Online Gambling License in Wyoming

Before the Wyoming Gaming Commission was formed in 1985, Wyoming had had a history of strict gambling regulations. Today, the Commission oversees tribal gaming facilities divided between the state’s two compacted tribes, pari-mutuel wagering, as well as several forms of legal gambling like sports betting and daily fantasy sports.

What Is the Wyoming Gaming Commission?

The Wyoming Gaming Commission is a regulatory agency that administers and oversees state gaming activities. Its primary concerns are regulating all forms of gambling within Wyoming, issuing operator licenses, making sure that gaming operations are compliant with the law, and raising public awareness about gambling laws and problem gambling.

The Wyoming Gaming Commission coordinates enterprises on tribal land of Wyoming’s two compacted tribes: The Northern Arapaho Tribe and the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation. Together, they operate gambling facilities that include pull tabs, raffles, Calcutta wagering, and a variety of Class III gaming machines.

The Commission is very active in running pari-mutuel horse race wagering, to the point that it organizes its very own Breeder Award Program to promote the horse breeding culture in the state. It has set strict rules about breeding Broodmares and Stallions, ensuring the integrity of the program and its participants every step of the way.

The governor appoints members to the Wyoming Gaming Commission, and they serve fixed terms. These commissioners come from various fields, creating a diverse group of professionals.

Types of Gambling Regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission

Wyoming is home to several gambling activities, including tribal casinos, charitable gambling, pari-mutuel wagering, sports betting, and skill-based amusement games, all run and regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission. The agency has shown readiness to adopt new technologies and is poised to expand the gambling landscape in Wyoming to include online gambling and poker rooms in the future.

Tribal Casinos

There are four land-based casinos on tribal land in Wyoming. These include:

• Little Wind Casino: Operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe. It has 170 slots, a family-friends restaurant, and its own Rewards Club.
• Shoshone Rose Casinos and Hotel: Owned by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. The casino features over 300 slots, five table games, and the Rose Rewards Club.
• Wind River Hotel and Casino: Owned and operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe. It features two restaurants, non-smoking rooms and suites, and an RV park.
• 789 Casino: Located in Riverton The casino hosts over 250 Vegas-style slots, a smokeshop, its own grill, and a bingo hall.

Charitable Gaming

Since July 2020, non-profit and charitable organizations can host three forms of gambling in Wyoming: bingo, pull tabs, and Calcutta wagering. Organizers can sell bingo tickets anywhere in Wyoming, while pull tab games can only be sold on-site. Organizers can also host Calcutta wagering anywhere in the state, but they must give a 30-day notice about the event’s time and place.

Pari-Mutuel Gaming

Wyoming has a rich cultural tie to horse racing, reflected by three active race tracks hosting live events. The racing season runs from May through October, and races are held every weekend.

The Commission also authorizes pari-mutuel betting on simulcast racing and events that have already taken place. Historical horse racing betting includes machines similar to slots that determine race outcomes based on previous results.

Sports Betting

Sports betting and daily fantasy sports in Wyoming have been legal since April 2021, when the Governor signed the House Enrolled Act No. 50 (HB-0133). DraftKings and FanDuel were the first two bookmakers to enter the fray, with BetMGM, Caesars and Fanatics joining soon after.

Only sportsbooks that are present in at least three jurisdictions may apply for the permit. The overall sports betting revenue broke the $30 million mark, with the highest monthly revenue recorded in October 2022 ($2 million).

Skill-Based Gaming

Wyoming allows skill-based amusement games, with nearly 1,000 located throughout the state. You can find them in local bars, restaurants, smoke shops, truck stops, and other approved venues. Each game is limited to $3 per play, and no venue can have more than four of these machines at a time.

The Wyoming Gaming Commission’s Regulatory Framework

The Wyoming Gaming Commission works with the community to create fair gaming rules and a healthy environment. Racetracks, tribal casinos, online betting, and commercial gambling are allowed, but online casinos are still illegal.

Wyoming taxes sports betting revenues at 10% (except for promotional play). This money supports education, safety, and infrastructure.

Tribal casinos do not share their Class III gaming profits with the state. These casinos follow the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Their funds help education, health, housing, and law enforcement.

Tribal casinos cannot sell alcohol from 2 AM to 9 AM. They must also pass tests from independent labs and cannot accept cashless payments.

FAQs about The Wyoming Gaming Commission