Legal Online Poker For Alaska Residents
Legal online poker in Alaska is a real possibility being that Alaska doesn't have any full-fledged casinos, and poker may not be played anywhere in public. In other words, you may only play poker in the privacy of your home (provided certain conditions are met) which would mean a home poker game... or playing poker online.
Is Online Poker Legal In Alaska?
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Contrary to popular belief, the UIGEA act does not ban online poker in Alaska, nor anywhere else in the country. In fact, it doesn't even single out any casino game like roulette, baccarat, blackjack or poker. The rumors are simply the result of a horrendous interpretation of the law and consistent exaggerations made by today's media. And, once you come to think about it, the US Government banning poker would be against common sense, since events like WSOP are broadcasted on sports channels across the world and there are even online casinos who advertise in printed media.
What UIGEA does regulate is how US banks are allowed to work with international casino sites. American financial institutions may not send money directly to online gambling venues, in an attempt to block fraudulent transactions. As an Alaska resident, if you try to fund your casino account with a credit card, the transaction might be declined by your card issuer. However, there are third party payment processors that work with all casinos and, moreover, a lot of them even accept.
Legal Online Poker Sites For Alaska Residents
If you live in Alaska and are looking for a legal online poker site then here is a list for you. These are popular venues with lots of players, many tables with stakes and buy-ins for all budgets.
The poker section of BetOnline.ag is one of the best kept secrets of the online poker world. Ever wonder where all the good players are? The answer is they are in their own little hidden oasis in the barren desert that is online poker. This oasis is BetOnline; it is where the pros can go to get in good games against other pros rather than just another easy win off one of the many new players on the web who don’t know what they are in for. This Alaska poker room doesn’t slack on the most important part of online poker for most though. Players will be pleased to know that money matches and guaranteed tournaments are abound here.
When a new player comes to BetOnline they must choose between the various sit and go tables and smaller tournaments or the weekly, high stakes guaranteed cash tourneys. The sit and go tables are where most of the money won off the site will be played for and has constant money matches and tournaments running to keep players well-funded. The weekly tournaments are the real attraction though. Any player who thinks they can handle the heat of hundreds of the best players in the world going toe-to-toe better get in this kitchen.
When Alaska residents are tired of chilling out at home they decide to turn up the heat by going to SportsBetting for some of the most intense poker this side of the Pacific. SportsBetting may sound like a strange place to go for good poker but once a new player has looked at all they have to offer they will see why more than half of the poker players in Alaska currently use SportsBetting. Things like their insane welcome bonus certainly help their cause but there is so much more beyond that any avid poker player will be instantly hooked.
The initial allure to SportsBetting is the promise of 200% of the initial deposit back as a bonus. That means that new players can end up with 3 times their original deposit. The way to claim the bonus is to make sure to keep playing on SportsBetting. It keeps track of new player’s progress and time spent playing and begins rewarding players that have shown a commitment to the site with pieces of their deposit back. In the end the player has back double what they originally put in making for a whole lot of money to use on things like guaranteed tournament entries, which are a big part of the site as well with more than $250,000 dollars going out to players each week.
References to poker in the Alaska Criminal Code and the Offenses Against Public Health and Decency act state that being engaged in unlawful gambling is a criminal offence. Playing in an underground casino would therefore be against the law and could result in criminal punishments for both the players and those who operate the venue.
However, the law does permit "social games", i.e. gambling in a non-public area (such as somebody's home) where there are no house odds and no house profits (the so-called rakes in poker). As long as the house does not make a profit from the game and all players have equal chances at the whole pot, you are allowed to play poker in the comfort of your home.
Is it Legal to play Land Based Poker in Alaska?
The cold isn’t the only harsh side of Alaska for avid poker players. In Alaska the only thing colder than the temperature is the long arm of the law. Poker and gambling in all forms is illegal in Alaska and the state issues misdemeanors just for being caught playing. Actually running a poker room is even worse and results in being charged with a class C felony.
Most states have casinos that operate on reservations, or may even be state controlled that offer poker players a respite from the otherwise unyielding law. In Alaska however no such refuge can be found. Based on the remote nature of Alaska and how dispersed most of the population is, poker players shouldn’t hold their breath that a casino will be popping up near them any time soon.
The one saving grace in Alaska is that they offer affirmative defense for those found to be playing in social game. What this means is if Alaska authorities bring in someone for gambling by playing poker, they can be let off the hook if they prove it was a social game among friends. While it isn’t much it at least means that players with enough other interested parties in an area can get games going as long as the don’t stand to profit from commissions or fees.
Legal Land Based Poker Rooms in Alaska
Quite frankly, those looking for action bigger than friendly house games in Alaska are better off looking for the Abominable Snowman rather than a good poker room. There simply isn’t anything. There are no dedicated poker rooms, no casinos, and no chance they will be springing up out of the snow anytime soon. Don’t even think of trying to run a poker room in Alaska or the police may be telling you to freeze for reasons other than the below zero temperatures.
Still, for those that just want to get in a good game or two and don’t mind the lower profits, at home gambling is very much an option. The state law provides sanctions for those playing friendly poker so even if one is brought in for it the charges will be dropped quickly once proof of the social nature of the game is proven. In order to do this though the host of the event cannot in any way charge commissions or fees to those playing or else it automatically becomes an illegal game and they may be subject to being charged with a felony.
Overall Alaska just may not be the best place for an avid fan of poker to live. There aren’t any big money tournaments, there aren’t any local poker rooms to play in, and there probably aren’t many local pros that will really provide any challenge to a good player who knows the ropes well. All in all it may be smart to just get out of dodge and find a state that is a little friendlier to casinos or poker rooms before your poker dreams are put on ice.
Note: This website is operated by a handful of poker fans who wanted to outline some of the legal aspects of playing poker in Alaska. We are not legal consultants and, should you have further concerns about the legitimacy of the game, you are strongly advised to consult with an attorney.
