Wyoming has a unique relationship with gambling and poker. While the state does not have a rich history of gambling like Nevada or New Jersey, it does have a range of legal gambling options.

While Wyoming’s gambling laws are restrictive, the state offers a range of legal gambling activities that cater to different interests. Whether you’re interested in betting on horse races, playing the lottery, or visiting one of the state’s tribal casinos, Wyoming has something to offer for those looking to gamble within the bounds of the law.

Types of Gambling in Wyoming

In Wyoming, gambling is defined as risking any property for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, or the outcome of an event over which the person taking the risk has no control. This broad definition encompasses many forms of gambling activities, from traditional casino games to sports betting.

However, Wyoming law is strict about what constitutes legal gambling, and many forms of gambling are either heavily regulated or outright banned. Legal gambling in Wyoming is limited to activities that have been specifically authorized by the state legislature.

Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting

Horse racing has a long history in Wyoming, and it remains one of the state’s most popular forms of legal gambling. Wyoming allows licensed horse, harness, cutter, chariot, and chuckwagon racing, and pari-mutuel wagering is legal.

Pari-mutuel wagering is a form of betting where all bets of a particular type are placed together in a pool, and payoff odds are calculated by sharing the pool among all winning bets. This form of wagering is available both on-site at racetracks and through licensed off-track betting (OTB) facilities that offer simulcast racing events. Wyoming also permits historic horse racing machines, which allow players to bet on replays of past races, adding a new dimension to the state’s horse racing industry.

Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting

Dog racing, once a popular form of entertainment and betting in Wyoming, has largely disappeared from the state. However, it remains technically legal under state law, and pari-mutuel wagering on dog races is permitted.

Despite its legality, there are currently no active dog racing tracks in Wyoming, and it’s unlikely that this form of gambling will see a revival in the near future. Off-track betting on dog races would also be allowed under state law, but, like horse racing, it would require proper licensing and regulation.

Casinos

Wyoming law is very restrictive when it comes to casinos. The state explicitly bans any structures, boats, or vehicles maintained for gambling purposes. This prohibition includes traditional commercial casinos.

However, there are exceptions for tribal casinos operated by Native American tribes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). These tribal casinos are located on sovereign tribal land and can offer certain types of casino games, including slot machines and limited table games. While these casinos do not rival the size and scope of casinos in neighboring states like Nevada, they provide some level of casino gaming for Wyoming residents and visitors.

Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned

Wyoming’s gambling laws also cover a range of other gambling-related activities.

Allowed

• Bona Fide Contests of Skill, Speed, Strength, or Endurance: Competitions where the outcome is determined by the skill, speed, strength, or endurance of participants are legal. These contests are not considered gambling under state law because the outcome is not based on chance.
  
  
• Bona Fide Business Contracts: Legitimate business contracts are exempt from gambling regulations. This exemption ensures that legal business practices, such as stock market investments, are not classified as gambling.
  
  
• Raffles, Bingo, and Pull Tabs: These activities are legal when conducted by charitable organizations. Charitable gaming is strictly regulated, and organizations must obtain the appropriate licenses to operate these games.
  
  
• Bona Fide Social Wagering: Social gambling, where no one person or entity profits except for the individual players, is allowed. This typically includes home poker games and other informal gambling activities among friends.
  
  
• Calcutta Wagering: This type of betting is allowed and involves participants bidding on teams or individuals in a sporting event. The highest bidder typically receives a portion of the pool, while the remaining funds are distributed among winners based on the event’s outcome.
  
  
• Display or Private Use of Antique Devices: The display or private use of antique gambling devices, such as old slot machines, is legal as long as they are not used for gambling purposes.

Banned

• Professional Gambling: Professional gambling, where an individual or entity operates a gambling business, is illegal unless it falls under one of the state’s legal gambling activities, such as pari-mutuel betting or tribal gaming.
  
  
• Possessing Gambling Devices: Possessing gambling devices, such as slot machines or roulette wheels, is illegal unless authorized by state law. This restriction helps prevent the establishment of illegal gambling operations.
  
  
• Gambling Record Keeping: Keeping records of gambling activities for the purpose of profiting from illegal gambling is also prohibited. This law is designed to curb organized illegal gambling operations.

Gambling Laws and Regulations in Wyoming

Wyoming Statutes define gambling broadly as “risking any property for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, or the outcome of an event, including sporting events, over which the person taking a risk has no control.” This definition sets the stage for the state’s stringent control over gambling activities, allowing only those forms specifically authorized by law.

