Is Sports Betting Legal in Alaska?
Yes, betting on sports is legal in Alaska.
Are There Any Regulated Sportsbooks in Alaska?
No, there are trusted offshore sportsbooks serving Alaska.
What sports betting apps are legal in Alaska?
Since regulated betting apps like FanDuel and DraftKings are not available for Alaskans using offshore sportsbooks such as BetOnline and Bovada are recommended as both have 20+ year track records and accept players from Alaska.
Top Online Alaska Sports Betting Apps
From our top 10 list of online sportsbooks, we’ve narrowed things down to our top five highest-rated online sportsbooks, all of which are located in countries where online gambling is legal.
You will find popular sports, NCAAF wagering, NCAAB wagering, a huge selection of soccer leagues to bet on and more at these offshore betting sites. You can expect a wide variety of generous promos, player prop bets, team prop bets and more for your favorite teams.
With our thorough sportsbook reviews below, you can learn more about our highest-rated platforms in the online sports betting industry:
BetOnline
Bonuses and fast payouts make BetOnline a strong choice for Alaskan bettors. If you’ve never bet on the site before, you can sign up today and claim up to $250 in Free Bets and 100 free casino spins by entering promo code FREE250 when you make your first deposit. If you love playing poker, BetOnline offers a 100% Poker Welcome Bonus worth up to $1,000 when you use promo code POKER1000 at checkout. This bonus comes with a 1X rollover requirement.
Whether you’re building multi-leg parlays or locking in early lines, BetOnline provides the flexibility to bet the way you want. With options ranging from mainstream sports to niche markets, players can always find fresh opportunities to maximize their wagers. Fans of parlays, odds boosts and risk-free bets will find plenty of ways to enhance their bankroll, whether betting on NFL Sundays, the NBA playoffs or NHL action. Offering fast withdrawal options, competitive lines and consistent promotions, BetOnline keeps Alaska sports fans covered year-round.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- Opinionated lines on major sports
- Broad range of bonus offers
- Faster than most sportsbook apps
Player Reviews
Ratings Summary
Bovada
Founded in 1994, Bovada offers simple, user-friendly betting for Alaskan players who want generous bonuses, reliable payouts and tons of betting options. New players can grab a 50% Sports Welcome Bonus of up to $250 or take advantage of a 75% Crypto Deposit Match of up to $750 using promo code BTCSWB750.
A wide variety of betting markets, including sports, entertainment, esports and even political odds, ensures plenty of action beyond the standard options. Bovada also features an extensive live betting section, allowing players to wager on games as they unfold, with constantly updated odds. Quick payouts and an easy-to-use interface make Bovada an appealing choice for Alaskans who want smooth, hassle-free betting on their favorite teams like the Florida Panthers or the New Jersey Devils.
With competitive odds, frequent promotions and a rewarding loyalty program that offers valuable perks like cash bonuses, free bets and exclusive contests, Bovada keeps bettors engaged all year, making it one of the top offshore sportsbooks available today.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- An intuitive, user-friendly mobile interface
- Unique props on sports and entertainment markets
- Mobile site performs as well as apps
Player Reviews
Ratings Summary
Heritage Sports
Consistent value and rewarding promotions make Heritage Sports a strong sportsbook for Alaskans. The platform offers -108 reduced juice lines across major sports, providing better returns on every bet and giving players an edge when betting on teams like the Seattle Kraken, Denver Broncos or even top college football programs. With competitive odds available on everything from NFL spreads to NHL totals, bettors can maximize their profits throughout the season.
Players who sign up today can get started with a 100% Free Play Bonus of up to $500 by entering promo code BMR100 or opt for a 20% Cash Bonus of up to $500 using promo code BMR20. Additional perks include quarterly cashback rewards, boosted parlay payouts up to 4.5X and ongoing reload bonuses, adding extra value throughout the year. Live betting, mobile-friendly wagering and quick withdrawals ensure a seamless experience, while reliable customer support makes Heritage Sports a trusted sportsbook option for bettors across the Last Frontier.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- Competitive reduced juice odds at -108
- Comprehensive live betting options
- Quarterly cash back for 149+ sports bets
Player Reviews
Ratings Summary
BetAnySports
Cold Alaskan winters don’t have to slow down your sports betting. At BetAnySports, players can take advantage of -105 reduced juice lines to make sure they always get lower betting costs compared to standard online sportsbooks. Whether you’re placing wagers on the Seattle Seahawks or even on NHL Stanley Cup matchups, you’ll constantly find great value with every bet. With options covering everything from moneylines to player props, there’s no shortage of ways to stay in the action.
