Legal Poker For Alaska Residents
Alaska is one of the sparse US states for a poker enthusiast to live in. Wagering real money on the outcomes of poker games is illegal in Alaska, although the state has nothing against residents organizing and participating in home poker games. But the state has no licensed casinos and no interest in legalizing online poker.
On this page, we have tried to answer almost every query regarding Alaska poker laws. The page also presents expert advice on the legality of playing poker for real money at offshore online poker sites. We have also presented a list of well-researched online poker sites that accept Alaska residents and allow them to play for real money.
Alaska Poker Laws & Statutes
In Alaska, it is against the law to “engage in unlawful gambling.” But the law also requires the state to prove that the accused is really guilty of illegal gambling; the accused do not have to defend themselves and prove that they are not guilty. The act of gambling can become an offence only if it is not a home poker game.
According to Alaska’s law books, social games are those in which house odds, house banks, and house players exist and in which the house does not accept a commission. It is perfectly legal for Alaska residents to play poker in the privacy of their homes as long as they make sure that nobody profits from these games. There is no other legal option for residents interested in playing poker for real money.
Although Alaska does not have any licensed casinos, residents can enjoy a few games of bingo and pull tables in cruise ship casinos. The state’s gambling laws are quite strict and it penalizes operators of illegal gambling outfits without mercy.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Alaska?
Alaska has absolutely no laws that mention online gambling in general and online poker in particular. The state’s poker laws were framed especially to curb illegal operators of land-based gambling businesses and have not been updated to include online poker. Although the attorney general of Alaska announced in 2001 that placing bets on computer games is illegal, the state does not have any law specifically prohibiting residents from registering at offshore online poker rooms.
Since the state has not prosecuted any resident for playing online poker at offshore online poker rooms, it can be safely concluded that it is legal for Alaska residents to play real money poker online. We have listed a number of safe and secure offshore online poker rooms that accept Alaska residents on this page.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Alaska?
You will get into trouble in Alaska only if you try to run an online poker site within the state’s jurisdiction. The state does not authorize, license, and regulate any individual or company to run online poker businesses. If you play at any online poker room operating in Alaska, you will definitely get into trouble with your state’s law. However, it is perfectly safe for you to sign up at offshore online poker rooms that accept Alaska residents.
It is legal for residents to play online poker at offshore online poker sites because no law prohibits them from doing so. The state cannot prosecute its residents for breaking a non-existent law, and so far, it has not done so. Alaska cannot even take action against offshore poker rooms for accepting bets from its residents because Alaska’s laws do not apply to offshore online poker rooms. Players will be safe as long as they stick to the offshore online poker we have listed on this page.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Alaska Players
It may be cold in Alaska year round but the online poker scene in the state has never been hotter. More and more residents are going to sites like those listed below now that they know it is legal. Stick with our recommendations and never fear of getting stuck with a rogue poker room or one that doesn't have many active players.
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Alaska
Want to bet on a site that has a headquarters close to home? Then bet with Bovada whose headquarters is in the Mohawk Territory of Canada. They are more than just close to Alaska residents physically, for more than 20 years Bovada has offered one of the best poker rooms in the world to Alaska residents, making them rather near and dear to their hearts as well.
That isn’t to say that the legal online poker room is all talk and no show, though. This legal online poker room is known as one of the best sites for a reason. They offer the largest amount of guaranteed tournament money in the U.S. If a user wants to make money then they need to go play with Bovada poker and get in on the daily tournaments they offer to users. If that isn’t enough to get any poker enthusiast’s blood boiling with excitement then check out their $100,000 dollar tournament that they hold every Sunday. It is plain to see why Bovada commands so much respect when they have tournaments of that size every single week.
BetOnline Poker - All Alaska Players 18+ Welcome Here
BetOnline is the premier poker room of the pros. Any Alaska resident that really wants to test their mettle or up their game needs to go to this legal poker site where the best players gather to face off against each other and the new and upcoming stars. With two rooms to choose from BetOnline poker has fame for those who want recognition for their skills and fortune for those who just want to make some cold hard cash.
Players looking to challenge the poker greats of the U.S. should have not problem jumping right into the mix. It is a premier room for only the best of the best. While any player can enter, users that are new to poker or not truly competitive and skilled players should be warned that the pros in this room will destroy anyone who can’t keep up with their fast pace and superior game. Any player who thinks they have what it takes to fight the pros and come out on top should go to BetOnline now and try their luck. Players of all skill levels can be found here and the limits on the tournaments and money games held daily vary so every user can find a chip in amount that suits their wallet.
| Legal Alaska Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo |  |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |  |
Does Alaska Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
According to the gambling laws of Alaska, playing poker is illegal. Simultaneously, the state has nothing against those who organize and take part in home poker games. Alaska uses certain methods to distinguish between games of chance and games of skill, and since poker has an element of chance in it, operating poker games for profits is against the law. The only legal way for players to play real money poker in Alaska is to do so in the privacy and comforts of their own homes.
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Alaska Players
As previously mentioned, Alaska does not have any licensed land-based casino with live poker rooms, card rooms, and other gambling facilities offering poker games. Certain cruise ships allow Alaska residents to play games of pull tabs and bingo. The only safe and legal way for Alaska residents to play poker for real money is to take part in home poker games.
Another safe and legal way for Alaska residents to play poker for real money is to sign up at legal offshore online poker rooms, such as the ones suggested on this page. The online poker rooms listed here are all licensed and regulated in offshore gambling jurisdictions. Besides, they welcome new players with grand bonuses and give away attractive rewards for loyalty.
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Alaska
The state of Alaska has not issued any public statement to indicate its interest in online gambling legalization. Even if Alaska legalizes online poker, it will not be able to make a profit out of it because of its poor population and lack of broadband facilities. Alaska stands a chance of making a success out of online poker only if it forms interstate gambling compacts with neighboring state, but the state is not that friendly toward gambling. Right now, Alaska residents as well as lawmakers are least interested in legalizing online poker. Alaska residents, therefore, have no other option, but that of playing real money poker at legal offshore online poker rooms and it is perfectly legal and safe for them to do so.
