HB 133, which legalizes online sports betting in Wyoming was approved in the Senate 24-5-1 on March 29 after the House previously approved it. It now awaits the signature of Governor Mark Gordon.
Those making sports bets will be able to do it through at least five operators. Operators are required to be offering sportsbook in three other states.
The bill taxes sports wagers at 10 percent. One of the most persuasive arguments proponents made was that Wyoming residents were already making the bets, but in other states and often illegally.
They also touted the fact that neighboring Colorado has become one of the most successful sports betting markets in the West.
The Wyoming Gaming Commission—which the bill puts in charge of regulating the activity and setting up rules and penalties— estimated that the state’s wagering market is about $449 million. Commission Director Charles Moore says the state can probably begin accepting wagers by September 1, just in time for the NFL season.
DraftKings is expected to be at or near the head of the line to apply for a license. Others likely to do so include BetMGM, FanDuel, PointsBet and theScore. Operators will pay a $100,000 fee for a five year license, renewable for $50,000.