If you sign up today, you can claim a 150% Free Play Welcome Bonus of up to $250 simply by reaching out to customer support — no promo code required. From live betting to a wide range of markets, it offers a smooth experience for anyone looking to stay ahead. A user-friendly platform, fast cashouts and a commitment to transparent betting options make BetAnySports a solid sportsbook for Alaskans looking for consistent value year-round.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- Best reduced juice sports lines at -105
- Quick and reliable payouts
- Works like the best sports betting apps
Player Reviews
Ratings Summary
BookMaker Sportsbook
Sharp, serious Alaskan bettors looking for early lines and high betting limits should know about BookMaker. This sportsbook has been a trusted name since 1985, and it’s widely known for offering sharp odds, fast-moving lines and extensive betting markets.
With odds that move quickly and limits that accommodate high-stakes action, BookMaker caters to those who want to stay ahead of the game. Whether you’re tracking overnight lines or looking for the best value on game day, this platform provides the tools needed to make smart wagers.
New players can start with a 100% Free Bet of up to $400 using promo code GET100. Or, if you want to place a deposit with your credit card, you can grab the 25% Cash Welcome Bonus of up to $500 — no promo required at checkout. Those who prefer cashback rewards and reload bonuses will find plenty of value through BookMaker’s ongoing loyalty program. Whether betting on the NHL, NFL or the NBA, Alaskan players can take advantage of steady promotions and reliable payouts at this well-established sportsbook.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- High betting limits
- Renowned sports betting loyalty program
- Competes with the best sportsbook apps
Player Reviews
Ratings Summary
Everygame
Betting from Alaska doesn’t require managing multiple accounts—Everygame makes it simple by offering an all-in-one sportsbook experience. Players can wager on things like Seahawks football, Stanley Cup playoffs and major sporting events. They can also explore a variety of entertainment and political markets, adding even more betting options beyond traditional sports.
With a streamlined interface and easy navigation, Everygame ensures that placing bets, checking odds and withdrawing winnings is hassle-free. Whether you’re placing a quick in-game wager or planning a long-term futures bet, the platform provides a smooth and efficient experience. Crypto users can claim a 100% deposit match worth up to $1,000 with promo code BMRCRYPTO1K. Those who prefer traditional deposit methods can take advantage of a $500 Sign-Up Bonus with promo code BMR500.
The platform also offers parlay specials and daily odds boosts. Quick payouts, reliable customer support and a wide selection of sports markets provide Alaskan bettors with a straightforward, flexible betting experience that’s great for both casual and frequent players.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- Variety of sports and casino promotions
- Excellent customer service department
- Smoother experience than most betting apps
Player Reviews
Ratings Summary
MyBookie
Sports fans from Fairbanks to Anchorage can find a reliable betting home at MyBookie. The sportsbook welcomes new players with a 100% Free Play Bonus of up to $1,000 when they use promo code BMR, giving them extra funds to bet right away. Whether it’s a heated rivalry game or a late-night matchup on your favorite college sports teams, MyBookie makes it easy to stay in on the action. The platform’s intuitive design ensures that placing bets, checking odds and cashing out winnings is always a smooth process.
Beyond the sign-up offer, reload bonuses, referral perks and risk-free bets provide ongoing value. Markets for the NFL, NBA, NHL and college football are available, ensuring Alaskan bettors can wager on everything from the Seahawks on Sundays to the NBA Finals. A responsive live betting platform, quick payouts and solid promotions keep MyBookie a favorite for those looking for an easy-to-use and rewarding sportsbook.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- Robust live betting platform
- Depth of sports markets
- Outperforms many traditional sportsbook apps
Player Reviews
Ratings Summary
Best Alaska Sportsbook Promos
Bovada’s $250 sports welcome bonus is a great incentive to join Bovada. When you sign up and make your first deposit of at least $20, you’ll receive a 50% deposit match bonus worth up to $250.
