The Alaska Legislature's House Labor and Commerce Committee convened on May 16, 2025, to discuss House Bill 145, which seeks to legalize mobile sports wagering in the state. The bill aims to transition consumers from illegal betting markets to a regulated environment, enhance consumer protections, and generate tax revenue for Alaska.

Proponents of the bill highlighted the dangers of the current illegal sports wagering landscape, which lacks consumer safeguards such as age verification and responsible gambling tools. These unregulated operators often exploit vulnerable individuals, leaving them with no recourse for issues like collecting winnings. The bill proposes that licensed operators must hold licenses in at least three other jurisdictions, ensuring high standards for consumer protection.

Matt Scalf, representing DraftKings, emphasized the demand for legal sports betting in Alaska, noting that an estimated $139 million is wagered illegally each year. He argued that legalizing sports wagering would not only provide consumer protections but also generate significant tax revenue for the state. Scalf pointed out that 74% of bettors prefer to wager through legal providers due to the assurance of payouts.

John Pappas from GeoComply presented data showing a growing consumer demand for legalized sports betting in Alaska, with a 60% increase in mobile betting accounts over the past year. He stressed the importance of advanced geolocation technology to ensure compliance with state regulations, especially given Alaska's unique geography.

Kevin Winters from Alman Digital Health advocated for the inclusion of funding for problem gambling services within the bill. He noted that Alaska is one of only eight states without public funding for gambling-related issues, which could be addressed through the proposed legislation.

The committee's discussions underscored the potential benefits of legalizing mobile sports wagering, including enhanced consumer protections, increased state revenue, and the establishment of a safer betting environment. As the bill moves forward, legislators are expected to consider amendments to ensure comprehensive consumer safety and satisfaction in the gaming industry.