Wyoming Sports Betting Bill Moves Forward, Heads to State Senate for

Wyoming Steps into the Future with Sports Betting Legislation

In a significant move for sports enthusiasts and the gaming industry, Wyoming has made a decisive step towards legalizing online sports betting. This development came after a legislative push successfully advanced the Wyoming Sports Betting Bill to the state Senate in early March 2021. The move marks a pivotal moment for the state, positioning it on the path to joining a select group of states that have embraced the digital transformation of sports betting.

Governor Mark Gordon signed House Bill 133 into law on April 5, 2021, enabling Wyoming to launch mobile sports betting on September 1, 2021, as the first state to implement legalized sports betting that year.

The Journey of House Bill 133

House Bill 133, the legislative document at the heart of this initiative, encountered a rollercoaster journey before making its way to the Senate. Initially facing defeat in the Wyoming House of Representatives with a vote of 28-32, the bill saw a dramatic turnaround the following day. The reconsideration came after a lawmaker, who had previously voted “no,” requested the bill be brought up again. This strategic move flipped the script, culminating in a successful vote of 32-28 in favor of advancing the bill.

The Wyoming Senate passed HB 133 in March 2021 by a vote of 24-5, following its approval in the House after an initial defeat and subsequent reconsideration.

The proposed legislation strictly mandates that all bets must be placed within the state’s boundaries, unless further adjustments are made by the Wyoming Gaming Commission. The commission is also tasked with the implementation and regulation of online sportsbooks, highlighting the state’s commitment to a regulated and safe betting environment.

In 2026, five mobile sportsbooks operate in Wyoming, regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission, which requires operators to use geolocation technology and pay a 10% tax on gross proceeds.

Operational and Regulatory Insights

While the bill outlines the foundational framework for online sports betting, the specifics regarding eligible sports and the operation of sportsbooks are delegated to the Wyoming Gaming Commission. A critical component of the legislation is the in-state betting requirement, reinforced by a mandate for sports wagering operators to utilize geolocation technologies. This ensures bets are placed and participants are located within Wyoming, aligning with regulatory compliance and integrity.

Participation in the state’s sports betting ecosystem comes with its costs; an initial sports wagering operator permit is priced at $100,000, while a vendor permit will set applicants back $10,000. These fees underscore the importance of maintaining a high standard of operation and compliance within the burgeoning industry.

Wyoming Joins the Online Sports Betting Arena

Wyoming’s move towards legalizing online sports betting places it alongside states like Tennessee and Virginia, which have already witnessed the successful launch of online and mobile app sports betting platforms. Tennessee, for instance, saw its commercial sports betting handle reach an impressive $312.3 million last year, showcasing the potential financial benefits and interest in sports betting among the public. Virginia, too, has embraced online sportsbooks, with the state lottery granting permits for operation and cities voting to introduce retail sportsbooks as well.

Navigating the Next Steps

With the legislative session pressing towards its final adjournment, the Wyoming legislature faced a tight deadline to reach an agreement on the sports wagering legislation. The potential market for sports betting in Wyoming, estimated to be over $449 million, presents a significant opportunity for the state to tap into a new revenue stream and elevate the sports viewing experience for its residents.

The advancement of the Wyoming Sports Betting Bill to the Senate represents a forward-thinking approach to sports betting, acknowledging the shifting landscape of entertainment and gaming in the digital age. As states across the nation grapple with the complexities of regulating online sports betting, Wyoming’s legislative efforts underscore a commitment to innovation, regulation, and economic development.

As the bill’s journey continues, stakeholders from various sectors will be keenly watching, ready to adapt to the evolving legal and regulatory framework that governs sports betting in Wyoming. The state stands on the brink of a new era, poised to redefine the gaming and sports entertainment landscape for its residents.