To claim the sign-up bonus, customers must contact customer support to activate it.
Enjoy a 25% cash bonus when depositing with credit card to your newly created BookMaker account.
JustBet offers a cash sign-up bonus for new crypto users, allowing them to receive a 20% bonus worth up to $500, on their initial deposit using Bitcoin.
Score a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on your first-ever Everygame deposit. Use promo code BMRCRYPTO1K and get your 50% Bonus.
How to Bet on Sports in Alaska
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1
Pick Your Sportsbook
Choose an offshore sportsbook available in your preferred region. Register by clicking “Join” and fill out your personal details such as your name, email address and phone number. -
2
Claim a Bonus
Select from available promotions and deposit match offers. It’s recommended to use crypto if available since generally speaking mobile apps offer larger bonuses if using crypto. -
3
Deposit Funds
Find the cashier, pick your payment method — credit cards, wire transfers or crypto — and confirm your deposit. -
4
Place a Bet
Pick your sport — NFL, NBA, NHL or more — and add bets to your slip. Enter your stake, then confirm your wager.
Alaska Sports Betting Updates
When it comes to sports wagering in Alaska, the timeline below highlights any key events that bettors should be aware of:
Representative Sumner introduces House Bill 197, a bill that would allow for Vegas-style slot machines on Alaskan ferries that travel to international waters.
Representative Jesse Sumner announces he crafted a bill to legalize gambling on Alaska ferries with the help of AI technology.
The legislative session in Alaska adjourns with HB 385 never being discussed in the L&C Committee.
Rep. Adam Wool introduces HB 385 to legalize sports betting online. The bill reached the Labor and Commerce Committee before stalling in that legislative session.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy presents a significant legal gambling bill, but after COVID closed things, interest in the bill disappeared.
The timeline above highlights Alaska’s history of sports betting and sports betting laws. While it’s not expected that Alaska will legalize sports betting soon, there is always hope. In the meantime, bettors can access offshore sportsbooks.
Why Should Alaskans Pick These Sportsbooks?
BetOnline, Bovada, Heritage Sports, BetAnySports, Everygame and BookMaker have become key choices for sports bettors in Alaska. This is because local laws do not support sports betting within the state. Here are a few reasons why many turn to these platforms:
Broader Sports Coverage: These online sportsbooks offer bets on a wide range of sports. This includes everything from football and basketball to sports like cricket and rugby that might not be as popular in the United States. A wide selection means bettors can find almost any game they’re interested in.
Better Odds: The odds you get determine how much money you can win. Sportsbooks like Bovada and Heritage Sports typically have better odds compared to what you might find locally. This means bettors can win more money on the same bet.
Attractive Bonuses: To attract new users, many Alaskan sportsbooks offer bonuses. These can include free bets, deposit matches and other promotions. These bonuses give bettors more value. It’s like getting free money to bet with just for signing up or making a deposit.
Convenience: Betting online is convenient. You can place bets from your home or anywhere you have an internet connection. There’s no need to visit a physical location. This saves time and lets bettors place a bet whenever they want.
Privacy and Security: Many people prefer the privacy of betting with online sportsbooks. These sites use strong security measures to protect user information and transactions. Bettors can feel safe knowing their data is secure.
The biggest takeaway? Online sportsbooks offer a lot of benefits for Alaskans interested in sports betting. With more sports to bet on, better odds and valuable bonuses, it’s easy to see why they are a popular choice.
Our Rating Methodology for Alaska Betting Sites
We have a complete breakdown of our rating methods below and how we arrive at the best choice for bettors. But the best offshore sportsbooks should excel in having a variety of sports markets, a wide range of payment methods, bets for your favorite sports teams with competitive odds, generous promos and more for the best sports wagering experience.
Competitive Betting Odds
Online sports betting is about getting the best price. Some sites do this by getting the best selection of betting lines for bettors out early, like at Bookmaker. Others, like BetAnySports and Heritage Sports, have reduced juice, where the lines are -105 and -108 instead of the traditional -110.
BetOnline offers opinionated lines like -107 and reduced juice for NHL games. This is why it is good to have an account with multiple sportsbooks to make sure you are getting the best price and the best number for your favorite bets.
