Efforts to legalize online casinos in Wyoming have stalled once again after HB 162, introduced by Rep. Robert Davis, failed to gain support in the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee. The bill aimed to regulate online poker, blackjack, and other casino games, with oversight by the Wyoming Gaming Commission and a 16% tax rate on revenue. Of the funds generated, $300,000 would have gone toward problem gambling prevention, with the rest distributed to counties and education programs.
A key provision prohibited playing mobile casino games in designated physical locations to address concerns from Wyoming’s tribal casinos, which opposed the measure due to fears of revenue cannibalization. Despite arguments that legalizing online gambling could curb black market activity and generate up to $40 million in annual tax revenue, opposition remained strong. With the legislative session ending in four weeks, online casinos in Wyoming are unlikely to be revisited until a future session, pushing any potential launch beyond 2026.
A key provision prohibited playing mobile casino games in designated physical locations to address concerns from Wyoming’s tribal casinos, which opposed the measure due to fears of revenue cannibalization. Despite arguments that legalizing online gambling could curb black market activity and generate up to $40 million in annual tax revenue, opposition remained strong. With the legislative session ending in four weeks, online casinos in Wyoming are unlikely to be revisited until a future session, pushing any potential launch beyond 2026.