sportsbooks that we’ve recommended, Alaska residents can safely and legally place bets on sports.
All of the aforementioned laws don’t have jurisdiction over these offshore sportsbooks. By placing bets with these online betting destinations, you aren’t in violation of any state or federal laws. These sportsbooks are designed for American bettors so they too can get in on the sports betting action.
For state specific regulations, you can learn more here.
FAQs About Betting On Sports
Can I Still Place Bets Even Though There Are No Teams In My State?
Absolutely. Our featured sportsbooks offer bets on all types of sports and teams. Alaska residents are free to bet on whichever teams, games, matches and athletes they prefer.
What Sports Can I Bet On If I Live In Alaska?
You can bet on a wide variety of both American and international sports with these sportsbooks. Most sportsbooks offer football, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, boxing, MMA, horse racing, stock car racing, just to name a few. Not only are there a lot of sports you can bet on, but different styles of bets and wagering options as well.
What Types of Bets Can I Place?
There are the standard bets going either for or against the point spread. This would be like betting on the Golden State Warriors to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers by 5 or more points. You can also bet over/under on the final score of the game. So you could take the over/under that the Patriots will score 59 ½ points in Super Bowl LI.
There are also prop bets, which are specific bets like whether the Pistons will score first against the Celtics. You can also place future bets, such as betting on the Dolphins to win the Super Bowl next season. These types of bets are made in the beginning of the season and change in value over the course of the season.
How Do Online Sportsbook Deposits And Payouts Work?
Once you successfully register for an account, you’ll have to deposit money to start placing bets. You can deposit funds into your account in several ways.
Some of the more common ways are credit/debit card, wire transfer or Bitcoin. Check with the sportsbook to see which options are available to you.
When you are ready to make a withdrawal, all you have to do is navigate to your account page and select the withdrawal method. Most sportsbooks restrict your withdrawal method to the same deposit method you chose, but they also reserve the right to change the payout method. Checks and Bitcoin are among the most common withdrawal methods available.
What is Bitcoin And How Does It Play A Role With Betting Sports Online?
Bitcoin is an online currency. For the reputable sports betting sites we recommend, it’s the fastest way to deposit and withdraw funds from your account. There are online services that convert your Bitcoin into real money. If you desire to get your winnings as fast as possible, then Bitcoin is certainly the best option available to you.
Are There Any Bonuses Or Perks Available To AK Bettors?
Yes. The offshore sportsbooks that we’ve recommended offer all types of bonuses to their users. These bonuses act as free money for you to bet with in addition to whatever you deposit. These destinations want to retain you as a customer and so these bonuses act as incentives to keep your business. There are often seasonal bonuses and other promotional offerings throughout the year, so be sure to track bonuses as they come out.
Are There Any Sign Up Fees At Sportsbooks For Alaska Residents?
No. Creating an account with these sportsbooks is free. However, you can only start placing bets once you’ve deposited money into your account.