Wyoming pushes for online casino gambling with House Bill 120

Wyoming lawmakers introduced House Bill 120 on February 7, aiming to legalize online casino gambling. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Jon Conrad, Robert Davis, Sandy Newsome, and Tom Walters, among others.

Since 2021, gaming has been lawful in the state following Governor Mark Gordon’s approval of the Enrolled Act No. 50 or House Bill 133, which legalized sports betting. The progression towards broader gambling legalization continues with HB 120, enabling the state’s Gaming Commission to grant gambling licenses to up to five interactive gaming operators.

These licenses, valid for five years, entail an initial fee of $100,000, with a $50,000 renewal fee. Vendor approvals incur a $10,000 issuance cost and a $5,000 renewal fee every five years.

With an economy predominantly reliant on cattle, oil, and mining, Wyoming has long been active in pursuing the legalization of online sports wagering. The proposed tax rate stands at 10%, with $300,000 of annual tax revenue allocated to fund problem gambling programs.

On top of the approval of HB 133 three years prior, Wyoming has also distinguished itself as the first state to explicitly permit online betting operators to accept digital, crypto, and virtual currencies as funding methods for accounts.

Initiatives in other states

Wyoming isn’t the sole state initiating new plans for the online casino gaming industry at the onset of the new year.

In Illinois, lawmakers have introduced House Bill 2239 to authorize operators to launch iGaming operations post-license issuance. The state’s license carries a price tag of $250,000, with an annual renewal fee of $100,000, allowing operators to offer up to three skins.

Meanwhile, in Maryland, lawmakers have proposed an iGaming bill. Senator Ron Watson is sponsoring Senate Bill 603, which proposes a referendum for residents to decide the fate of iGaming in the state.

Hawaii is witnessing significant developments as Senator Ronald D. Kouchi has introduced Senate Bill 3376, aiming to reshape the state’s gambling landscape by proposing the establishment of a Gaming Control Commission and opening avenues for sports betting and online poker operations.

Similar effortsignificant endeavors are underway in New York, although prospects are uncertain due to Governor Kathy Hochul’s current lack of budget allocation for new operations.