Wyoming Latest State To Consider Online Gaming, Poker

Wyoming may be the state with the smallest population, but a few legislators have big plans when it comes to online casino gaming. A new bill was recently filed in the state house that would legalize online gaming. This comes after the state also legalized online sports betting in 2021.

Under the plan, online poker would also be allowed, but with a population of only 585,000, Wyoming’s players would need to hope for shared liquidity with other states to see any kind of thriving market. The legislation does allow for that to happen, should it go through.

Details On The Bill

If the bill is approved, iGaming would be regulated under the state gaming commission and allow “an internet-based version or variation of poker, blackjack, or any other card, slot or gambling game typically offered in a casino, including any internet-based gambling game approved by the commission.”

The legislation, which is sponsored by four Republican representatives, would allow for up to five operators, with each paying an initial $100,000 licensing fee, renewable every five years for another $50,000. Vendor permits would cost $10,000 and be renewable every five years for $5,000.

Poker fans will also be pleased with the game’s inclusion and another possible addition to the country’s Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows shared liquidity among poker operators in Nevada, Michigan, New Jersey, and Delaware.

“An interactive gaming operator in this state may accept interactive gaming wagers from persons physically located in a permissible jurisdiction pursuant to a reciprocal agreement,” the legislation notes.

All online gaming revenue would be taxed at 10% with $300,000 set aside each year to fund problem gambling programs. The legal age to take part in online gaming would be set at 18. The state already has several tribal casinos and also allows horse racing and charitable gaming. Whether online gaming and poker will join those options remains to be seen.

The last few weeks has seen several states introduce legislation to legalize online gaming. Those include New York, Illinois, Maryland, and Hawaii.

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