Wyoming Online Gambling
Wyoming isn’t the most welcoming state to online gambling, but it has started to open up to the market in recent years. The state legalized online sports betting in 2021, overseen by the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC). The WGC also regulates Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
While the Cowboy State has yet to legalize online casino gambling and online poker sites, you can still enjoy these games at land-based casinos. In fact, Wyoming is home to four tribal casinos and two horse racing tracks. Still, there is still the possibility of online real-money casinos in Wyoming in the future.
Find out all you need to know about the legality of sports betting and iGaming in Wyoming with our expert guide. We explore the legal gambling options available in Wyoming, delve into the state’s gambling history, and discover the top Wyoming gambling sites. What are you waiting for?
Best Wyoming Gambling Sites
The best Wyoming online gambling sites offer a thrilling sports betting experience with generous promotions, user-friendly interfaces, and various markets and betting options to cater to every player’s preferences. Check out our top list of the best gambling sites in Wyoming below.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Wyoming?
Online sports betting has been legal in Wyoming since April 2021, with the passing of the Online Sports Betting Bill (HB 133). This legislation opened the doors for players across the state to place bets on their favorite sports at some of the top online sportsbooks, including DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel. All Wyoming sports betting operates online, with no retail sportsbooks available in the state.
Unfortunately, Wyoming law prohibits online casinos and online poker. Residents wishing to play casino games can do so at Wyoming’s land-based casinos, which offer a variety of games, including slot machines, blackjack, poker, and more. The first land-based casino in the state, 789 SmokeShop and Casino, opened in 1991.
Wyoming Gambling History
Wyoming took a stance against gambling in the early 1900s, marked by the passage of the McGill Act in 1901, which banned all forms of gambling in the state. The landscape shifted in 1967 with the legalization of pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, paving the way for regulated gambling in Wyoming. It wasn’t until 1988 that the US Congress enacted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), bringing land-based casinos to the state.
The regulation of Wyoming gambling has undergone many changes over the last century. Read our timeline below, which summarizes the evolution of gambling in the state.
- 1901: Wyoming legislature passes an anti-gambling act, the McGill Act, which bans all forms of gambling in the state.
- 1967: The Wyoming Legislature created the Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission to regulate and oversee racing in Wyoming.
- October 17, 1988: The US Congress enacted IGRA to regulate the conduct of casino games on tribal land in the US.
- 1991: The 789 Smokeshop & Casino opens as the first legalized gaming establishment in the state.
- March 13, 2013: Governor Matt Mead signs the Wyoming Lottery Bill (HB 77) into effect.
- August 24, 2014: The Wyoming Lottery launches its first sales with the Mega Millions and Powerball games.
- May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), allowing states to decide whether to legalize sports betting.
- April 5, 2021: Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signs HB 133 into law, legalizing online sports betting and DFS.
- September 1, 2021: The online sports betting market goes live in Wyoming.
Legal Gambling Options in Wyoming
Despite some restrictions against gambling in Wyoming, it is not the strictest state in the US by far. If you prefer gambling on sports, casino games, or even playing the lottery, there’ll be an option for you in Wyoming, whether online or at a land-based location. The table below highlights which types of gambling are available to Wyoming players and the year in which they became legal in the state.
| Type of Gambling | Legal? | When Legalized? |
| Online Casinos | No | N/A |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes | 1988 |
| Online Poker | No | N/A |
| Land-Based Poker | Yes | 1988 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes | 2021 |
| Retail Sports Betting | No | N/A |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | 2021 |
| Horse Racing | Yes | 1967 |
| Lottery | Yes | 2014 |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes | N/A |
Sports Betting
The passing of HB 133 in 2021 legalized online sports betting in Wyoming, but there are no retail outlets in operation in the state. The launch of online sports wagering came after the overturning of PASPA in 2018, which granted states the freedom to decide whether or not to legalize sports betting. There is hope for retail sportsbooks to open in Wyoming in the future, potentially at the state’s successful tribal casino properties.
Four online sportsbooks are operating in Wyoming, each holding a license from the WGC. According to HB 133, the state is required to license at least five operators, opening the door for at least one more site to launch. There is no limit on how many online sportsbooks can go live, so there may be further additions to the Cowboy State’s market in the future.
