The bill amends 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 their 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 increases prize limits for bingo and electronic pull-tab games, allowing municipalities and qualified organizations to award up to $4,000,000 in prizes annually, with the potential for a 10% increase every five years starting in 2030.

Further amendments include the requirement for pull-tab distributors to obtain a separate electronic pull-tab endorsement and ensure that electronic pull-tab systems are tested and certified by an independent gaming laboratory. The bill establishes new regulations for distributors, including limitations on gifts to municipalities and qualified organizations, and mandates that contracts must allow for termination with 30 days' notice. It also clarifies definitions related to electronic pull-tab systems and modifies regulations on broadcasting and Internet promotion of charitable gaming activities, allowing for online ticket draws. Significant deletions include the removal of previous restrictions on broadcasting for charitable gaming, and the bill aims to modernize and streamline the regulatory framework for gaming activities in Alaska, with provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and certain sections on January 1, 2031.

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