Alaska Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in AK

Alaska’s gambling laws permit casinos to operate on Native American reservations. However, the state has outlawed gambling devices, such as slot machines, everywhere else. While horse racing is not allowed, Alaska permits various other contests closely associated with the state’s environment and culture, such as “dog mushers” races. Social gambling in private residences is also allowed.

Alaska has regulations for gaming activities conducted by qualified organizations and municipalities to raise funds for various purposes such as charity, education, politics, and religion. To conduct gaming activities and use the net proceeds, a qualified organization must obtain a permit from the Department of Revenue and abide by the rules established by Alaska Statutes Title 5 (AS 05.15.010-.690) and the Alaska Administrative Code 15 AAC .160. The state has stringent regulations in place to ensure gaming activities are conducted in a controlled environment with several restrictions.

Related reading: Alaska online casinos

Reviews of the Top Casinos in Alaska

Alaska is not known for its gambling establishments, but there are still some great options for those who want to try their luck. Here are the reviews of the top casinos in Alaska.

1. The Eagle River Bingo and Casino

The Eagle River Bingo and Casino is one of the most well-known casinos in Alaska, and it’s especially popular in its hometown of Eagle River. The casino is open from early in the day to late at night, attracting crowds of people looking to gamble. 

In addition to numerous slot machines, the casino features tables for classic games like blackjack and craps. A highlight of this casino is the bingo games it hosts, which draw people from the surrounding towns due to the large number of players. The casino is located at 12130 Regency Dr, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA.

2. Tudor Bingo Center

As we look through this list of top gambling establishments in Alaska, it’s no surprise to see another bingo center included. Bingo is a beloved pastime for many Alaskans, and the games often draw in crowds from neighboring towns. With the chilly climate in Alaska, one of the most significant draws of a casino is the warmth it provides. 

The Tudor Bingo Center in Anchorage is a standout among casinos in the area, offering a relatively large gaming space with a variety of slot machines and game tables in addition to their popular bingo games. It’s no wonder why so many gamers and gambling enthusiasts flock to this unique and exciting establishment.

Location: 1436 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA

3. Native Village Barrow Pull Tabs

Pull tabs are another immensely popular game in Alaska, which is almost exclusive to the northern regions of North America. Different from traditional gambling games, pull tabs are played with a large number of players. Among the most popular pull tab gaming centers in Alaska is the Native Village Barrow Pull Tabs. The name may sound unusual to tourists, but the center receives a large number of visitors and players, both natives and tourists alike, who come to test their luck and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Located at 6090 Boxer St, Utqiagvik, AK 99723, the Native Village Barrow Pull Tabs is a must-visit gaming center for anyone traveling to Alaska who wants to experience the excitement and fun of this unique game. With its inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, this gaming center provides a perfect place to indulge in a thrilling game of pull tabs and meet new people.

4. Metlakatla Indian Community Bingo Center

The Metlakatla Indian Community Bingo Center is a well-known gambling hub in Alaska, famous for its large-scale bingo games, which can seat over a hundred players. However, what sets this casino apart from others is its vast collection of more than 90 gaming machines, including slots and automated blackjack.

The Metlakatla Bingo Center is a favorite among locals for its range of gaming options and its welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy playing their favorite games while also experiencing the unique cultural heritage of Alaska.

Location: 8th & Upper Milton St, Metlakatla, AK 99926, United States

5. Tlingit And Haida Community Bingo Center

Among the numerous Bingo Centers in Alaska, the Tlingit and Haida Community Bingo Center is renowned across the state, and it’s also known as the Juneau Casino. This bingo center is one of the largest in the state, with tables that can seat over a hundred individuals for every game.

The games are so popular that they draw more than twice the population of some small towns, with both players and onlookers flocking to each round for a chance to win. The Tlingit and Haida Community Bingo Center is known to host some of the most exciting bingo games in the state.

Location: 3235 Hospital Dr, Juneau, AK 99801, USA

In conclusion, while Alaska may not be known for its casinos, there are still several great options for those who want to try their luck. The Klawock-Heenya Corporation and Sitka Tribal Bingo are both smaller casinos with a cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices. The Tlingit and Haida Community Bingo is also a smaller casino, but it offers a larger selection of games. The Miccosukee Resort and Gaming and Tropicana Casino are both larger and more modern casinos, with a wider variety of games, higher prices, and more amenities. All of these casinos offer something unique and are worth checking out if you find yourself in Alaska.

Alaska Gambling Revenues

Alaska’s gambling industry generated $227 million in revenues in 2021, according to the Alaska Department of Revenue. Of that total, $196 million came from charitable gaming, including bingo and pull-tab games, and $31 million came from the state’s native tribes.

The revenues generated from charitable gaming are used to support a variety of services and initiatives. In 2021, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services received $44 million from charitable gaming revenues, which it used to support programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Some of the revenue also goes to the state’s general fund, which is used to support a variety of public services and initiatives.

The native tribes in Alaska use the revenue generated by their gaming establishments to support tribal initiatives and programs, such as healthcare and education. In 2021, the state’s native tribes contributed approximately $11 million to the state’s general fund, as required by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Overall, the gambling industry in Alaska plays an important role in generating revenue for the state and supporting important services and initiatives. While the industry may be smaller than in other states, the revenues generated by charitable gaming and native tribal gaming help to fund programs and services that benefit Alaskans across the state.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Alaska

The native tribes in Alaska have a long history of gaming, dating back to the traditional games played by Alaska Native peoples for thousands of years. In the modern era, native tribes in Alaska have turned to gaming as a way to generate revenue and support their communities. Today, there are several native tribes in Alaska that operate gaming establishments, including casinos and bingo halls.

