Alaska may be frozen most of the year, but its House Bill 145 could ignite one of the hottest topics in U.S. gaming policy in 2025: the expansion of regulated online sports betting to America’s most remote frontier.
Introduced by Rep. David Nelson, the bill proposes up to 10 online licenses under the Alaska Department of Revenue, with a reasonable $100,000 annual fee and a 20% tax rate on net revenue. These figures are competitive compared to mature markets and could prove attractive for operators looking to expand their footprint without the hyper-saturation of states like New Jersey or Colorado.
But this isn’t just about revenue. It’s about legitimacy, control, and timing. Alaska has long lagged behind in digital gaming. The bill’s emphasis on responsible gambling, age restrictions (21+), and visible access to problem gambling resources signals a state finally willing to engage with modern regulatory standards.
Critics may argue that the state’s small population and vast geography limit the revenue potential. However, Alaska’s online-first model bypasses the limitations of physical sportsbooks, focusing instead on what really matters: capturing offshore betting currently unregulated and untaxed.
Interestingly, this comes as Hawaii also advances its own bill, hinting at a broader shift among historically gambling-averse states. With Gov. Mike Dunleavy previously open to betting as a source of revenue, political momentum may finally align with consumer demand.
If done right, Alaska could offer a blueprint for low-density states to monetize digital wagering responsibly. The odds may be cold, but the money’s heating up.
