Wyoming Legal Sports Betting Overview
WY Sports Betting Law Details
Status
📆 Retail Sports Betting Launch Date:
N/A
📆 Online Sports Betting Launch Date:
September 1, 2021
✅ Licensed Sportsbooks:
BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet (yet to launch)
💵 Legal Wagering Options:
Futures, moneylines, parlays, point spreads, same game parlays, teasers, totals
🔞 Legal Gambling Age in WY:
18+
🈠Sports to Bet On:
NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, MMA, tennis, golf, boxing, motorsports, cricket, European soccer, college sports, eSports
🦠Permitted Banking Options:
Mastercard, PayNearMe, PayPal, Play+, Skrill, Visa, Automated Clearing House (ACH), online bank transfers
âš–ï¸ Wyoming Gambling Regulator:
Wyoming Gaming Commission
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon’s signing of SB 133 in April 2021 legalized online sports betting in the state. On September 1, 2021, Wyoming became the second US state to launch an online-only sports betting market, following in the footsteps of Tennessee, which did so in November 2020. However, retail sportsbooks are still prohibited from opening in the state as of June 2022.
Currently, Wyoming is home to three popular betting sites: FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings. While PointsBet has received a license from the Wyoming Gaming Commission, it has not yet launched. State law mandates that at least five operators receive a license, which means another bookmaker is expected to be granted one in the near future. There is no specific cap on the number of betting sites that can operate in Wyoming. To gain a comprehensive understanding of sports betting in the state, continue reading our detailed guide.
Wyoming Online Sportsbooks Compared
The three sportsbooks currently available in Wyoming, namely BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel, have established themselves as leading platforms in numerous US states. Drawing upon their experience, they offer top-quality sports betting experiences to Wyoming bettors. We have compared these online sportsbooks across various essential areas to help you choose the best betting site for your preferences.
Best Mobile App: DraftKings
DraftKings boasts one of the best mobile apps in the industry, ensuring a seamless betting experience regardless of the US state you are in. The sportsbook app can be easily downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for both Apple and Android devices. It offers a user-friendly interface and features mobile-exclusive live streaming of selected events, setting it apart from other betting apps. With the mobile app, you have access to all the functions available on the desktop site, including customer support, cashier, and live betting. Take advantage of DraftKings Sportsbook promo codes to enhance your betting experience.
Best Welcome Bonus: FanDuel
FanDuel extends a warm welcome to new bettors with its generous $1,000 risk-free bet. By placing your first wager, you can receive up to $1,000 back as bonus bets in case your bet loses. In the event that your bet is a winner, you get to keep your funds. While you cannot withdraw the FanDuel bonus bet funds, any winnings accrued from these bonus bets are entirely yours. However, it is worth noting that there may be wagering requirements in place, which may hinder an instant withdrawal. Grab your FanDuel Sportsbook promo code to make the most of your welcome bonus.
Best Competitive Odds: BetMGM
While all Wyoming sportsbooks offer competitive betting odds comparable to the best bookmakers across the US, BetMGM takes the lead in this category. The sportsbook provides remarkable odds on MLB games for both moneylines and spreads. Furthermore, BetMGM offers daily odds boosts exclusively for Wyoming bettors, ensuring it remains ahead of the competition. Utilize the BetMGM Sportsbook promo code to enhance your betting potential.
Best for Market Coverage: BetMGM
With 20 different markets to choose from, BetMGM Sportsbook stands out as the leader in terms of market coverage. Wyoming bettors have a wide selection of sports to bet on, including tennis, NASCAR, and golf. However, it is not just the number of sports offered by Wyoming’s betting sites that impresses us, but also the extensive range of betting lines available for each sport. Almost every event on BetMGM features live betting markets to cater to the diverse preferences of bettors. Explore the BetMGM Sportsbook promo code to maximize your betting options.
Best for Beginner Bettors: FanDuel
FanDuel caters to sports fans who are new to betting with its user-friendly platform. The intuitive navigation and clear menus on the left side of the screen make it effortless to switch between different sports and explore various betting options. The bet slip on FanDuel’s sportsbook conveniently separates your wager from your potential profits, making it easier for first-time bettors to understand American odds and betting calculations.
