One day after the Wyoming House voted 32-28 to defeat House Bill 133, an online sports betting bill, state Rep. Mike Yin—who originally voted against the bill—introduced a measure for reconsideration. Under the rules of the legislature, a lawmaker who votes with the majority on any given issue can ask for a reconsideration of a bill. That’s what Yin did. When that vote was held, the result once again was 32-28, but this time he and state Rep. Chad Banks voted in favor of the measure and it passed. The bill now will be considered by the Wyoming Senate.
Under the legislation, the Wyoming Gaming Commission would establish rules for online sports betting and issue at least five licenses. Operators would pay an initial $100,000 fee, valid for five years and annually renewed for $50,000. Vendor permits would cost $10,000 with renewals at $5,000. Operators would pay taxes of 10 percent of revenue.
The first $300,000 in annual revenue would go toward problem gambling education and services and the remainder would go to the state general fund. Bettors must be at least 18 years of age and physically located within the state borders.
The bill initially failed after several representatives expressed concern over social costs. State Rep. Evan Simpson said, “This particular fun activity has the potential of destroying a lot of lives. Addictions are real and they will happen in our society if we pass this bill.”
State Rep. Jared Olsen argued, “Sports betting is already happening, so you have the opportunity to regulate it and craft the framework around what works and doesn’t work. To protect the citizens of Wyoming without telling them the choices they can and cannot make, it’s setting parameters that keeps consumers safe.”
