Wyoming is considering legalizing online casinos following the introduction of House Bill 162. The measure lets operators offer online slots and table games across the state. The Wyoming Gaming Commission would regulate these online casinos.
A year ago, the state signed a contract with Spectrum Gaming Group for a comprehensive study into the impacts of online gambling in Wyoming. The study included economic and social effects, with potential increased tax revenue opportunities and economic development, but also noted the costs related to problem gambling.
The survey responses only reinforced support for HB 162, which suggests the measure should receive a boost as it moves through the legislative process.
Wyoming online casino bill key provisions
HB 162 outlines a regulatory framework to govern online gambling in Wyoming. Notable provisions include:
● Licensing Requirements: Operators must obtain permits from the Wyoming Gaming Commission. Initial licensing fees are $100,000, and renewals are $50,000. Vendors must also secure licenses, with $10,000 initial fees and $5,000 renewals.
● Revenue Distribution: Interactive gaming operators will remit 16% of monthly revenue to the state. The first $300,000 collected annually will fund programs addressing problem gambling. The remaining funds go to counties (40%), schools (50%), and other state programs (10%).
● Consumer Protections: Operators must implement geolocation technology to ensure users are physically within Wyoming or other permissible jurisdictions when engaging in online gaming.
● Penalties and Enforcement: The bill includes penalties for unlicensed operations and establishes rules to address irregularities and ensure fair play.
The bill prioritizes problem gambling prevention, dedicating the first $300,000 of annual tax revenue to county health programs that combat gambling-related issues.
Online casino bill matches US-wide trend
Wyoming isn't the only state considering online gambling legislation this year. Five more – Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, Massachusetts, and, most recently, New York – have introduced online casino legislation in 2025.
However, these bills already face setbacks. Virginia's online casino bill was pushed into 2026. A Senate committee determined it was best to do more research. Senator Maime Locke made the motion to move the bill into next year.
That bill proposed a 15% online casino tax, slightly lower than the Wyoming bill's rate. If the Wyoming bill passes it will have the lowest online casino tax rate in the U.S.