Best for Payout Speed: FanDuel
While BetMGM and DraftKings also offer fast withdrawals, FanDuel takes the lead in processing transactions promptly. PayPal withdrawals typically take up to 48 hours, but in many cases, FanDuel completes these transactions even faster. Online banking withdrawals usually require two to four days, which is relatively quick compared to other operators. However, if you choose to withdraw via check, you will be subject to the postal service’s delivery time, which can take up to 14 days.
How to Place a Bet in Wyoming
Placing bets at Wyoming sportsbooks is a straightforward process, even for sports fans who are new to the world of sports betting. Follow our simple guide to register with the right bookmaker for you and place your first bet today:
1. Choose the sportsbook that best suits your preferences and click on the link provided in this guide to visit the sportsbook’s website.
2. Download the sportsbook’s app for Wyoming from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can download the app directly from the sportsbook’s website.
3. Fill in your full name, address, date of birth, email, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to register your account. Create a password that you’ll use to sign in to your account in the future.
4. Go to the cashier section of your chosen sportsbook and select a deposit method and the desired amount to fund your account. Keep in mind that many welcome bonuses require a deposit, so make sure to follow the terms of your sportsbook’s offer to receive your promotion.
5. Browse through the sportsbook to find a market of your choice. Add the selected market to your bet slip, set your stake amount, and proceed to place your first bet.
6. Before cashing out any winnings, sportsbooks usually require you to verify your account. Follow the sportsbook’s instructions to complete the verification process, which may include submitting copies of your photo ID, proof of address, and any other requested documents.
7. Return to the cashier section once again and follow the sportsbook’s instructions to make a withdrawal based on your preferences.
Banking Methods Available in Wyoming
Wyoming sportsbooks offer a variety of banking options that are similar to those available in other states. The most popular method is using bank cards, with most sportsbooks accepting deposits made with Visa and Mastercard. However, some sportsbooks may block transactions from certain bank providers. E-wallets are also a popular choice, with PayPal being the most widely used in Wyoming.
Additionally, all three licensed sportsbooks in Wyoming (BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel) have partnerships with Play+. This allows bettors to use a prepaid card to make deposits and withdrawals. Online bank transfers are accepted as well, although their availability may depend on your specific bank provider. PayNearMe is another option that enables you to fund your sportsbook account at participating retailers such as CVS and 7-Eleven.
Who is Eligible to Bet in WY?
In Wyoming, individuals who are 18 years of age or older and physically located within the state borders are eligible to place legal sports bets. However, there are certain restrictions and prohibitions in place for specific individuals or positions. The following individuals are generally prohibited from betting:
– Athletes, coaches, and staff of professional or college sports teams.
– Referees for professional and college sports leagues.
– Individuals with access to non-public information about professional or college sports teams that could influence the outcome of sports events, such as player medical records.
– Individuals with authority to influence athletes.
– Employees of organizations licensed by the Wyoming Gaming Commission to provide sports betting, including key staff, officers, owners, and directors.
– Individuals who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.
– Individuals prohibited from betting on a federal or state level due to criminal history or other reasons.
If you fall into any of these categories, betting on sports may be prohibited or restricted for you.
Latest Wyoming Sports Betting Updates
Current Sports Betting Status in Wyoming
Wyoming joined Tennessee as the second state in the US to legalize online-only sports betting in 2021. Since September 2021, anyone over the age of 18 can legally place bets anywhere within the state. Bettors can wager on both professional and college sports, including in-state teams. Unlike some other states, Wyoming allows legal betting on eSports. Notably, Wyoming has maintained its prohibition on retail sportsbooks, differentiating it from most other states.
Timeline for Sports Betting in Wyoming
– March 10, 2022: FanDuel launches in Wyoming, becoming the state’s third sportsbook to operate.
– September 1, 2021: Wyoming online sports betting officially launches, with DraftKings and BetMGM going live.
