2016 Alaska Statutes
Title 11 - CRIMINAL LAW
Chapter 11.66 - OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH AND DECENCY
Article 02 - GAMBLING OFFENSES
Sec. 11.66.280 Definitions.

In AS 11.66.200 - 11.66.280, unless the context requires otherwise,

(1) "amusement device" includes arcade-style games, pinball machines, countertop machines, novelty arcade games, sports-themed games, shuffleboard tables, claw machines, pool tables, shooting galleries, bowling, and a similar machine, device, or apparatus that provides amusement, diversion, or entertainment; "amusement device" does not include casino-style games, draw games, slot machines, roulette wheels, craps, video poker, or any other game that is a contest of chance.

(2) "contest of chance" means a contest, game, gaming scheme, or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that the skill of the contestants may also be a factor;

(3) "gambling" means that a person stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person's control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that that person or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome; "gambling" does not include

(A) bona fide business transactions valid under the law of contracts for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or commodities and agreements to compensate for loss caused by the happening of chance, including contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life, health, or accident insurance;

(B) playing an amusement device that

(i) confers only an immediate right of replay not exchangeable for something of value other than the privilege of immediate replay and does not contain a method or device by which the privilege of immediate replay may be cancelled or revoked;

(ii) confers only tickets, credits, allowances, tokens, or anything of value that can be redeemed for toys, candy, or electronic novelties offered at the same facility where the amusement device is located; or

(iii) allows a player to manipulate a claw machine or similar device within an enclosure and enables a person to receive merchandise directly from the machine; or

(C) an activity authorized by the Department of Revenue under AS 05.15;

(4) "gambling device" means any device, machine, paraphernalia, or equipment that is used or usable in the playing phases of unlawful gambling, whether it consists of gambling between persons or gambling by a person involving the playing of a machine; "gambling device" does not include

(A) lottery tickets, policy slips, or other items used in the playing phases of lottery or policy schemes; or

(B) an amusement device;

(5) "gambling enterprise" means a gambling business that

(A) includes five or more persons who conduct, finance, manage, supervise, direct, or own all or part of the business;

(B) has been or remains in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of 30 days or has a gross income of $2,000 or more in any single day; and

(C) is not a municipality or a qualified organization under AS 05.15.690, except that, for purposes of this paragraph, no application for a license under AS 05.15 is required to be considered a qualified organization;

(6) "gambling record" means any writing or paper of a kind commonly used in the operation or promotion of unlawful gambling and includes lottery tickets, policy slips, or other writings or papers used in the playing phases of lottery or policy schemes;

(7) "player" means a person who engages in gambling solely as a contestant or bettor, believing that the risk of losing and the chances of winning are the same for all participants except for the advantages of skill and luck, without receiving or becoming entitled to receive any profit from gambling other than personal gambling winnings and without otherwise rendering any material assistance to the establishment, conduct, or operation of the particular gambling activity, except that, for purposes of this paragraph, a person who gambles at a social game on equal terms with the other participants does not "otherwise render material assistance" to the establishment, conduct, or operation by performing, without fee or remuneration, acts directed towards the arrangement or facilitation of the game, such as inviting persons to play, permitting the use of premises for the game, or supplying cards or other equipment used in the game;

(8) "profits from gambling" means that a person, acting other than as a player, accepts or receives money or other property under an agreement or understanding with another person by which the person participates or is to participate in the proceeds of gambling;

(9) "promoting gambling" means that a person, acting other than as a player, engages in conduct that materially aids any form of gambling; conduct of this nature includes

(A) conduct directed toward the

(i) creation or establishment of the particular gambling activity or acquisition or maintenance of premises, paraphernalia, equipment, or apparatus used in the gambling;

(ii) conduct of the playing phases of gambling; or

(iii) arrangement of the financial or recording phase of gambling or toward any other phase of its operation; or

(B) having control or right of control over premises that are used with the defendant's knowledge for purposes of gambling and permitting the gambling to occur or continue without making an effort to prevent its occurrence or continuation;

(10) "social game" means gambling in a home where no house player, house bank, or house odds exist and where there is no house income from the operation of the game;

(11) "something of value" means any money or property; any token, object, or article exchangeable for money or property; and any form of credit or promise directly or indirectly contemplating transfer of money or property or of an interest in money or property or involving extension of a service, entertainment, or privilege of playing at a game or scheme without charge;

(12) "unlawful" means not specifically authorized by law.