State lawmakers are now reviewing a bill that could find an easy path to approval
Lawmakers in Wyoming have introduced a bill to bring online casino wagering to the state.
House Bill 120, sponsored by Representative Jon Conrad, Robert Davis, seeks to legalize iGaming in the Equality State, which has had online sports betting since Gov. Mark Gordon signed House Bill 133 into law in 2021.
iGaming in Wyoming would be regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission under the bill, which proposes up to five gaming operator licenses for an initial fee of $100,000, renewable every five years for an additional $50,000. Vendor permits are obtainable for $10,000, with five-year renewal fees of $5,000.
Operators licensed in Wyoming can enter into joint agreements with other jurisdictions because the state has the lowest population in the US, with 584,000 residents. Revenue from statewide gaming would be taxed at a 10% rate. HB 120 would also put aside $300,000 in tax revenue annually to support problem gambling programs.
Other states throughout the country are taking steps to introduce iGaming. Illinois recently introduced House Bill 2239, which would allow operators to purchase an initial license for $250,000. They would be permitted to offer up to three skins with an annual renewal fee of $100,000.
Maryland lawmakers also introduced an iGaming bill. Senate Bill 603, sponsored by Sen. Ron Watson, would legalize iGaming in the state via voter referendum.
Hawaii Senator Ronald D. Kouchi introduced Senate Bill 3376, which would allow sports betting and online poker. In addition, New York groups are pushing for iGaming; however, Governor Kathy Hochul didn’t include it in her recently passed budget.