Online Casino
Real-money online casino sites are not yet legal in the state, but Wyoming players can enjoy online casino games at social and sweepstakes casino sites. You can sign up with these sites and play for free using virtual currencies known as Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins. While you can’t win any money while playing social and sweepstake casino games, you can eventually exchange Sweepstakes Coins for real-life prizes at some sites.
Following the legislation and success of online sports betting, it’s likely that legal real-money Wyoming online casinos could follow, allowing players to enjoy a broader range of games and play with real money.
Poker
The passing of the IGRA in 1988 legalized casino games on tribal lands, paving the way for Indian tribes in Wyoming to offer various gambling games, including poker. As a result, Wyoming offers poker enthusiasts a chance to enjoy their favorite game at any of the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos. However, playing online poker with real money is not yet legal in the state. You may find some social casino sites providing online poker games you can play for free with virtual credits.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Wyoming residents can enjoy online DFS contests thanks to the passing of the Online Sports Wagering Bill of 2021. This bill opened up opportunities for popular operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel to offer contests to players within the state’s borders.
Lottery
In 2014, Wyoming finally printed its first lottery tickets after over a decade of unsuccessful attempts to pass the law. You must be at least 18 years old to play the Wyoming Lottery. The Wyoming Lottery funds state initiatives, including schools and housing.
Retail Sportsbooks
There are no retail sportsbooks available in Wyoming, meaning it is only possible for residents to place sports bets online. The bill that was signed into law on April 5, 2021, only legalized online sportsbooks in WY but reflects the state’s progressive approach to providing legal avenues for engaging in sports betting.
Land-Based Casinos
The enactment of IGRA in 1988 meant that Indian tribes in Wyoming could legally open casinos on their land. The 789 Smokeshop & Casino was the first gambling establishment to open in Wyoming in 1991, and the state is now home to four casinos. All of these are operated by Indian tribes and offer options like slots, table games, and video poker.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Online casinos for real money are yet to be legalized in the state of Wyoming, but sweepstakes casinos are completely legal. At these sites, players can enjoy the same sorts of games and bonuses that they would find at real money sites, except using virtual currencies. Sweeps casinos also offer players the chance to win real money prizes, providing an excellent legal alternative for WY residents eager to participate in online casino games!
How are Gambling Sites Regulated in Wyoming?
WY residents have been able to engage in online sports betting and DFS since September of 2021. However, to ensure they are playing safely, it’s important to select a site that is regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission. The Wyoming Gaming Commission plays a pivotal role in protecting players as they gamble online as they thoroughly test sites to ensure they adhere to strict standards of fairness and security.
Responsible Gambling in Wyoming
Gambling can be a fun and exciting activity, but it’s essential to recognize the risks involved, including problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues or addiction, it’s vital to seek help. There are organizations available specifically for Wyoming players offering support, advice, and treatment. We have compiled a list of contact details, which you can use to get the help you need.
FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Wyoming?
Legal online gambling options are available to Wyoming players, including online sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). Unfortunately, real-money online casinos are illegal in Wyoming, but Cowboy State players can enjoy thrilling casino games on the best Wyoming sweepstakes sites.
Can I bet on sports in Wyoming?
Yes, sports betting became legal in Wyoming in April 2021. The WGC regulates sports betting in Wyoming. Four sports betting sites are available in the state, including DraftKings and BetMGM, which took the first legal sports bets in September 2021.
Does Wyoming have any online casinos?
While Wyoming has no legal online real-money casinos, players in the state can enjoy casino games at Wyoming social and sweepstakes casinos. These sites operate using virtual currencies that players can earn through bonuses or purchase in bundles from the site. The best sweeps casinos will offer similar games to real-money sites and even allow players to exchange winnings for real-money prizes.
Is DFS legal in Wyoming?
Of course, it is. DFS became legal in Wyoming in April 2021 with the signing of HB 133. Some of the best DFS sites in Wyoming include FanDuel and DraftKings, where players can partake in tournaments and enjoy immediate payouts. Players can also use winnings from DFS tournaments to place sports bets.
Are Wyoming online gambling sites safe?
If you play at a regulated online gambling site in Wyoming, your personal and financial information is safe. All forms of gambling in Wyoming, including sports betting and DFS, are regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission, ensuring fair gaming and providing responsible gambling assistance to those needing it.
Do I have to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers gambling winnings a taxable income at the federal level, meaning you must report them on your federal income tax return. If your winnings exceed the threshold, you may be required to pay tax on them, including winnings from lotteries, horse races, sports betting, and casinos.
