Dialog resumes on renewed discussions to grant local control over deciding locations for fresh gambling establishments in Wyoming
Wyoming's Potential Move Towards Commercial Casinos
A new bill draft is making waves in Wyoming, with implications for the regulation of commercial casinos in the state. The Wyoming Legislature's Select Committee on Gaming recently held a meeting to discuss this potential bill.
The bill, if passed, would give more authority to cities and counties over gambling operations, and involve regulation of commercial casinos. As of mid-2025, Wyoming does not have expanded commercial casinos; all existing gaming facilities are tribal-owned, and commercial casinos remain prohibited by law.
The meeting included stakeholders representing Wyoming counties, municipalities, and the horse racing industry. Noah Zahn reported on the meeting for the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Most of the stakeholders at the meeting spoke in support of the potential bill.
However, the discussion focused on expanding the possibilities for commercial casinos in Wyoming, and there were varying opinions among the stakeholders about specific details of the bill. As of now, the stakeholders have not yet given final approval to the new bill draft.
The bill under discussion could allow new gambling operations to open in specific areas, subject to city, town, or county approval. One change in the new bill draft is the requirement for city, town, or county approval for the issuance of a simulcasting permit. The simulcasting permit allows for the broadcast of horse racing events at off-track betting facilities.
It's important to note that this is not the first time Wyoming has considered expanding its gambling landscape. In 2024, Representative Bob Davis introduced a bill (HB0162) proposing a 16% tax on online gambling revenue with restrictions on where wagers can take place and limitations on tribal operations outside their territories. However, this bill failed introduction and stalled in committee in early 2024 and 2025, partly due to opposition from tribal groups such as the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes.
In contrast, Wyoming legalized mobile sports betting efficiently, with the Wyoming Gaming Commission issuing licenses and five sportsbooks currently operating in the state. Lawmakers have proposed tax hikes on sports betting revenue in 2025, but the sports betting market is active and regulated.
A gaming feasibility study conducted in late 2024 aimed to assess further gambling expansion but has not resulted in new commercial casino legislation. Meanwhile, tribal casinos have experienced significant declines in foot traffic and revenue since the legalization of historical horse racing in 2013, indicating complex impacts on the existing gaming landscape.
The new bill draft, if passed, would have significant implications for Wyoming's gaming industry. However, it's still unclear whether the bill will receive final approval from the stakeholders and move forward for consideration by the Senate. The bill draft under discussion is a re-creation of House Bill 85, which unanimously passed Wyoming's House of Representatives earlier this year but was not introduced for consideration by the Senate.
Sources:
- Wyoming Tribune Eagle
- Casino.org
- Wyoming Legislature
- Gaming Today
The new bill deliberation surrounding commercial casinos in Wyoming might influence the finance sector, considering potential revenue from the gambling industry. If the bill passes, it could initiate a shift in gambling trends, as commercial casinos might be introduced in specific regions, subject to local approval. However, the final decision on the bill remains uncertain, as stakeholders have yet to give their full endorsement.
