Wyoming Attorney General Peter Michael last week said that some video “skill games” are illegal under state law. He made the ruling in a formal “opinion letter” to the Natrona County District Attorney’s office, who had asked for the opinion and an investigation.
He specifically addressed electronic slot-lookalike games manufactured by Banilla Games Inc. Such games are widely used in the state. He called out specific brands, including “Nudge” and “Hot Swap,” calling them illegal gambling devices under Wyoming law.” He added, “Those who play them are engaged in gambling, which is a crime in Wyoming, and those who provide the games are engaged in professional gambling, which is also a crime in Wyoming.”
“Because gambling in Wyoming is a crime, not a civil violation, local law enforcement officials and prosecutors will need to determine the timing of the appropriate next steps if their communities have these machines,” wrote the attorney general.
The AG’s opinion left up in the air the status of “historic horse racing” terminals that are offered at some racetracks in the state. His opinion has no effect whatsoever on the Wind River Indian Reservation’s casinos.
