HB 103 Summary

• Establishes a State Gaming Commission in the Department of Revenue with three members (lieutenant governor as chair and two gubernatorial appointees subject to legislative confirmation) to regulate card rooms and card games in Alaska.

• Authorizes the commission to issue one card room license per borough for $100,000 (with $50,000 refund if denied) and to regulate poker, blackjack, pai gow, super pan 9, and other commission-approved card games operating 24/7/365.

• Imposes a 9.5 percent tax on gross receipts from authorized card games and requires card room licensees to host quarterly charitable tournaments benefiting nonprofit educational institutions.

• Prohibits persons under 21 years of age from entering card rooms or wagering, establishes Class A misdemeanor penalties for false statements and violations, and requires background checks and fingerprinting for licensees.

• Makes violations of card room regulations subject to Alcoholic Beverage Control Board notice and potential license suspension, with mandatory 30-day suspension for second or subsequent violations.