Legal Gambling Activities

Wyoming has legalized certain forms of gambling, each governed by specific laws. Each focuses specifically on its particular gambling segment, which differs from certain other states that have enacted all-encompassing legislation for their gambling markets.

Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Betting

Pari-mutuel betting and horse racing are regulated under Wyoming Statutes Title 11, Chapter 25, which oversees horse racing and historic horse racing. The Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission licenses, regulates, and oversees all horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering activities in the state. Historic horse racing machines, which allow betting on previously run horse races, are also legal under this statute, offering a modern take on traditional horse racing betting.

Tribal Gaming

Tribal gaming in Wyoming is governed by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which allows Native American tribes to operate casinos on tribal lands. These tribes operate under gaming compacts negotiated with the state, which regulate the types of games offered, typically Class II games like bingo and non-banked card games, as well as revenue-sharing agreements. Tribal casinos are not subject to state gambling laws but must adhere to federal regulations as outlined in the compacts.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming is permitted under Wyoming Statutes Title 6, Chapter 7, Section 101. This includes activities like bingo, raffles, and pull-tabs, provided they are conducted by recognized charitable organizations. These organizations must obtain a local government permit, and all proceeds must go toward charitable causes. The law also imposes limits on the value of prizes and the frequency of charitable gaming events.

State Lottery

The Wyoming Lottery Act (W.S. 9-17-101 to 9-17-125) governs the operation of the state lottery. The Wyoming Lottery Corporation is responsible for overseeing lottery operations, ensuring that games such as Powerball and Mega Millions are conducted fairly and transparently. According to the law, lottery proceeds are allocated to state programs, particularly public education and infrastructure.

Online Sports Betting

Online sports betting was legalized and regulated under Wyoming Statutes Title 9, Chapter 24, in 2021. The Wyoming Gaming Commission is tasked with licensing and regulating online sports betting operators. This law allows residents and visitors to place bets on sports events through licensed online platforms, with all transactions and operations required to comply with state regulations to ensure fair play and responsible gambling practices.

Illegal Gambling Activities

On the other hand, Wyoming law prohibits many forms of gambling, maintaining a conservative stance compared to more permissive states. Commercial casinos are explicitly prohibited under Wyoming statutes, including any structures, boats, or vehicles maintained for gambling purposes. This prohibition is a significant feature of Wyoming’s restrictive gambling environment, with tribal casinos being the only exceptions, as they operate under federal law and tribal-state compacts.

Unlicensed gambling operations are also illegal in Wyoming, as stated in Wyoming Statutes Title 6, Chapter 7, Section 102. It is unlawful to operate any gambling enterprise not licensed or sanctioned by the state. This prohibition includes underground poker games, unlicensed sports betting, and any other gambling activities not explicitly authorized by law.

Regulatory Bodies

Gambling in Wyoming is regulated by several state agencies:

• Wyoming Gaming Commission: Oversees online sports betting and ensures compliance with state regulations. The commission is responsible for licensing operators and enforcing the state’s gambling laws.
  
  
• Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission: Regulates horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in the state. The commission is responsible for issuing licenses to racetracks and off-track betting facilities, as well as ensuring that these operations comply with state laws.
  
  
• Wyoming Lottery Corporation: Manages the state lottery and ensures that lottery games are conducted fairly and transparently.

Penalties for Illegal Gambling

Violations of Wyoming’s gambling laws can result in severe penalties. These penalties include fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture of gambling equipment. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature of the offense.

For example, operating an illegal gambling business is a felony, while participating in an illegal gambling activity may be considered a misdemeanor. Additionally, anyone caught with illegal gambling devices could face confiscation of the devices and related equipment.

Tribal Gaming Compacts

Wyoming’s tribal casinos operate under gaming compacts negotiated between the state and Native American tribes. These compacts outline the types of games that can be offered, the regulatory framework, and revenue-sharing agreements.

Tribal gaming is an essential part of the state’s gambling landscape, providing casino-style gaming that is otherwise unavailable in the state. These compacts date back over decades, giving the tribes great control over Wyoming’s gambling market.

Future of Gambling in Wyoming

The future of gambling in Wyoming is likely to involve a gradual expansion of legal gambling activities. The legalization of online sports betting in 2021 marked a significant shift in the state’s approach to gambling, and it’s possible that other forms of online gambling could be legalized in the future.

