Updated by Lynsey Thompson
Casino Expert
Fact Checked by Michael Graham
Content Editor
Due to strict gambling legislation, Alaska has no full-scale casinos, but a few tribal gaming halls operate electronic bingo machines that function similarly to slot machines.
Usually, when this is the case, tribal casinos are still able to open on tribal land due to being governed by federal laws under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act rather than state laws.
However, Alaska is different due to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). This recharacterized tribal lands as private corporations rather than sovereign nations many years ago, meaning that even if tribes wanted to open casinos, they have been unable to do so.
The only exception to this so far has been the Metlakatla Indian Community, which declined to sign on to ANCSA. Consequently, they were able to open the Metlakatla Indian Community Bingo Center, offering Class II gaming, including electronic bingo machines. It has been the only one in the state up until recently.
At the time of writing, due to a legal debate over land, the Native Village of Eklutna has opened up a temporary electronic bingo hall in Anchorage called Chin’an Gaming Hall. The plan is to open a permanent casino in 2026, as long as they can win the lawsuit currently filed against them to prevent it from happening.
The remaining gambling facilities in Alaska take the form of bingo halls and pull-tab stores, which are operated either by native tribes or by independent operators raising funds for non-profit organizations.
Let’s take a look at a few of the casinos and bingo halls in Alaska in more detail and what they offer.
| Casino | Location | Bingo | Bingo Slots | Pull-tabs | Operator / Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metlakatla Tribal Bingo Facility / MIC Gaming Hall | Metlakatla, Alaska | Yes | Yes | Yes | Metlakatla Indian Community |
| Chin’an Gaming Hall | Native Village of Eklutna (near Anchorage), Alaska | Yes | Yes | Yes | Native Village of Eklutna (tribal casino; consulting by Marnell Gaming Management) |
| Klawock Casino / Bingo Hall (KCA Bingo) | Klawock, Alaska | Yes | Yes | Yes | Klawock Cooperative Association |
| Southeast Winds Casino | Metlakatla, Alaska | Yes | Yes | Yes | Metlakatla Indian Community |
| Tudor Bingo Center | Anchorage, Alaska | Yes | No | Yes | Owned and operated by John Powers |
| Northern Lights Bingo | Anchorage, Alaska | Yes | No | Yes | Charitable gaming operators supporting local nonprofits |
| Big Valley Bingo | Wasilla, Alaska | Yes | No | Yes | Owned and operated by Sandy Powers |
| Tlingit & Haida Community Bingo Center | Juneau, Alaska | Yes | No | Yes | Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska |
| Sun’aq Tribal Bingo | Kodiak, Alaska | Yes | No | Yes | Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak |
Remember that in Alaska, there are different age restrictions for various games that you should know about. To play bingo, you must be 19 or older, and to try your luck at a pull-tab game, you need to be 21 or older.
Alaska is known for so much more than gambling, so let’s take a look at what else you can enjoy in The Last Frontier.
Gambling should always be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money. If you feel that your gambling is becoming difficult to control, support is available.
You can call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for free and confidential assistance, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org for chat support.
Set a budget before you play, only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses. If gambling stops being fun, consider taking a break and reaching out for help.
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Gambling laws and regulations in Alaska may change over time.
Gaming activities in Alaska are limited and may include charitable gaming (such as bingo and pull-tabs) and certain tribal Class II gaming operations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Alaska Department of Revenue – Charitable Gaming Division or the relevant tribal authorities.
Always ensure you meet the legal age requirements before participating in any gaming activity.
Lynsey is a regular Las Vegas visitor and a keen slots and roulette player. As well as significant experience as a writer in the iGaming and gambling industries as an expert reviewer and journalist, Lynsey is one half of the popular Las Vegas YouTube Channel and Podcast 'Begas Vaby’. When she is not in Las Vegas or wishing she was in Las Vegas, Lynsey can usually be found pursuing her other two main interests of sports and theatre.
Read Full BioNo, Alaska does not have traditional full-scale casinos. State law prohibits most casino-style gambling, including table games and traditional slot machines. Instead, gambling is mainly limited to charitable bingo, raffles, and pull-tabs. Some tribal facilities operate electronic bingo machines that function similarly to slots under federal Class II gaming rules.
Legal gambling in Alaska is limited compared to most U.S. states. Residents and visitors can participate in charitable gaming activities such as bingo, pull-tabs, raffles, and certain tribal electronic bingo games. Traditional casino games like blackjack, roulette, poker rooms, sportsbooks, and racetracks are currently not permitted.
Tribal gaming in Alaska is complicated due to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which changed the legal status of tribal lands. Because of this, most tribes cannot operate traditional casinos. Some tribes have opened small Class II gaming venues offering bingo, pull-tabs, and electronic bingo machines.
Most gambling in Alaska takes place in bingo halls or tribal gaming facilities. Examples include Metlakatla’s MIC Gaming Hall, Chin’an Gaming Hall near Anchorage, and community bingo centers in Anchorage, Wasilla, Juneau, and Kodiak. Many of these venues also offer pull-tabs and electronic bingo machines.
The legal gambling age in Alaska depends on the type of game. Players must be 19 years old to participate in bingo, while pull-tab games require players to be at least 21 years old. Always check the specific venue’s rules before participating in any gaming activity.
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