Wyoming Becomes Latest State To Consider Online Casino Legislation

Article by : Erik Gibbs Feb 8, 2024

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Wyoming legislators are exploring the inclusion of online casino wagering in their gaming landscape. Spearheaded by Representative Jon Conrad, Robert Davis and other proponents, House Bill 120 has been introduced to greenlight iGaming in the Equality State.

Building on an established gaming market following the enactment of the sports betting measure, House Bill 133, by Governor Mark Gordon in 2021, Wyoming is now poised to delve into online casinos.

Recently presented, HB 120 outlines a regulatory framework for iGaming in Wyoming under the supervision of the state’s Gaming Commission. The proposal allows for the issuing of up to five interactive gaming operator permits. Operators must submit an initial $100,000 fee for a permit, which holds validity for five years and is subject to renewal.

For subsequent five-year renewals, operators incur a $50,000 fee. Vendor permits, essential for operational partnerships, come with an initial cost of $10,000, accompanied by a $5,000 renewal fee payable every five years.

Permit-holding operators in Wyoming are poised to engage in reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions, leveraging the potential for collaboration in light of the state’s modest population of 584,000, the lowest in the nation.

The proposed legislation, HB 120, outlines a taxation framework wherein statewide wagering revenue would be subject to a 10% tax rate. Notably, the bill earmarks $300,000 of annual tax revenue to be directed toward funding problem gambling programs.

Wyoming’s move towards iGaming aligns with a broader trend observed across the United States this year.

In Illinois, lawmakers are championing House Bill 2239, an iGaming initiative aimed at granting operators the opportunity to establish a presence in the state upon securing a license, which entails an initial fee of $250,000.

This bill permits operators to offer up to three skins, with license renewals mandated annually for $100,000.

Maryland is the latest state to witness the emergence of an iGaming bill, specifically Senate Bill 603, championed by State Senator Ron Watson. This proposal aims to legalize iGaming in the Old Line State, contingent upon the outcome of a voter referendum.

Meanwhile, the prospect of iGaming is being deliberated in Hawaii following the introduction of Senate Bill 3376 by Senator Ronald D. Kouchi. This bill not only proposes the establishment of a Gaming Control Commission but also seeks to authorize sports betting and online poker within the state.

In New York, fervent advocacy groups are pushing for the adoption of iGaming. However, the feasibility of this initiative remains uncertain, especially considering that Governor Kathy Hochul omitted it from her budget, making the path forward for iGaming in the state a challenging endeavor.