The bill amends various sections of Alaska's gaming laws, particularly focusing on bingo, pull-tabs, and electronic pull-tab systems. It removes the requirement for applicants to notify local governments about permit applications, allowing local governments to protest based on qualifications instead. New provisions are introduced for the department to investigate gaming operations and impose civil penalties for violations. The bill also modifies reporting requirements for operators, eliminating certain forms and introducing electronic funds transfers for payments to permittees. Additionally, it establishes prize limits for bingo and electronic pull-tab games, allowing municipalities to award up to $4 million in prizes annually for electronic pull-tabs, and introduces regulations for progressive bingo games.

Further amendments include the requirement for pull-tab distributors to obtain a separate electronic pull-tab endorsement and mandates that electronic pull-tab systems be tested and certified by an independent gaming laboratory. The bill also sets limitations on gifts and compensation to municipalities and qualified organizations, and requires contracts with permittees to allow for termination with 30 days' notice. It updates definitions related to charitable gaming, including the prohibition of vendors from accepting gifts exceeding $250 from pull-tab manufacturers. Significant deletions include the removal of restrictions on using broadcasting to promote charitable gaming activities, with certain exceptions, and the repeal of outdated provisions. The effective date for most changes is January 1, 2026, with some provisions taking effect on January 1, 2031. Overall, the bill aims to modernize and streamline the regulatory framework for gaming activities in Alaska.

Statutes affected:
SB0170A, AM SB 170, introduced 04/11/2025: 05.15.030, 05.15.070, 05.15.083, 05.15.087, 05.15.105, 05.15.115, 05.15.122, 05.15.128, 05.15.165, 05.15.170, 05.15.180, 05.15.100, 05.15.181, 05.15.183, 05.15.186, 05.15.185, 05.15.187, 05.15.080, 05.15.188, 04.11.370, 05.15.640, 05.15.690, 05.15.184, 05.15.020, 05.15.160, 39.52.960, 05.15.060, 05.15.150