Multiple Betting Markets Available
Of all the forms of gambling at these offshore sites, the sportsbook is extra crucial to feature a wide range of sports markets and wagering options.
We want to see everything from the popular pro leagues to college sports to niche sports to international markets and all of your favorite sports teams. We also expect a variety of betting markets, including prop bets, parlay bets, futures bets, pleasers, teasers, round robins and live bets.
Wide Range of Payment Methods
Not much is more important than a site that has a wide variety of payout options and banking methods.
The range of payment methods should go from common payment methods (major credit cards and debit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Mastercard) to more uncommon options for deposit methods (bank wire transfers, gift card vouchers) to the most modern options (eWallets and crypto options such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, etc.).
Most sites do a good job of offering plenty of payment options, but we also make note of the different processing times, fees and limits associated with these different methods.
Exciting Bonuses & Promotions
Users always want to see a wide variety of generous promos and bonus offerings. The welcome bonus is usually the biggest with bonus funds to match your initial deposit. But there should be a good selection of promotions and bonus codes for returning users, including risk-free bets, reload promos, odds boosters, parlay boosters and good programs for friend referrals and loyalty points.
Live Betting Available
Live betting is a fast-growing benefit to using online sportsbooks, especially if you follow the game on your mobile device. This is why we expect any top-tier online sportsbook to have a quality live betting section with bets that are placed quickly, as time is of the utmost importance here and the betting odds can change dramatically after one play.
We also like to see a wide variety of live betting markets beyond just spread, total and moneyline. Look for these options to grow as live betting becomes even more popular. It is a valuable way to hedge pregame bets and make insightful new bets based on the way the game is going.
When using sports apps on mobile devices, the best mobile betting experience will come from a site that runs smoothly and does not lag. Sites can have heavy traffic between big games or even during live, popular games.
The site must be able to handle that traffic and still function at a high level so we can quickly move around and place our bets. Sites should have neat layouts with everything labeled clearly and use drop-down menus for quick access.
Customer Service Options
The sportsbooks with the best customer service will be available 24/7 and you will get a wide variety of contact methods, including a message on the site with the ability to add attachments, an email address, a phone number to call and a live chat feature.
Site’s Security Features
There is a stigma with offshore sites as some users are afraid of not getting their money from a site not regulated by any American territory. But we are more interested in joining sites that have a strong record of paying winning customers on time and protecting their user data in this age of cyber-attacks and scams.
You will have to share a lot of info with these sites to win real money, so it is paramount they have the best security to protect our sensitive data. For this reason, we only recommend sites that have at least a decade of experience in the sports betting industry.
Alaska Betting Options
While many Alaskan bettors stick to traditional wagers like point spreads, moneylines and totals, that doesn’t mean that that’s all there is to offer.
Top international sportsbooks provide a range of alternative markets. From the thrill of anticipating the next point to the satisfaction of locking in a perfectly timed live bet, these expanded options can transform every game. Take a look at a few additional betting options:
- Live Betting – Place wagers while the game unfolds, with odds updated continuously in real time.
- Parlays & Variants – Combine multiple bets into one for bigger potential payouts. Teasers and progressive parlays fall under this umbrella.
- Same Game Parlays: Bundle multiple bets from the same game into a single wager.
- Props – Bet on specific in-game events or player performances, like who scores first or total points by a standout star.
- Alternate Lines: Adjust the lines or point spreads to get different potential payouts.
- Futures – Predict outcomes of major events, such as championships or season-long performance totals.
By exploring these markets, Alaskans can diversify their betting strategies and potentially boost their winnings. No matter your skill level or interests, there’s an exciting betting world waiting to be explored in the Last Frontier.
Bonuses at Alaska Sports Betting Sites
Online sportsbooks have bonus offerings in two main forms: Sign-up bonuses for new online sports betting accounts and a recurring selection of promotions for returning customers.
In the following sections, we look at some of the generous promos you can expect to find at these offshore sites. Remember, bonus funds typically carry rollover requirements that must be satisfied before any of that bonus money can be withdrawn as real money winnings.
