There are no laws specifying the legality or illegality of online gambling and betting in Wyoming.
In the mountain region of the United States, Wyoming is the least populous state. It is surrounded by Montana to the north, Colorado to the south, Utah and Idaho on the west side, and South Dakota and Nebraska to the east.
Wyoming’s Best Real Money Gambling Sites
Wyoming Gambling Overview
- Abbreviation: WY
- State Motto: Equal Rights
- Capital City: Cheyenne
- Population Estimate: 585K (50th)
- Website: http://www.wyoming.gov/
Wyoming has several forms of legal gambling, including the lottery, charitable gambling, and horse and dog racing with pari-mutuel betting allowed at the tracks and at off-track simulcast locations.
The biggest form of gambling expansion happened courtesy of the United States Congress in 1988 when it passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). The law gave federally-recognized Native American tribes across America the opportunity to draft gambling compacts with their respective states.
In Wyoming, there were two prominent tribes that were interested in negotiating those compacts – the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes. They both worked out casino agreements that included slot machines and table games, everything to make full casino/resorts possible. There are now four casinos between the two tribes.
Wyoming’s statutes are rather sparse and missing numerous definitions, the most important of which is a different between games of chance and skill. The primary gambling definition notes that risking anything of value “in whole or in part upon lot, chance…” but it does not go any further to explaining if any games are worthy of a skill categorization.
The only other definition of note in the state’s code is one that defines professional gambling, another broad term but one that deserves to be noticed:
“Aiding or inducing another to engage in gambling, with the intent to derive a profit therefrom, or participating in gambling and having, other than by virtue of skill or luck, a lesser chance of losing or a greater chance of winning than one or more of the other participants.”
Most Recent Developments
Wyoming lawmakers seem to have no interest in expanding gambling, especially with regard to the internet. There have been on attempts to propose legislation to allow online poker, much less casino games or sports betting.
As for daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests, there are no bills pending for this, either. While many other states have at least considered the games, Wyoming has chosen not to.
In 2016, state lawmakers were said to be reviewing the elements surrounding the gaming industry with the possibility of establishing a state gaming commission. It would regulate all gambling and consider new operations, online and off. Unfortunately, as it still stands no gaming bills were created or commissions established post review and discussions. As of today, internet gaming is not on the agenda for Wyoming.
Wyoming Online Gambling FAQ
Can I play for real money on your recommended poker, gambling, and betting sites?
Wyoming players have numerous options for real-money online gaming and sports betting.
Does state law enforcement intend to crack down on internet gaming?
Wyoming has indicated no interest in pursuing any action against online gambling sites. Not only are the operators based outside of the United States, but they are licensed in various jurisdictions and have been operating in the US market as such for nearly two decades. The cost and effort to try to block or prosecute any of the sites for gambling violations are prohibitive and very unlikely.
Should players be worried about a crackdown?
No. Should Wyoming authorities pursue some type of action against the sites, such as blocking their access to Wyoming’s players, there will be ample opportunity to withdraw account balances before the operators exit the market. As for Wyoming targeting players themselves, this is very unlikely and has no precedent in any state in America.
What if one of your recommended sites shuts down? Will I get my money?
Online gambling operators are required in most licensing jurisdictions to keep player funds safe and separate from their operating expenses. This ensures that if sites must change markets, management, or even close their virtual doors, players should be able to access their account balances and withdraw as they choose.
How do I deposit and withdraw money from these sites?
A: Each site has its own cashier options for players to put money into an online gaming account and take it out when they are ready. The deposit options for most players in the US consist of credit and debit cards, and often there are bank transfers and ewallets from which to choose as well. Deposit options are slimmer, with checks usually being the only method available. However, many players are now using bitcoin, a form of cryptocurrency that allows for immediate deposits and very fast withdrawals, all with the benefit of being anonymous and untraceable online. Most sites now offer this option, so check with your favorite site and talk to a customer service representative if you have any questions.
Are there any land-based casino in Wyoming?
Yes. There are several casinos across the state of Wyoming.