Is the casino open on an Alaska cruise? Gambling is not legal in the state of Alaska. The first real attempt to legalize sports betting in the state came in 2020 directly from Gov. Sports betting in Alaska is not currently legal and may not be in the foreseeable future despite a recent attempt from the governor. However, there are two Class II gaming facilities authorized by the Federal National Gaming Commission (NIGC) per the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1986 to offer bingo and pull tab games. There are no Class III casinos in Alaska offering slot machines and table games. The state says the tribe’s casino would compete with state-licensed gaming that benefits all Alaskans. Department of Interior says the land does not meet the definition of “Indian lands” or “Indian Country,” a legal designation akin to reservation land and land-in-trust for tribes in the Lower 48. Why are there no Indian casinos in Alaska?īut the U.S. The state also prohibits horse racing while allowing “dog mushers” contests and other games closely associated with the environment and culture of Alaska. Alaska has casinos on Native American reservations, but gambling devices (such as slot machines) are otherwise banned.