Wyoming became the second state this year to legalize sports betting when Governor Mark Gordon signed HB 133 into law April 5.
The bill’s sponsor Rep. Tom Walters told Wyoming News Now: “It’s something I’ve actually worked on not just this session, but I worked on it last session. So to see it pass ultimately is very exciting. I think it’s good for the people of Wyoming because it allows for this regulated market.”
It was his second attempt. The first had failed last year.
Wyoming Gaming Commission Director Charles Moore told lawmakers recently that he expects to be able to start accepting sports wagers on September 1. The commission projects about $449 million in wagers each year. Not bad considering the state has a population of 579,000.
Operators will pay the state $100,000 for five year license, with renewal costing $50,000. The state will collect 10 percent on gaming revenues, with $300,000 set aside for problem gambling treatment.
The state wants to encourage only experience sports betting providers to apply. Licenses will only be granted operators who are currently operating in at least three other states.
