Wyoming regulators and legislators are investigating the future of gambling in the state, which could include online casino.
The Wyoming Gaming Commission and state legislature announced this week they entered a contract with Spectrum Gaming Group for a feasibility study on the state’s gambling industry. Multiple industry sources have indicated Wyoming could be a prime candidate to legalize online casino.
Wyoming sports betting began in 2021 and has generated $2.9 million in taxes for the state. A WGC release said the study could lead to legislation, including online gambling regulation, in the 2025 general session.
Wyoming gambling study
Wyoming’s 2024 general appropriations bill requires the WGC to conduct a “statewide study of gambling in Wyoming.” That includes an overview of its historic horse racing, skill-based amusement games and online sports betting.
Spectrum Gaming Group’s study will also “consider the number and growth of wagering locations and activity.” It will also consider online casino and potential regulatory structure and tax revenue for the industry.
Spectrum will research and assess the state’s industry in September and October. The WGC expects an early draft of the report in November.
Online casino markets
Unlike sports betting, online gambling legalization has been a harder sell for state legislators. There are seven states that offer iGaming:
- Connecticut online casinos
- Delaware online casinos
- Michigan online casinos
- New Jersey online casinos
- Pennsylvania online casinos
- Rhode Island online casinos
- West Virginia online casinos
Canada also has online casinos, including the open commercial market in Ontario.
New markets coming?
Last year, Maryland Sen. Ron Watson led an effort to legalize online casino and said he plans to do so in the future. Watson spoke about the lessons he had learned from his efforts at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States summer conference.
Earlier this month, Ohio Sen. Niraj Antani filed an online casino bill to start the discussion but expects it could take get the issue over the finish line.
NCLGS is putting together model online gambling legislation. A draft is expected to be ready for December’s NCLGS winter conference in New Orleans.