A push to legalize online casinos in The Cowboy State will resume during the 2025 legislative session.
A Wyoming lawmaker plans to reintroduce online casino legislation next year. This announcement from Representative Robert Davis follows a study, which underscores the benefits of legalizing the industry in Wyoming.
According to Davis, the iGaming aspect appears promising, with no indication of negative impacts on other segments—including cannibalization.
What The Wyoming Online Casino Study Found
The Wyoming Gaming Commission, in conjunction with the Wyoming State Legislature, entered into a contract with Spectrum Gaming Group to conduct a feasibility study on the future of gaming in Wyoming. The Joint Appropriations Committee determined its interim topics and their first priority is a comprehensive review of gaming in Wyoming.
The research team from Spectrum Gaming Group sent their study details to the Wyoming Gaming Commission, showing impressive numbers. If Wyoming legalizes online casinos, these could bring in between $93 million and $138 million in the first year. By the fifth year, the revenue could grow to between $162 million and $199 million. This increase could generate state tax revenues of $20 million to $30 million in the first year and up to $40 million by year five.
The study suggests that online casinos won't take away business from physical gambling locations and other gaming services.
Currently, Wyoming has legalized online sports betting, three tribal casinos, three racetracks with 39 horse racing facilities, and allows charitable gaming and skill-based amusement games at truck stops, smoke shops, and bars.
What’s Next For Online Gambling Legislation in Wyoming?
The proposed bill to legalize online gambling, which included detailed provisions for licensing, oversight, and allowable activities, was ultimately rejected. It received the support of 25 representatives, while 36 voted against it, and one was excused.
But the findings from the new study could provide a framework for revising and reintroducing the legislation, possibly persuading those lawmakers who were initially opposed.
There are only a handful of states with legalized online casinos, including Connecticut and Delaware, and the Wyoming online casino bill is expected to be re-filed by the end of the month.
How the smaller states handle the legalization process can be used as food for thought for lawmakers in bigger states who may consider legalizing online casinos in the years to come.
