Alaska could potentially become the next state to legalize sports betting, as Rep. David Nelson introduced House Bill 145 to allow up to 10 sportsbooks to operate in the Last Frontier. The bill requires a $100,000 license fee and approval for sportsbooks that are operational in at least three other states. Notable sportsbooks currently meeting this criteria include FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. The bill also allows betting on college sports and the Olympics, with a minimum age requirement of 21 for bettors. Depending on the number of applicants, the state’s Department of Revenue will award licenses based on projected revenues.
Similar legislation is gaining momentum in Hawaii with House Bill 1308, aiming to allow only four sportsbooks in the state. Despite previous attempts to legalize sports betting in Alaska, HB145 faces committees before approval and a proposed start date of Jan. 1, 2026. However, the sparse population and lack of professional sports teams raise questions about the viability of sports betting in the state. The proposed tax rate for sports betting revenue in Alaska is 20%, on par with more populous states like Massachusetts and Ohio. If passed, sportsbooks will need to weigh the pros and cons of expanding into Alaska’s unique market. With Hawaii leading the charge in legalization, the future of sports betting in Alaska remains uncertain, but lawmakers are pushing forward with the potential for a new industry in the state.
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