Gaming law is generally the law that applies to the gaming or gambling industry, including casinos, lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, sports betting, card games, table games, social gambling, bingo, raffles, slot machines, scratch tickets, etc. Gaming law includes state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations—and legal principles from traditional areas of law, such as contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and regulatory law. For example, the federal statute prohibiting illegal gambling businesses is located at 18 U.S.C. §1955.
In Alaska (AK), gaming law is restrictive compared to many other states. The state does not have any licensed casinos, and most forms of gambling are illegal. However, there are exceptions for certain types of gaming. Charitable gaming, such as bingo and raffles, is permitted under specific regulations. The Alaska Department of Revenue's Tax Division regulates this aspect of gaming, and organizations must obtain the necessary permits to conduct these activities. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) does not apply in Alaska as there are no federally recognized tribes with reservation lands suitable for gaming operations. Sports betting, horse racing, and dog racing are not permitted in Alaska. The state lottery does not exist, but Alaskans may participate in multi-state lottery games. The federal statute 18 U.S.C. §1955, which prohibits illegal gambling businesses, applies in Alaska as it does nationwide, reinforcing the state's restrictive stance on unlawful gambling operations. It's important for individuals and organizations to consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with both state and federal gaming laws.