HB 197 Summary

• Establishes a $10,000 annual permit fee for conducting gaming activities on Alaska marine highway system vessels.

• Allows gaming only when vessels are at least three nautical miles from shore, in designated areas excluding dining areas, children's areas, and passenger cabins, and restricted to participants 21 years or older.

• Requires operators to pay a 10 percent tax on gross gaming receipts less prizes awarded, due by the 15th of the following month.

• Permits may be issued to qualified organizations or registered businesses under contract with qualified organizations; only one permit allowed per vessel.

• Violations including operating without a valid permit or conducting gaming in violation of regulations constitute a class B misdemeanor.