Alaskan Expanded Gambling Gains Momentum With Governor’s Proposal For Creation of Commission

Mike Dunleavy, Governor of Alaska, is working on expanding gambling in this state and one of his most concrete steps so far was the introduction of legislation that will establish the new state lottery corporation.

The Senate Bill 188 as well as the House Bill 246 that follows it have both set out the plan to constitute the Alaska Lottery Corporation. This commission would be in charge of organizing and regulating lottery in this state.

Both bills are now being discussed by State Affair Committees.

What the New Bill Could Instate

Alaska Lottery Corporation would be part of the Department of Revenue and operate under this body…

…as well as be led by a board of seven who would be named by the Governor himself. Five of those would be public , while the remaining two would be Commissioner of Revenue and one more commissioner selected by Dunleavy.

The revamped State Lottery might include new games.

Among them would be multi-state lottery draw games, instant win games, sports betting. Those games would be allowed at land-based venues and site platforms.

One of the Few States Without Lottery

The operational corporation would, in the words of Governor Dunleavy, provide a new source of revenue for Alaska. It would be put to good use, as it may fund education and other programs that will address domestic violence, drug abuse, senior services and homeless programs.

Says Dunleavy:

“In the face of low state revenues, my istration has been actively seeking new revenue sources to diversify our economy.

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.”

He added that Alaska is only one of five states that has no state lottery in any form and that it is high time to discuss the potential benefits from having one.

Source:

“Alaska Governor proposes new Commission to diversify gambling”, igbnorthamerica.com, February 18, 2020.