Wyoming’s Push for Online Casino Bill Fails

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 02/12/2025

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Online Casino Bill Fails

A Wyoming committee spent over an hour discussing a bill to legalize iGaming in the state, but it did not receive the needed support to move forward. The proposal was postponed indefinitely by the chair, Andrew Byron.

House Bill 162 Isn’t Quite Dead

Members of The Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee sat silently for a few moments while representative Cathy Connelly motioned for the committee to work the bill. No second came, and committee chair Andrew Byron then said,

Hearing no second, the bill is postponed indefinitely.

House Bill 162 would have authorized online casino gambling in Wyoming. It is, however, not completely dead yet. The legislative session is said to conclude on March 6, but lawmakers still have until February 12 to revive the bill. The lack of support during the initial hearing suggests that any efforts to push the legislative forward will face significant obstacles.

Strong Opposition from the Tribes

The committee was unwilling to move forward with the bill because of previous concerns and issues raised by representatives of the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes. Tribal leaders argued that previous gambling expansions, such as legal sports betting and historical horse racing, are already reducing revenues.

The introduction of online casinos would hinder their financial stability even more. A declining gaming income would not allow them to provide the essential services their communities need.

Responsible Gambling Advocates Also Voiced Concern

The tribes were not the only ones with concerns. Advocates for responsible gambling also testified in opposition to the bill. The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) and others were in favor, but their testimony didn’t move the committee.

Advocates for the bill pointed out illegal online gambling and how this is a reason to introduce regulation. Sarah Filosa from the SBA said,

By transitioning from an unregulated, untaxed igaming environment to a structured and lawful one, the state can harness substantial economic benefits while safeguarding its residents.

Conclusion

The tribes were concerned about the possibility of cannibalization of their operations and revenues, and responsible gambling advocates noted concerns about gambling addiction and the effects it would have on the state’s younger generation.

This does not mean the bill is entirely dead, but any hopes for progression are very slim. The state legislative session concludes on March 6.