However, the history of Indian gaming in Alaska has not been without controversy. In 1991, the State of Alaska sued the Native Village of Venetie Tribal Government, arguing that its bingo games violated state law. The case went all the way to the US Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the tribe, stating that Alaska Native tribes have the right to engage in gaming on their lands.

Today, there are several native tribes in Alaska that operate gaming establishments. Some of the most notable include the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, which operates several bingo halls throughout the state, and the Metlakatla Indian Community, which operates a casino and bingo hall.

Here is a complete list of Indian gaming tribes in Alaska:

In conclusion, the native tribes in Alaska have a long history of gaming and continue to operate several gaming establishments in the state today. While the industry has not been without controversy, Indian gaming has provided an important source of revenue for tribes, helping to support tribal initiatives and programs.

A History of Gambling in Alaska

In the early 20th century, gambling became increasingly popular in Alaska, with the legalization of horse racing and dog mushing races. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that casinos were legalized in the state, with the establishment of the first legal casino in Klawock in 1962.

In the 1970s and 1980s, gambling in Alaska continued to grow, with the opening of several new casinos and gaming establishments. However, the industry faced significant opposition from some lawmakers and religious groups, who argued that gambling was a threat to the moral fabric of society. In response to this opposition, the state of Alaska passed several laws to regulate and restrict gambling, including a ban on slot machines in 1974.

Despite these restrictions, gambling in Alaska continued to grow throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Charitable gaming, including bingo and pull-tab games, became increasingly popular, with revenues from charitable gaming reaching $196 million in 2021. Additionally, several native tribes in Alaska established gaming establishments, with revenues from native tribal gaming reaching $31 million in 2021.

However, gambling in Alaska remains more limited than in other states, with only a few casinos and gaming establishments operating throughout the state. As of 2023, there are only four casinos operating in Alaska, with a total of 140 gaming machines and 10 table games.

The future of gambling in Alaska remains uncertain, with some lawmakers continuing to push for tighter regulations and restrictions. However, the industry continues to generate significant revenue for the state, supporting important programs and services. Additionally, with the growing popularity of online gambling and sports betting, it remains to be seen how the landscape of gambling in Alaska will continue to evolve in the coming years.

In conclusion, while the history of gambling in Alaska has been marked by controversy and opposition, the industry continues to play an important role in the state’s economy. With a long tradition of gaming that stretches back thousands of years, it’s clear that gambling will remain a part of Alaska’s cultural fabric for years to come.

Gambling Taxes in Alaska

In Alaska, all gambling winnings are subject to federal taxes, regardless of the amount. This means that if you win any amount of money through gambling, you must report it as income on your federal tax return. The federal tax rate on gambling winnings ranges from 24% to 37%, depending on your total income for the year.

In addition to federal taxes, Alaska residents may also be subject to state income taxes on their gambling winnings. Alaska has a flat income tax rate of 0%, meaning that you will not owe any state income taxes on your gambling winnings. However, if you are a nonresident of Alaska and win gambling income within the state, you may be subject to Alaska’s nonresident income tax rate of 3.6%.

If you win a large amount of money through gambling, the casino or gaming establishment may be required to withhold a portion of your winnings for taxes. This is known as backup withholding, and is required by the IRS for certain types of income, including gambling winnings. Backup withholding is set at a rate of 24% for gambling winnings.

To pay taxes on your gambling winnings, you must report them as income on your federal tax return. You will need to report the total amount of your gambling winnings on your tax return, along with any taxes that were withheld by the casino or gaming establishment. Additionally, if you have any gambling losses for the year, you can deduct those losses on your tax return, up to the amount of your winnings.

Alaska Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Alaska casinos before being taxed?

In Alaska, all gambling winnings are subject to federal taxes, regardless of the amount. This means that you must report all of your gambling winnings on your federal tax return, regardless of whether or not the casino has withheld taxes. It’s important to keep accurate records of all of your gambling activities and winnings, in order to accurately report your income to the IRS.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Alaska?

If you feel that you have a gambling problem and want to ban yourself from Alaska’s casinos and gaming establishments, you can do so by completing a self-exclusion form. This form is available from the Alaska Gaming Commission, and allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from all casinos and gaming establishments in the state. Once you have completed the form, the commission will distribute your photo and information to all casinos and gaming establishments in the state, and you will be banned from entering them.

Who regulates gambling in Alaska?

Gambling in Alaska is regulated by the Alaska Department of Revenue’s Gaming Division. This division is responsible for overseeing all aspects of gambling in the state, including licensing and regulating casinos and gaming establishments, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations, and investigating any complaints or issues related to gambling. Additionally, the division is responsible for administering and enforcing the state’s charitable gaming laws.

What is the minimum gambling age in Alaska?

The minimum gambling age in Alaska is 18 years old for all forms of gambling, including charitable gaming and native tribal gaming establishments. However, some casinos and gaming establishments may choose to set a higher minimum age, so it’s important to check with individual establishments before attempting to gamble. Additionally, anyone under the age of 21 is not permitted to consume alcohol on casino or gaming establishment property.

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