Alaska’s Governor Mike Dunleavy has introduced legislation to establish a new state lottery corporation, with the aim of expanding legal gambling options across the state.
Senate Bill 188, and the accompanying House Bill 246, both set out plans to form the Alaska Lottery Corporation, which would have the ability to organize, operate and regulate a state lottery.
The organization would operate within the Department of Revenue and be lead by a seven-member board appointed by the Governor, comprising five public members, the state’s Commissioner of Revenue, and one commissioner selected by the Governor.
The new Alaska State Lottery could include in-state and multi-state lottery draw games, as well as instant win games, keno and sports betting. Such games would be permitted at land-based locations as well as via online platforms.
Once fully operational, Governor Dunleavy said the corporation would provide a new source of state revenue, which would be used to help support education and programs to address domestic violence, drug abuse, foster care, senior services, and homelessness.
“In the face of low state revenues, my administration has been actively seeking new revenue sources to diversify our economy,” Dunleavy said. “Not only does this legislation have the potential of creating new business opportunities, the profits generated from lottery activities will be designated to K-12 education, domestic violence prevention programs, drug abuse prevention programs, foster care, and homelessness.
“Alaska is one of only five states that does not have any form of a state lottery. I believe it is time we, as a state, have the conversation on the potential benefits that could come from a state lottery.”
SB 188 and HB 246 are now with their respective State Affairs Committees for further discussion.