Wyoming Online Casino Legislation Reintroduced

The Wyoming legislative session of 2025 commenced with a renewed bid to legalize online casinos in the state. Representative Robert Davis spearheaded the effort with House Bill 0162 (HB 0162), aiming to authorize interactive gaming. This legislative proposal, supported by Representatives Landon Brown and J.T. Larson, sets a regulatory framework to be implemented under the guidance of the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC). HB 0162 aims to build upon previous efforts, particularly the similar HB 0120 presented in 2024, which narrowly failed. The current bill is poised to pave the way for online casino operations on tribal lands through state collaborations, which could expand gaming within the established tribal gaming infrastructure in Wyoming.

Key Components of the Bill

HB 0162 outlines detailed provisions for the operation of online casinos in Wyoming. Key elements include the WGC issuing a minimum of five interactive gaming permits, each with an application fee of $2,500. Successful operators need to provide $100,000 for an initial license valid for five years, with renewals costing half as much. Vendor permits are priced at $10,000 for the initial five years, followed by a $5,000 renewal fee. Additionally, the bill demands that interactive gaming operators remit 16% of their monthly revenue, which will benefit the Wyoming Gaming Commission, county funds, and important state programs like the Wyoming Department of Health's problem gambling initiatives. To ensure compliance and security, geolocation technology is required for all gaming activities to restrict access to those physically within state borders, unless agreements with other states are in place.

Impacts and Prospects of Legalization

The economic potential of legalizing online casinos in Wyoming was highlighted in a study conducted in 2024 by Spectrum Gaming Group. The study forecasts possible revenues ranging between $93 million and $138 million in the first year alone, with expectations to possibly double within five years. This surge in revenue could translate into an estimated $40 million annually in state taxes, aiding sectors like education, health, and public administration. Importantly, the analysis also suggests that these online casinos would complement, rather than compete with, existing tribal gaming operations, mitigating fears of market saturation.

Representative Davis emphasizes that the success of HB 0162 is strongly tied to increasing lawmakers' understanding of the benefits of online gaming, drawing parallels with Wyoming's 2021 move to legalize online sports betting. The 2025 legislative session, which concludes on March 6, allows sufficient time for detailed discussions and potential adjustments to gain broader acceptance. As of now, only seven U.S. states have legalized online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Wyoming's initiative is reflective of a broader recognition of the economic opportunities that online gaming may offer, particularly for smaller states with adaptable legislative frameworks.

Source: Wyoming Lawmakers Renew Push for Online Casino Legalization, lcb.org, January 2025.