Wyoming online casino push fails to find backers and stalls

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A bill that would legalize online casinos in Wyoming failed to receive the necessary support to move out of a House committee on Monday, leaving the legislation postponed indefinitely.

The Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee discussed HB 162 over two sessions in recent days after the conversation spilled over from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3.

At the second portion of the hearing on Monday, although Rep. Cathy Connelly moved a motion to move forward on the bill, no committee member seconded the motion and Chair Andrew Byron concluded the session with no action, leaving the bill in limbo.

Rep. Robert Davis‘ proposal would authorize online gaming statewide and empower the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC) to regulate it.

Committee heard familiar arguments to and fro

Across the two-part hearing, the committee heard from state tribes and problem gambling groups in opposition to the bill, while the likes of the sportsbook-led Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) voiced its support.

Davis and the SBA’s arguments largely focused on the potential revenue creation. Citing a report by Spectrum Gaming Group, the bill’s co-sponsors project that the bill would result in gaming revenue of $96 million in FY 2026. Advocates for the bill also pointed to the existence of illegal online gambling in the state as a reason to introduce regulation.

Meanwhile, the tribes were concerned about the possibility of cannibalization of their own operations and revenues, and responsible gambling advocates cited worries about addiction and harmful effects on young state residents.

The decision doesn’t officially mean that the bill is dead, but the hopes of any progression look very slim as House members were evidently hesitant to approve it in its current form.

The Wyoming legislative session ends in four weeks’ time, on March 6.

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