Alaska Representative David Nelson has introduced House Bill 145 (HB 145), the state’s latest proposal to legalise mobile sports betting.
The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for licensing, regulation, and taxation, targeting a launch date of January 1, 2026 – pending the approval of at least three operator licences.
HB 145 authorises mobile sports betting through a licensing system overseen by the Alaska Department of Revenue. Any company seeking to operate must hold mobile sports wagering licences in at least three other U.S. states and pass a criminal background check. The licence would cost $100,000 per year, with additional administrative fees.
A maximum of 10 licences could be issued, and operators would be taxed at 20% of adjusted gross revenue. The bill outlines stringent operational standards, including mandatory identity verification, system integrity measures, data retention, and reporting of suspicious activity. Licensees must also establish house rules, promote responsible gambling, and restrict access to individuals under 21.
HB 145 allows nearly all types of bets, such as single-game, parlays, in-play, prop bets, teasers, and futures. Wagers must be placed by individuals physically located in Alaska or in approved partner jurisdictions under interstate agreements.
Importantly, the bill exempts licensees from municipal taxes and defines clear enforcement mechanisms, including fines of up to $10,000 per violation and potential licence suspension or revocation for non-compliance. All privileges under the bill are discretionary, not guaranteed rights.
The Department of Revenue is instructed to develop regulations based on other states’ models, covering consumer protection, data security, financial transparency, and licensing procedures.
While Alaska has previously considered legalising sports betting, none of those efforts gained traction. In 2020, Governor Mike Dunleavy proposed legislation to establish a state lottery that included sports betting, but it was blocked. Similarly, Rep. Adam Wool introduced HB 385 in 2022 to regulate online betting, but it failed to advance due to political and social concerns.
HB 145 marks a shift in strategy, focusing specifically on mobile sports wagering—a model that has proven more scalable and successful in other states. By limiting licences and requiring prior experience, the bill aims to attract reliable operators. It also opens the door to interstate betting agreements, which could boost market size and state tax revenue, as long as they comply with federal law.
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