Lawmakers to Pursue Possibility of Wyoming Online Casinos

Wyoming lawmakers who are backing up the potential of real money casinos becoming available within their territory will have a chance to do so this 2025, as Representative Robert Davis introduced House Bill 0162 (HB 0162) during the 2025 legislative session.

HB 0162 aims to provide measures to legalize and regulate “interactive gaming” under the supervision of the Wyoming Gaming Commission. The bill defines “interactive gaming” as internet-based versions of games that include poker, blackjack, and slot games, accessible via computers, digital platforms, or mobile applications. 

It excludes lotteries, fantasy sports, and activities conducted exclusively on tribal lands. 

What are the Key Provisions of HB 0162?

HB 0162 will have the following provisions to set the foundations for an online casino environment in the Cowboy State. Namely, these tenets will be implemented and enforced by the Wyoming Gaming Commission:

Licensing and Regulation: Interactive gaming operators and vendors must obtain permits from the Gaming Commission, with initial licensing fees of $100,000 and renewal fees of $50,000 for operators. Vendors face fees of $10,000 for initial licensing and $5,000 for renewals.

Revenue Distribution: Operators are required to remit 16% of monthly interactive gaming revenue. The first $300,000 collected annually will fund county health programs to address problem gambling, with remaining funds allocated to counties (40%), schools (50%), and state programs (10%).

Consumer Protections: Operators must implement geolocation systems to ensure participants are physically within Wyoming or permissible jurisdictions when wagering.

Penalties and Enforcement: Criminal offences for unlicensed operations are included, alongside rules to address irregularities and ensure fair play.

Developments of Online Casinos in Wyoming

This isn’t the first time an online casino bill was introduced and lobbied by Rep. Davis. His first attempt was last year, with the House Bill 0120 (HB 0120), but didn’t get enough traction. 

Part of the HB 0120 states that it’s an act relating to gaming; authorizing interactive gaming; providing for regulation by the Wyoming Gaming Commission; imposing fees; providing for the collection and distribution of revenues from interactive gaming; providing for a continuous appropriation; requiring rulemaking; providing penalties; and providing for effective dates.

For HB 0162, Rep. Davis has found some allies and supporters in Reps. Landon Brown and J.T. Larson, who are co-sponsoring the bill.

In September 2024, the Wyoming Gaming Commission and state legislature noted that Spectrum Gaming Group was conducting a comprehensive feasibility study on the state’s gambling industry. The study aimed to assess the viability and potential benefits of expanding gambling options, including online casino gaming.

In November 2024, the study showed an optimistic outlook and served as a foundation for future legislative actions, including the new bill. Spectrum estimates online casino operators could generate up to $138 million in their first year of operation and it could potentially grow to nearly $200 million in maturity. 

The state could haul in approximately $40 million in annual taxes.

What Happens If Wyoming Legislators Pass HB 0162?

In the event that HB 0162 passes, Wyoming will become the latest US state that has legalized online casinos. The other 7 states that have done so are Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

It will certainly take time for Wyoming to be considered as one of the states that have the best online casinos, but given its smaller size and more streamlined government compared to other states, Wyoming’s government might be able to pass the online gaming legislation bill. 

Rhode Island, another smaller state, had its legislators quickly act on passing their respective online casino bill. Wyoming legislators can do the same if they see the merits and capitalize on the potential of online casinos within their state.