Bill to Legalize Online Casinos Introduced into Wyoming Legislature

The Cowboy State may become the latest to legalize online gambling.

House Bill 162 was introduced in Wyoming to legalize the industry. The bill would allow online casinos to operate in the state and offer a wide range of slots and table games. The Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC), which regulates sports betting in the state, would also regulate online gambling.

The current bill comes after the state asked Spectrum Gaming Group to conduct a study on how legal online gambling would impact the state. The study assessed the benefits that the industry could bring, as well as some of the dangers. It found many benefits that helped generate more support for legalization, giving HB 162 plenty of momentum.

If passed, the first $300,000 in tax revenue generated from the industry would go towards problem gambling programs. The rest would fund counties, schools, and other state programs.

Wyoming has been discussing legalizing online casinos for a couple of years, but this proposal represents the most promising chance.

Wyoming Breaking New Ground in the West

While Wyoming is one of the smallest markets in the country, HB 162 could make history if it is passed. No other state west of Michigan has legalized online gambling despite many hosting thriving sports betting markets.

A driving reason for this is the presence and power of tribes out West. They are fighting hard to protect their retail casino industry, including California. The Golden State is the largest market in the US, but local tribes have been able to stand in the way of online sports betting and casinos. 

As small as Wyoming’s population is, their ability to offer online casinos in the region could attract gamblers from neighboring states. With no other state close to legalizing the industry, Wyoming could enjoy strong numbers if and when online casinos are legalized.