In a recent session, Wyoming legislators voted against the introduction of iGaming legislation, effectively shutting down efforts to legalize online casinos in the state for the 2024 session.
Rep. Robert Davis, who filed House Bill 120 to introduce online casinos in the state, was disappointed the bill failed to gain the necessary two-thirds majority vote for official introduction. This decision has sparked debates among lawmakers, with concerns raised about the potential impact on youth and the need for adequate safeguards.
The bill sought to regulate and eradicate the illegal iGaming market within the state, providing protections for citizens engaging in online gambling activities. However, the Wyoming House voted 25-36-1 against the bill’s official introduction, citing various concerns and objections.
Opposition to the iGaming legislation was voiced by several representatives, including Rep. John Winter, who highlighted concerns raised by the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC). Winter stated that the commission believed the state was moving too fast and expressed worries about the potential impact on young individuals with access to online gaming through their mobile devices.
Davis, who previously served as president of the WGC, dismissed the commission’s concerns, asserting that the issue had been on their radar for several years. He emphasized that responsible platforms would have built-in safeguards to prevent youth from accessing online casinos, ensuring a safer gambling environment.
Rep. Allen Slagle expressed concerns about the lack of protections for offshore gambling activities that could potentially affect Wyoming residents. Slagle argued that the introduction of online casinos would only contribute to the existing gambling addiction issues within the state.
While the rejection of the iGaming legislation for the 2024 session is a setback, it does not entirely rule out the possibility of online casino legalization in Wyoming. The timeline and concerns raised during the short session may have influenced the decision. However, there is potential for future efforts to perfect the online casino legislation and gain support from lawmakers.
Wyoming’s experience with sports betting legislation provides insight into the potential path for online casino legalization. In 2020, lawmakers initially voted against sports betting legislation during a short budget session, but they revisited the issue the following year and ultimately passed online sports betting legislation during a full session.
The failed iGaming legislation, House Bill 120, drew inspiration from the Wyoming sports betting law. The bill aimed to allow current online sports betting operators in the state, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics and Penn/ESPN Bet, to offer real-money online casino games. This approach could prove beneficial when future online casino legislation is considered.
In the upcoming sessions, Wyoming legislators will have the opportunity to spend more time refining and discussing online casino legislation. The extended session duration, compared to the short budget session, will provide lawmakers with additional time to address concerns, evaluate potential safeguards, and ensure responsible online gambling practices.
Unlike the previous requirement for two-thirds majority approval for official introduction, future online casino legislation can bypass the floor vote and proceed directly to committee hearings. This streamlined process will facilitate a focused discussion on the merits and potential regulations of online casinos in Wyoming.