– April 5, 2021: Governor Gordon signs HB 133, legalizing online sports betting in Wyoming.
– February 28, 2020: Wyoming House of Representatives does not pass Representative Tom Walters and Senator Ogden Driskell’s HB 225, which aimed to legalize online sports wagering.
– February 26, 2020: Wyoming House of Representatives does not pass HB 234, another bill seeking to legalize sports betting.
– May 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), allowing states to legalize sports betting and ending Nevada’s near-monopoly on the industry.
Wyoming Sports Betting Background
Wyoming’s gambling history is relatively short, with tribal casinos being authorized to operate only in 2005. The state lottery, WyoLotto, was established in 2013. However, horse racing has a longer history in Wyoming, dating back to the 1980s.
Future of Wyoming Sports Betting
According to HB 133, Wyoming must license a minimum of five sportsbooks, indicating the market will see additional operators in the future. PointsBet, an Australian bookmaker, has already obtained a license from the Wyoming Gaming Commission and is expected to launch soon. Wyoming’s sports betting regulations do not impose limits on the number of sportsbooks that can operate in the state, suggesting a potentially diverse range of betting sites in the future.
Wyoming Sports Betting Locations
While many states require retail sportsbooks to operate within land-based casinos, Wyoming has not included legislation for retail sports betting in HB 133. Consequently, there are currently no retail sports betting locations in the Equality State, despite the presence of four tribal casinos authorized by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. However, tribal casinos operate independently of the Wyoming Gaming Commission and may consider introducing retail sportsbooks in the future. If Wyoming residents are interested in experiencing retail sports betting, neighboring states such as South Dakota and Colorado offer opportunities to place bets at their casinos.
Wyoming Lottery Locations
The Wyoming Lottery Corporation, known as WyoLotto, was established in 2013 following the signing of HB 77 by Governor Matt Mead. WyoLotto operates various lottery draws accessible through retailers, online platforms, and a dedicated app. However, WyoLotto does not have any partnerships with sportsbook operators or the Wyoming Gaming Commission, making it impossible to place sports bets at lottery retailers.
Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations
As there are currently no retail sportsbooks available in Wyoming, there are no stadium sportsbooks either. However, horse racing enjoys popularity in the state, with three racetracks offering live horse racing events: Wyoming Downs, Sweetwater Downs, and Energy Downs. Wyoming bettors can place their wagers at off-track betting (OTB) locations licensed by the Wyoming Gaming Commission. These OTB locations are operated by Wyoming Downs, 307 Horse Racing, or Wyoming Horse Racing.
Here are some off-track and stadium betting locations in Wyoming:
| Location | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Derby Club Gaming Parlor (Casper) | 739 N. Center Street, Casper, WY 82601 | (307) 218-8932 |
| Derby Club Gaming Parlor (Gillette) | 910 N. Gurley Avenue, Gillette, WY 82716 | (307) 686-6404 |
| Derby Club Gaming Parlor (Sheridan) | 1140 Coffeen Avenue, Sheridan, WY 82801 | (307) 674-1955 |
| Horse Palace (Casper-East) | 71 SE. Wyoming Boulevard., Casper, WY 82609 | (307) 288-5307 |
| Horse Palace (Casper-Central) | 300 W. F Street, Econo Lodge, Casper, WY 82601 | (307) 237-0322 |
| Horse Palace (Cheyenne) | 31802 Dell Range Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY 82009 | (307) 635-2407 |
| Horse Palace (Evanston) | 1945 Harrison Drive, Evanston, WY 82930 | (307) 288-1813 |
| Horse Palace (Gillette) | 14-16 1020 US-14, Gillette, WY 82716 | (307) 682-1879 |
| Horse Palace (Green River) | 110 Uinta Drive, Green River, WY 82935 | (307) 288-5858 |
