Where to Find Pull Tabs in Alaska

Alaska is one of just two U.S. states without a state lottery. That makes pull tabs the most accessible form of legal gaming for Alaskans, and the industry is massive relative to the state's population. Whether you're living in Anchorage or visiting a fishing town on the Kenai Peninsula, chances are there's a pull tab vendor within a short drive.

We've mapped 78 pull tab locations across Alaska, and this guide breaks down where to find them, how Alaska's system works, and what makes it different from pull tabs in the Lower 48.

How Pull Tabs Work in Alaska

Alaska's pull tab system is run through a state-regulated charitable gaming program overseen by the Alaska Department of Revenue's Tax Division. Only licensed operators can sell pull tabs, and every game funnels a portion of revenue to a permitted charity or nonprofit.

Unlike Minnesota, where nonprofits themselves typically run the games through bars, Alaska's system often involves dedicated pull tab parlors — storefronts whose entire business is selling pull tab tickets. You'll see them in strip malls and standalone buildings all over Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, and Fairbanks.

Alaska also sells electronic pull tabs, which use touchscreen terminals instead of paper tickets. The gameplay is the same — match symbols to win — but on a screen instead of cardboard. Both paper and electronic tabs are common.

Where to Play Pull Tabs in Anchorage

Anchorage has the densest concentration of pull tab locations in the state. You'll find them in dedicated pull tab parlors, bars, restaurants, and some convenience stores. Major areas with clusters of locations include Muldoon Road, the Old Seward Highway corridor, Tudor Road, and downtown along 5th Avenue.

Some well-known Anchorage pull tab spots include dedicated operators like Alaska Lottery Tudor Tabs on 5th Ave, Lucky Prior on W Northern Lights, and Frigid North along the Seward Highway. Bars like the 907 Ale House locations also sell pull tabs alongside food and drinks.

Pull Tabs in Fairbanks and Interior Alaska

Fairbanks has a smaller but active pull tab scene. You'll find locations along Airport Way and in the downtown area. Interior Alaska towns like North Pole also have pull tab vendors.

During the long, dark winters, pull tab parlors in the Interior become community gathering spots — warm places where locals can socialize and try their luck. It's not unusual to see regulars who visit the same pull tab location multiple times a week.

Mat-Su Valley: Wasilla and Palmer

The Mat-Su Valley, including Wasilla and Palmer, has seen steady growth in pull tab locations. This fast-growing area north of Anchorage has both dedicated pull tab parlors and bars that sell tabs.

The Parks Highway corridor through Wasilla has several pull tab vendors easily accessible from the road, making them a common stop for people commuting between the Mat-Su and Anchorage.

Kenai Peninsula and Beyond

On the Kenai Peninsula, you'll find pull tabs in Kenai, Soldotna, and Homer. These locations tend to be busier during fishing season when the population swells with visitors. Kodiak, Juneau, and a few other communities outside the road system also have pull tab vendors.

How Much Money Do Alaska Pull Tabs Generate?

Pull tabs are big business in Alaska. The state's charitable gaming industry generates hundreds of millions in gross revenue annually, with a meaningful share going to permitted charities and nonprofits. Charities that benefit include youth sports leagues, veterans organizations, animal rescues, and community service groups across the state.

The state collects taxes on pull tab revenue, and operators must file detailed reports with the Department of Revenue. This creates a regulated, transparent system where the public can see how gaming dollars are being used.

Alaska vs. Minnesota Pull Tabs: Key Differences

If you've played pull tabs in Minnesota, you'll notice some differences in Alaska:

• Dedicated parlors: Alaska has standalone pull tab storefronts; Minnesota sells mainly through bars
• Electronic tabs: Alaska has widely adopted electronic pull tab terminals; Minnesota has them but paper is still dominant
• No state lottery: Pull tabs fill the void in Alaska since there's no Powerball or state scratchers
• Operator model: Alaska uses licensed operators who run games for charities; Minnesota has nonprofits running their own operations
• Hours: Many Alaska pull tab parlors are open 12+ hours a day, more like a retail business than a bar side-activity

Tips for Playing Pull Tabs in Alaska

Finding Pull Tabs When Visiting Alaska

If you're visiting Alaska for fishing, cruises, or the northern lights, pull tabs are a fun way to experience local culture. Here's what visitors should know:

• Pull tab parlors are common in Anchorage and easy to find near hotels and downtown
• You don't need to be an Alaska resident to play
• Most locations are cash-only or have ATMs on site
• Winnings are paid in cash on the spot
• Cruise port towns like Juneau and Ketchikan have limited options — Anchorage is the hub

The Bottom Line

Alaska's pull tab scene is unique in the country. Without a state lottery, pull tabs have become the primary form of legal gaming, supported by a mature regulatory framework and a network of dedicated parlors that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're a lifelong Alaskan or passing through, it's worth trying your luck — and knowing that your money supports local charities in the process.

New to pull tabs? Read our guides on what pull tabs are and how they work. Want to know which other states have them? Check out our state-by-state guide.