Renewed Efforts to Legalize Online Casinos in Wyoming
The Wyoming legislature has commenced its 2025 session with the reintroduction of a bill to legalize online casino gaming. House Bill 0162 (HB 0162), spearheaded by Representative Robert Davis, proposes the creation of a regulated framework for interactive gaming within the state. Supported by Representatives Landon Brown and J.T. Larson, the bill assigns oversight responsibilities to the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC).
Building on Previous Efforts
HB 0162 revives ideas from HB 0120, a similar proposal brought forward in 2024 that narrowly failed to pass. This renewed effort includes provisions for operating online casinos on tribal lands, contingent on agreements with the state. Such measures are intended to integrate online casinos into Wyoming’s current tribal gaming framework.
Key Details of the Legislation
The bill establishes specific requirements and licensing structures for online casino operators:
- The WGC will grant a minimum of five interactive gaming permits, with an application fee set at $2,500.
- Operators must pay $100,000 for an initial five-year license, with renewals costing $50,000.
- Vendor permits are priced at $10,000 for five years, with a $5,000 renewal fee.
- Operators will remit 16% of their monthly revenue, benefiting WGC operations, county funds, and programs such as the Wyoming Department of Health’s problem gambling initiatives.
To ensure compliance, the bill mandates geolocation technology, limiting participation to players physically located within Wyoming unless agreements are established with other states.
Economic and Social Implications
According to a 2024 study conducted by Spectrum Gaming Group, online casino legalization could substantially benefit Wyoming’s economy. The report estimates first-year revenues between $93 million and $138 million, with the potential to double within five years. These figures translate to as much as $40 million annually in state tax revenue, which could support education, health, and administrative programs.
The study further indicates that online casino operations would complement existing tribal gaming enterprises rather than create direct competition, addressing concerns about market cannibalization.
Challenges and Legislative Outlook
Representative Davis emphasized the importance of educating lawmakers on the benefits of online gaming to secure the bill’s passage. He highlighted Wyoming’s successful implementation of online sports betting in 2021, arguing that the state’s regulatory framework can accommodate online casinos with minimal adjustments.
The legislative session, which concludes on March 6, 2025, provides sufficient time for debate, stakeholder input, and potential modifications to the bill.
Wyoming’s initiative aligns with a broader national trend as states increasingly explore online casino legalization to boost revenue. Currently, seven states—Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia—have authorized online casinos. This movement underscores the growing recognition of online gaming’s economic advantages, particularly for smaller states with adaptable legislative systems.
Source: Wyoming Lawmakers Renew Push for Online Casino Legalization, lcb.org, January 17, 2025.