Welcome Bonuses
One of the most popular promotions of all is the welcome bonus for new users. This is usually a deposit match up to 100% (or more) of your initial deposit, which is paid out in bonus bets. Of all the bonus offerings at online sportsbooks, this is generally the one that has the highest dollar amount of bonus money.
However, these bonuses also come with a considerable rollover requirement. This requirement is how many times you must bet the bonus money before you can withdraw any of it as real cash. Any time that you want to claim a bonus, make sure that you look at the terms and conditions so you can see if there are any wagering requirements, playthrough requirements or a minimum deposit.
Existing Customer Promotions
For those registered bettors who keep coming back to a site, you can expect a slew of generous promotions, including risk-free bets, reload bonuses, deposit match bonuses, odds boosts, parlay boosters, parlay insurance bets, bad beat insurance bets, a refer-a-friend program and a reward program.
Deposit Match Bonuses
A deposit match bonus is often what you see used as the welcome bonus at a site. You deposit a sum of money and that is then matched at 100% or greater in bonus bets that have a rollover requirement and expiration date.
Online sportsbooks also tend to offer reload promos, which act the same as deposit matches, though they are usually a lower rate (20-to-30%) of your cash back, but they can also be done several times instead of just once for new users.
Some platforms may have different bonus amounts depending on the deposit method. Crypto bonus amounts are typically much more substantial than bonus amounts for traditional payment methods, for example.
No Deposit Bonuses
While rare, one of the most popular bonus offerings is no-deposit bonuses. They are what they sound like: Bonus funds rewarded without having to make a deposit into your account.
You could get a no-deposit bonus as a new user where you are given a certain amount of bonus bets just for signing up. You could also get a no-deposit bonus if you bet a certain amount of money on a select market after opting into a promo.
Free Bets
Another of the most generous promos is when you get free bets, otherwise known as bonus bets. These can be rewarded in a variety of ways. Your free bets could come as part of your welcome bonus and the size of your initial deposit.
If you make a risk-free bet, you will receive free bets back as your reward for partaking in that risk-free bet. You also get free bets as your reload bonus from a site as an existing user.
Most Popular Sports and Teams in Alaska
Although sports betting in Alaska is not as widespread as it is in other states, several sports catch the eye of Alaskan bettors. Here are the most common sports that residents of The Last Frontier tend to bet on:
- National Football League (NFL): The NFL, particularly the Super Bowl, garners significant betting interest from Alaskans. They analyze team performance, player stats and other factors to make informed bets throughout the football season.
- National Basketball Association (NBA): Alaskan bettors are avid followers of the NBA season. They place bets throughout the regular games, but the excitement—and betting action — really kicks up a notch during the playoffs and NBA Finals.
- NCAAB: The March Madness tournament is a nationwide phenomenon, and Alaskan fans are no exception. Despite there being no prominent college basketball teams in Alaska, NCAAB betting sees a surge during this time across the state.
- NCAAF: College football betting peaks during bowl season and the College Football Playoff. Alaskan bettors join in, focusing on key matchups and high-stakes games.
- National Hockey League (NHL): In Alaska’s cold climate, NHL games are a popular choice for betting. The state’s love for ice sports and its long winters make hockey betting an exciting pastime for many Alaskans.
- College Hockey: In addition to the NHL, teams like the Alaska Nanooks capture the attention of collegiate ice hockey fans. Betting on these games is popular among Alaskans, who closely follow the progress of their local college teams.
- Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race: The Iditarod is a big part of Alaskan culture and a favorite for local bettors. Fans study mushers, dog teams and past performances to make smart bets on this legendary dogsled racing event.
- Fishing Competitions: Events like the Valdez Fish Derbies are integral to Alaska’s rich fishing culture. Alaska bettors place wagers on the largest catch, reflecting the competitive spirit of these popular fishing events.
- Mountain Sports: The Mount Marathon Race in Seward sparks plenty of betting excitement among Alaskans. Locals eagerly wager on these intense, grueling races, sizing up competitors’ past performances and stamina to make their picks.
- Niche Sports: Outside of the mainstream options, Alaskans also enjoy betting on niche sports that are popular internationally. These include badminton, chess, cricket, darts, UFC, handball, rugby, snooker, soccer and volleyball, reflecting a diverse range of betting interests.
