The Sept. 1 deadline to launch Wyoming sports betting was met Wednesday with two sportsbook approvals.
The Wyoming Gaming Commission approved DraftKings Sportsbook and BetMGM for online sports betting licenses at a special meeting.
DraftKings went live in its 13th state quickly following the meeting, according to a release. Less than two hours later, BetMGM launched in Wyoming, its 14th state.
“As soon as I send out these emails with digital licenses and license numbers, they are approved and prepared for launch,” WGC Special Project Manager David Carpenter said during the meeting. “Effective the close of this meeting, they’re ready and able to launch.”
Carpenter said the catalog of available bets is “pretty comprehensive” of all sports. Additionally, operators can request other events like esports and the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest.
First to WY sports betting
The two sportsbooks now get a head start in Wyoming sports betting.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt:
“We’re ecstatic that BetMGM is one of the first mobile sports betting platforms to launch in Wyoming, just in time for the start of the football season. Wyoming is an important state for us as we continue to expand BetMGM’s footprint in the West. We’re confident that its sports fans will enjoy the BetMGM experience.”
DraftKings co-founder and President Matt Kalish:
“Legalized sports betting has seen widespread growth in just three years and the DraftKings Sportsbook has been at the center of the action. We are thrilled that Wyoming sports bettors have the opportunity to experience the highly accessible and immersive fan experience along with best in class consumer protections that our product offers millions of skin-in-the-game sports fans.”
Other sportsbooks looking at Wyoming?
If there are enough qualified applicants, the WGC is required to issue a minimum of five licenses. Along with BetMGM and DraftKings, FanDuel and Barstool Sportsbook also sent letters of intent to the commission.
SuperBook USA and Golden Entertainment took part in stakeholder meetings, while PointsBet mentioned the state as a potential expansion target during an investor presentation this year.
When the WGC might approve another operator is up in the air. A meeting is set for Nov. 5, but WGC President Bob Davis said he expects several more special meetings in the coming months.
Quick path to Wyoming sports betting launch
In March, the Wyoming House of Representatives initially voted against HB 133, which legalized mobile sports betting. A day later, the House reconsidered the bill and passed it.
Less than a month later, the Senate passed the bill, 24-5.
Gov. Mark Gordon signed the bill into law April 6. During the legislative process, legislators wanted a September launch. While WGC Executive Director Charles Moore expressed doubts, he accepted the challenge.
WGC pushes forward
A little more than a month after Gordon signed the bill, the WGC had its final draft of rules after four drafts. The WGC drew heavily from other jurisdictions to create the rules, including the only other mobile-only US sports betting state, Tennessee.
A 45-day comment period began, during which the WGC opened the application process on July 15. The rules were finalized Aug. 2.
The commission set Wednesday’s special meeting at the end of August to approve at least the first two sportsbooks and achieve the launch date set.
