A new bill to legalize iGaming in Wyoming has already run into trouble, only weeks after it was presented in the legislature.
A legislative effort to legalise online casino gaming in Wyoming faced a significant setback yesterday (3 February), when a key committee declined to move the proposal forward.
The House of Representatives’ Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee opted not to take further action on House Bill 162 (HB 162), leaving its future in the current legislative session uncertain.
Representative Cathy Connelly introduced a motion for the committee to deliberate on the bill, but no other members seconded it. In response, Committee Chair Andrew Byron confirmed that the bill would be postponed indefinitely.
Despite this development, HB 162 isn’t completely off the table. Wyoming lawmakers are in session until 6 March, and the deadline for bills to move between legislative chambers remains 12 February.
This means that there could still be movement if lawmakers reach a deal.
However, the committee’s inaction suggests a lack of support, making it unlikely that the bill will progress before the deadline.
Tribal opposition to online gaming expansion remains high
The committee first reviewed HB 162 on 30 January but ran out of time before reaching a conclusion. During that initial hearing, representatives from the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes voiced strong opposition to the bill.
Tribal representatives argued that previous gaming expansions, including sports betting and historical horse racing, had already reduced their casino revenues.
They expressed concerns that allowing online casino gambling would further erode tribal gaming profits, ultimately affecting their ability to fund services for tribal members.
In addition to the tribal concerns, problem gambling advocacy groups also opposed the bill, warning of potential risks associated with increased access to online gaming.
However, supporters, including members of the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), argued that regulation would benefit the state economically while ensuring consumer protections.
The SBA, which includes major gaming operators such as BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting & Gaming, and FanDuel, pushed for regulation by highlighting the potential economic and consumer protection benefits.
Representatives from the alliance argued that a regulated market would allow the state to generate tax revenue from existing gambling activity that currently takes place in unregulated environments.
Despite these arguments, and the forecast of an additional $151m in gross gaming revenue within three years, the committee did not appear swayed by the pro-gaming testimony.
2025 already seeing mixed results
Wyoming is one of only three states that permits online sports betting but does not allow retail sportsbooks. If passed, HB 162 would have introduced online casino gaming without permitting brick-and-mortar casinos.
The proposal reflects a broader trend in the US, as multiple states weigh similar legislation. At least eight states entered the 2024 legislative session with bills aimed at legalising online casinos.
Virginia legislators have already rejected an online gaming bill this year. Lawmakers in states such as New Hampshire, Maryland, and Indiana continue to deliberate on similar proposals.
The defeat of HB 162 in committee illustrates the continued challenges of expanding online gaming in the US.
While sports betting has gained widespread acceptance, iGaming remains a tougher sell for lawmakers concerned about problem gambling, regulatory enforcement, and economic impact on existing gaming industries.
For now, Wyoming’s online gaming proposal remains stalled, with only days left for lawmakers to reconsider before the legislative crossover deadline. If the bill doesn’t advance by then, supporters will have to wait until a future session to revisit the issue.