However, any changes to Wyoming’s gambling laws will require legislative action and are likely to be approached cautiously, given the state’s conservative stance on gambling. Still, with the continued access to more types of legal gambling options in the US. Wyoming could shift its policies.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Wyoming

With the legalization of online sports betting in Wyoming, residents and visitors now have the opportunity to bet on a wide range of sports. Wyoming does not have any major professional sports teams, but there are several sports that attract significant betting interest in the state.

• Football: Football is the most popular sport to bet on in Wyoming, with both college and professional games attracting substantial wagering. The University of Wyoming Cowboys, who play in the Mountain West Conference, have a passionate following, and betting on college football games is a favorite pastime for many residents. The NFL also draws significant interest, with Wyoming bettors placing wagers on teams from across the league.
  
  
• Basketball: Basketball, particularly the NCAA’s March Madness tournament, is another popular sport for betting in Wyoming. The excitement of the college basketball tournament, combined with the accessibility of online sports betting, makes it one of the most bet-on events in the state. NBA games also attract bets, especially during the playoffs and finals.
  
  
• Baseball: Baseball remains a staple of sports betting in Wyoming, with Major League Baseball (MLB) games drawing interest throughout the season. The MLB World Series is a particularly popular event for bettors, offering numerous betting options.
  
  
• Rodeo: Given Wyoming’s deep-rooted cowboy culture, rodeo events are also popular among bettors. While not as widely covered as mainstream sports, rodeo betting is available through certain sports betting platforms, offering a unique betting experience that resonates with the state’s heritage.

Other Sports

In addition to the above, Wyoming bettors can wager on a variety of other sports, including:

• Hockey: NHL games, particularly during the Stanley Cup playoffs, attract a fair amount of betting.
  
  
• Soccer: International soccer leagues, including the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, offer numerous betting opportunities.
  
  
• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): UFC events have gained popularity among bettors in Wyoming, with many placing bets on fight outcomes.
  
  
• Horse Racing: While horse racing is more traditional, it remains a popular sport to bet on, especially with the availability of historic horse racing machines and simulcast wagering.

Special Events

Special events such as the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby, and the Olympic Games also draw significant betting interest in Wyoming. These events often feature a wide range of betting options, from straightforward win/loss bets to more complex prop bets and futures.

Local Casinos in Wyoming

Wyoming does not have a vast number of casinos, but the state’s tribal casinos provide limited casino gaming options for residents and visitors. These casinos are operated by Native American tribes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and offer a range of gaming activities, albeit on a smaller scale compared to casinos in states like Nevada.

Wind River Hotel and Casino (Riverton)

The Wind River Hotel and Casino is the largest casino in Wyoming, located in Riverton on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe, this casino offers a variety of gaming options, including:

• Slot Machines: The casino features hundreds of slot machines, offering a wide range of themes and betting levels.
  
  
• Table Games: While limited, the casino offers some table games, such as blackjack and poker. The availability of these games may vary, so it’s advisable to check in advance if you’re planning a visit.
  
  
• Bingo: Wind River also has a bingo hall that hosts regular bingo sessions, a popular activity among local residents.

In addition to gaming, the Wind River Hotel and Casino offers accommodations, dining options, and entertainment, making it a destination for both gambling and leisure.

Little Wind Casino (Ethete)

Also operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe, the Little Wind Casino is a smaller establishment located in Ethete. This casino offers:

• Slot Machines: A selection of slot machines is available, catering to different preferences and budgets.
  
  
• Dining: The casino features a restaurant that serves a variety of meals, providing a convenient dining option for visitors.

Little Wind Casino is more of a local establishment, offering a more intimate gaming experience compared to the larger Wind River Casino.

Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel (Lander)

The Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel is located in Lander and is operated by the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. The casino offers:

• Slot Machines: A range of slot machines is available, offering various games and themes.
  
  
• Table Games: Similar to other tribal casinos in Wyoming, Shoshone Rose offers a limited selection of table games.
  
  
• Hotel Accommodations: The casino features a hotel with comfortable accommodations, making it a convenient option for an extended stay.
  
  
• Dining and Entertainment: Shoshone Rose also offers dining options and occasionally hosts entertainment events, adding to the overall experience.

789 Smokeshop & Casino (Riverton)

789 Smokeshop & Casino is a small gaming establishment located near Riverton, Wyoming. Operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe, this venue offers a modest selection of Class II gaming options, including electronic bingo and pull-tab machines, rather than traditional slot machines or table games.

The casino is part of a larger complex that includes a smoke shop, which sells tobacco products and other convenience items. The 789 Smokeshop & Casino serves as a local entertainment spot for both tribal members and visitors, providing a more intimate gaming experience compared to larger casinos.