- Esports Gaming Tournaments: The growing esports industry has sparked a wave of betting interest among younger Alaskans. Major gaming tournaments attract significant attention, with fans placing bets on their favorite players and teams across popular games like Apex Legends, Call of Duty and League of Legends.
As Alaska continues to grapple with the future of sports betting legislation, the interest in these sports markets is likely to grow.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Alaska
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a popular form of online betting that has been mastered by its two leading promoters — DraftKings and FanDuel — over the last decade. Players build rosters from a selection of players who have a price tag and the roster must be constructed against a salary cap. That roster then competes with other users to see who will score the most points and win tournaments or cash games.
You can play DFS using the sports apps associated with DraftKings and FanDuel. However, you aren’t allowed to join their mobile sports betting apps to bet on markets like spreads, totals, moneylines and player props.
While Alaska hasn’t passed a specific law to legalize DFS, it’s accepted as a game of skill rather than chance, and there’s no law prohibiting it. That’s why platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings are available to Alaskan players.
Common Payment Methods for Alaskan Bettors
When you’re looking to bet on sports from Alaska, knowing your payment options is important. Betting sites offer several ways to deposit and withdraw money. Here’s a look at the most common methods. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of each to help you choose the best one for you.
Cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin):
- Pros: Cryptocurrencies offer fast transactions and high levels of privacy. They often have low fees compared to traditional methods. Many bettors like them for their security and the anonymity they provide.
- Cons: The value of cryptocurrencies can change quickly. This means the amount you deposit or withdraw could be worth more or less in a short time. Some people find them hard to use at first.
eWallets (like PayPal, Skrill):
- Pros: eWallets are easy to use and offer quick deposits and withdrawals. They act as a middleman between your bank and the betting site, adding an extra layer of security. You don’t have to share your bank details with the betting site.
- Cons: Not all betting sites accept every type of eWallet. They can have fees for transactions that you wouldn’t have with a direct bank transfer.
Traditional Methods (bank transfers, credit/debit cards):
- Pros: These are widely accepted and easy for most people to use. You probably already have a card or bank account, so there’s no need to set up anything new.
- Cons: Transactions can be slower, especially for withdrawals, which can take several days. There’s also less privacy since transactions will show up on your bank statements.
Each payment method has its benefits and downsides. Choose the one that best matches your betting needs.
Conclusion
While Alaska continues to delay progress on local sports betting at retail sportsbooks, residents can still access the unmatched convenience and variety offered by offshore sites.
Platforms like BetOnline and Bovada bring Alaskans closer to the action with extensive betting options, fast payouts and generous promotions. With their secure and player-friendly environments, these sites remain the top choice for anyone looking to enjoy online sports gambling in Alaska today.
Alaska Betting Sites FAQs
Can I bet online in Alaska?
Yes, many Alaskans use licensed international betting sites. These platforms offer Alaskan bettors secure access to major sports and niche sports, reliable bonuses and flexible payment options including crypto, giving players a trusted place to bet.
Can you bet on sports online in Alaska?
Yes, many Alaskans enjoy licensed international betting sites, offering secure transactions and solid customer support across many betting markets. These platforms offer a reliable option for residents interested in online sports betting.
Is Bovada legal in Alaska?
Yes, Alaskans are able to bet on Bovada’s secure platform, which offers a wide selection of sports, live online betting options, casino games and regular promotions. With reliable banking methods and exclusive bonuses, Bovada appeals to Alaska’s online betting enthusiasts.
Is DraftKings available in Alaska?
DraftKings’ daily fantasy sports contests are available in Alaska, but not the sportsbook or casino. The best alternative is to bet using an offshore sportsbook like BetOnline or Everygame for their bonuses and high betting limits.
What type of gambling is legal in Alaska?
Alaskans often choose established online sportsbooks for sports betting, where they can access a full lineup of sports and unique prop bets across major and niche events. These sites also provide flexible deposit options, including crypto, fast payouts and exclusive promos.
Table of Contents
Alaska Sports Betting News
Proposal Submitted for Slot Machines Aboard Alaskan Ferries
House Bill 197 aims to bring electronic casino gambling to Alaska, installing Vegas-style slot machines on ferries reaching international waters. Despite obstacles, proponents believe it
