NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Alaska for Hockey

Alaska is one of America's most restrictive gambling states, with nearly all forms of betting prohibited. As of December 2025, sports betting is NOT legal in Alaska, neither online nor retail. However, unlike Alabama, Alaska has shown recent signs of potential change.

For hockey fans in Alaska, there are currently NO legal ways to place traditional sports bets on NHL games. Daily Fantasy Sports operates in a legal gray area.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Alaska?

No. Sports betting is ILLEGAL in Alaska. Alaska has NOT legalized sports betting. No online or retail sportsbooks operate legally in Alaska. You cannot legally bet on NHL games through any licensed sportsbook in the state.

Age requirements:

Casinos (tribal): 21+

Proposed sports betting (HB 145): Would be 21+ if legalized

Regulatory framework: No sports betting regulator exists in Alaska because sports betting is not legal. Under HB 145, the Alaska Department of Revenue would regulate sports betting.

Why sports betting isn't legal yet:

Restrictive gambling laws (Alaska prohibits most forms of gambling). Small population (only ~740,000 residents, third-smallest state). Regulatory concerns (lawmakers question if Alaska can support a standalone regulatory agency). No professional/D1 sports teams (limited local sports betting interest). Historical opposition (few serious legalization attempts until recently).

But HB 145 could change everything in 2026.

House Bill 145: Alaska's Best Chance at Legalization

What HB 145 Proposes

House Bill 145, introduced by Rep. David Nelson on March 21, 2025, would legalize mobile sports betting in Alaska.

Key features:

License type: Mobile/online only (no retail). Number of licenses: Up to 10 sportsbooks. License fee: $100,000 annually. Tax rate: 20% on adjusted gross revenue. Age requirement: 21+. College sports: Permitted. Olympics: Permitted. DFS regulation: Not regulated. Regulator: Alaska Department of Revenue. Effective date: January 1, 2026.

Operator requirements: To receive an Alaska license, sportsbooks must already operate in at least 3 other states and pay $100,000 annual license fee. If more than 10 apply, Department of Revenue decides based on projected gross revenues.

Shurzy Tip: HB 145's "already in 3+ states" requirement means Alaska would get major national operators, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, bet365, ESPN BET, BetRivers. No startup sportsbooks. That's good for Alaska bettors.

Current Status (December 2025)

Introduced: March 21, 2025

Status: Awaiting House Labor & Commerce and Finance committee hearings

Timeline: Must advance before mid-May session end to launch January 1, 2026; otherwise rolls to 2026 session

Shurzy Take: HB 145 is the most serious Alaska sports betting bill ever introduced. But "awaiting committee hearings" means it's stalled. If it doesn't advance by mid-May 2025, it rolls to 2026 session, and the January 2026 launch date becomes impossible. Watch this closely.

Previous Legalization Attempts

HB 385 (February 2022)

Rep. Adam Wool introduced HB 385 to legalize mobile sports betting with a proposed 12% tax rate and $5,000 license fees. Status: Did not advance beyond the House Labor and Commerce Committee.

Earlier Attempts

Few serious attempts before 2022 due to Alaska's traditionally restrictive gambling stance.

Shurzy Tip: Alaska has basically ignored sports betting until 2022. HB 385 failed, but HB 145 is a more serious attempt with higher license fees ($100K vs. $5K) and stricter operator requirements. That signals legislators are taking this more seriously.

What Options Do Exist for Alaska Residents?

Option 1: Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) – Legal Gray Area

Daily Fantasy Sports are NOT explicitly legal or illegal in Alaska, they operate in a legal gray area.

Major DFS platforms accessible:

FanDuel DFS (NHL contests available), DraftKings DFS (NHL contests available), PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy.

Status: State Attorney General has not taken enforcement action

Risk: Proceed at own risk; legality unclear

Shurzy Tip: DFS platforms are your ONLY current option for NHL wagering in Alaska (legal status murky). FanDuel DFS and DraftKings DFS have the deepest NHL contests. PrizePicks and Underdog are easier for beginners. It's not the same as traditional betting, but it's accessible. Use at your own risk.

Option 2: Tribal Casinos – NO Sports Betting

Alaska has a few small tribal casinos, but they offer limited gaming (Class II) and do NOT offer sports betting. They would likely house retail sportsbooks if legalized.

Option 3: Charitable Gaming

Alaska permits charitable gaming (bingo, pull-tabs, raffles) but this does not extend to sports betting.

Option 4: Horse Racing – ILLEGAL

Horse racing betting is prohibited in Alaska.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Expert Tips for Alaska Hockey Fans

1. Use DFS for NHL Action (At Own Risk): Daily Fantasy Sports provide NHL wagering entertainment, though legal status is unclear. FanDuel DFS and DraftKings DFS available in Alaska. Note: Proceed at own risk; legality ambiguous.
2. Monitor HB 145 Progress: Watch for updates on House Bill 145. If passed by mid-May 2025, launch could be January 1, 2026. If delayed, rolls to 2026 legislative session. Track: www.akleg.gov.
3. Avoid Offshore/Illegal Sites: Offshore sportsbooks are illegal in Alaska. Using them carries risks: no consumer protections, no legal recourse for disputes, potential legal liability. August 2025: Alaska AG joins 50-state coalition urging DOJ to address illegal offshore gaming.
4. Plan for Potential 2026 Launch: If HB 145 passes, expected operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars (already in 3+ states). Age: 21+. Markets: All sports including NHL, college, Olympics.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Challenges for Alaska Sports Betting Market

Even if legalized, Alaska faces unique challenges.

• Small population: Only ~740,000 residents (third-smallest state). Smaller than Wyoming or Vermont. Limited betting handles potential.
• No local teams: No NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL teams. No NCAA Division I programs. Reduced local sports betting interest.
• Tax rate competitiveness: Proposed 20% tax matches larger states (Massachusetts, Ohio). Sportsbooks may question profitability in small markets.
• Remote geography: Many residents in remote areas. Internet connectivity challenges. Online-only models may work best.

Shurzy Take: Alaska's tiny population (~740K) and lack of local teams make it a tough market for sportsbooks. But the online-only model keeps overhead low. If Wyoming (580K residents) can support 4 sportsbooks, Alaska can support 10. The question is whether 20% tax scares operators away.

Future Outlook for Alaska Sports Betting

2026 Launch Possible

If HB 145 advances through committee and passes: Launch date January 1, 2026, operators up to 10 licensed sportsbooks, market type online/mobile only (no retail).

Alternative Timeline

If HB 145 stalls: 2026 session (bill could be reintroduced), 2027 launch (more realistic if delays occur).

Expected Operators (If Legalized)

Based on "already in 3+ states" requirement: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, bet365, ESPN BET, BetRivers.

Shurzy Tip: If HB 145 passes, Alaska bettors would get the same major operators as every other state. That's 8+ sportsbooks competing for a tiny market. Expect aggressive promotions and competitive odds. Small markets like Wyoming and Vermont get great promos, Alaska would too.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting

Even without legal sports betting, Alaska residents can access problem gambling resources:

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings available

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan.

Final Thoughts: Alaska's Path to Legalization

Alaska is among America's most restrictive gambling states, with sports betting remaining illegal as of December 2025. However, HB 145 represents the most serious legalization attempt in state history.

Use DFS platforms (FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS) at own risk (legal status unclear). Monitor HB 145 progress for potential 2026 launch. Avoid offshore/illegal sportsbooks (Alaska AG actively combating illegal operators).