Gaming Experience in Wyoming’s Casinos

While Wyoming’s tribal casinos do not offer the same variety or scale as those in states like Nevada, they provide a valuable entertainment option for residents and visitors. The gaming experience is more subdued and community-oriented, with a focus on slots and a limited selection of table games.

The tribal casinos also play a significant role in supporting the local economy and providing jobs within the communities they serve.

Future of Casino Gaming in Wyoming

The future of casino gaming in Wyoming is likely to remain focused on tribal operations. Given the state’s conservative stance on gambling, it’s unlikely that commercial casinos will be legalized in the near future.

However, the success of online sports betting may pave the way for a gradual expansion of other forms of online gambling. This could potentially lead to more diverse gaming options in the state.

Gambling FAQ – Wyoming

1. Is there legal gambling in Wyoming?
   Yes, gambling is legal in Wyoming, but it is heavily regulated. The state allows various forms of gambling, including horse racing, pari-mutuel wagering, charitable gaming (such as bingo and raffles), and online sports betting. Wyoming does not have traditional brick-and-mortar casinos like those found in Las Vegas, but it does have tribal casinos that offer limited casino-style gaming. The state also permits social gambling under certain conditions.
   
   
2. Can you gamble in Jackson Hole, Wyoming?
   Jackson Hole, a popular tourist destination in Wyoming, does not have any casinos or legal gambling establishments. However, residents and visitors can participate in certain types of gambling allowed under Wyoming law, such as lottery games, charitable gaming, or online sports betting. For those seeking a more traditional casino experience, the nearest options are the tribal casinos located elsewhere in the state.
   
   
3. What is the gambling tax in Wyoming?
   Wyoming does not impose a specific state tax on gambling winnings for residents. However, federal taxes still apply, and winnings over a certain amount must be reported to the IRS. For non-residents, Wyoming does not require state tax withholding on gambling winnings either. However, it’s crucial for all players to consult with a tax professional to understand their specific tax obligations.
   
   
4. Is poker legal in Wyoming?
   Poker is legal in Wyoming, but it is primarily restricted to social settings, where no one person or entity profits from the game aside from the winnings of individual players. Organized poker rooms or commercial poker games are not allowed under state law. Additionally, poker can be played at tribal casinos, where limited forms of poker games may be available.
   
   
5. Is it legal to gamble online in Wyoming?
   Yes, online gambling is legal in Wyoming, but it is limited to online sports betting. In 2021, Wyoming legalized online sports betting, allowing residents and visitors to place bets on sports events through state-regulated online platforms. Other forms of online gambling, such as online poker or casino games, are not currently legal in the state.
   
   
6. Is gambling legal in Cheyenne, Wyoming?
   Gambling in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is legal within the parameters set by state law. This includes participation in state lottery games, charitable gaming activities, and online sports betting. However, Cheyenne does not have any commercial casinos or gambling establishments. For casino gaming, residents and visitors must travel to one of the tribal casinos in other parts of Wyoming.
   
   
7. What cities in Wyoming have casinos?
   Wyoming does not have many cities with casinos, but there are tribal casinos located in certain areas. The most notable tribal casinos are:
   
   
   • Wind River Hotel and Casino in Riverton
   • Little Wind Casino in Ethete
   • Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel in Lander

     
     These casinos are operated by Native American tribes and offer limited casino gaming, including slot machines and certain types of table games.

8. Does Wyoming allow online gambling?
   Wyoming allows online gambling specifically in the form of online sports betting. In 2021, the state passed legislation permitting online sports betting, and several online sportsbooks are now operational. However, other forms of online gambling, such as online poker or casino games, are not legal in Wyoming.
   
   
9. Is sports betting legal in Wyoming?
   Yes, sports betting is legal in Wyoming. The state legalized sports betting in 2021, allowing both in-person and online sports wagering. The law permits residents and visitors to place bets on various sports events through licensed sportsbooks. Wyoming is one of the few states that adopted a mobile-first approach to sports betting, meaning that all betting can be done online or via mobile apps.
   
   
10. Does Wyoming have online sports betting?
    Yes, Wyoming has online sports betting. After legalizing it in 2021, the state quickly saw the launch of several online sports betting platforms. These platforms allow users to place bets on a wide range of sports, from professional leagues to college sports. Wyoming’s online sports betting market is fully regulated, ensuring that players are protected and that operations are conducted fairly.