| Horse Palace (Rock Springs) | 1549 Elk Street, Bombers Sports Bar, Rock Springs, WY 82901 | (307) 382-6400 |
| Horse Palace (Sheridan) | 2240 Coffeen Avenue, Sheridan, WY 82801 | (307) 673-4846 |
| Wyoming Downs (Casper) | 2800 C.Y. Avenue, Galloway’s Pub & Bowling Alley, Casper, WY 82604 | (307) 237-9558 |
| Wyoming Downs (Casper Wilkins Circle) | 1121 Wilkins Circle, Casper, WY 82601 | (307) 439-2031 |
| Wyoming Downs (Cheyenne) | 312 S. Greeley Highway, Outlaw Saloon, Cheyenne, WY 82007 | (307) 635-7552 |
| Wyoming Downs (Cheyenne Plaza) | 3617 E. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001 | (307) 632-7529 |
| Wyoming Downs (Dell Range) | 1345 Dell Range Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY 82009 | (307) 514-0903 |
| Wyoming Downs (Evanston) | 1925 Harrison Drive, Evanston, WY 82930 | (307) 783-7529 |
| Wyoming Downs (Evansville) | 359 Miracle Street, Evansville, WY 82636 | (307) 333-6005 |
| Wyoming Downs (Gillette) | 2212 Westover Road, Gillette, WY 82718 | (307) 687-7529 |
| Wyoming Downs (Gillette on 59) | 2209 S. Douglas Highway, Gillette, WY 82718 | (307) 363-4009 |
| Wyoming Downs (Green River) | 95 E. Railroad Street, Town Bar & Grill, Green River, WY 82935 | (307) 875-3777 |
| Wyoming Downs (Laramie) | 666 N. 3rd Street, Laramie, WY 82072 | (307) 875-3777 |
| Wyoming Downs (Mills) | 4100 W. Yellowstone Highway, The Beacon Club, Mills, WY 82604 | (307) 577-1503 |
| Wyoming Downs (Rock Springs) | 2201 Foothill Boulevard, Liquor Depot, Rock Springs, WY 82901 | (307) 382-7529 |
| Wyoming Downs (Sheridan) | 1294 Coffeen Avenue, Sheridan, WY 82801 | (307) 672-7223 |
Wyoming Responsible Gambling Resources
Wyoming offers resources and support for individuals who may experience gambling-related issues. The following organizations can provide guidance, assistance, and resources for responsible gambling:
– Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling: This organization offers a free problem gambling screening questionnaire and provides advice on identifying and managing gambling-related problems. You can contact them at (800) 522-4700.
– Wyoming Department of Health Problem Gambling: The Wyoming Department of Health provides information about problem gambling symptoms and directs individuals to support organizations. They can be reached at (800) 535-4006.
– Gam-Anon: Gam-Anon offers meetings for individuals struggling with gambling addiction and provides a dedicated help program. You can contact them at (718) 352-1671.
While Wyoming has yet to launch a formal self-exclusion program, licensed online sportsbooks in the state allow you to self-exclude from betting, as required by law. To promote responsible gambling, every Wyoming sportsbook features an extensive responsible gambling section, which provides resources, articles, and tools to manage your bankroll and control your gambling activities on the platform. Additionally, these sections often include links to local problem gambling support groups.
Teams to Bet on in Wyoming: Pro Sports
Wyoming may not have any major league sports teams due to its relatively small population, but that doesn’t dampen the enthusiasm of its passionate sports fans. Instead, many Wyoming residents support and follow teams from nearby Western states. Here are some of the most popular franchises among bettors in the Equality State:
– Denver Broncos (NFL): Fans of American football often support the Denver Broncos, based in neighboring Colorado.
– Denver Nuggets (NBA): Basketball enthusiasts in Wyoming often cheer for the Denver Nuggets of the NBA.
– Colorado Rockies (MLB): Baseball fans in Wyoming may support the Colorado Rockies, a Major League Baseball team.
– Colorado Avalanche (NHL): Wyoming hockey fans can rally behind the Colorado Avalanche, an NHL team.
Minor League Sports
Although Wyoming lacks major league sports franchises, it does have minor league teams that receive local support. Despite the Wyoming Cavalry’s folding in 2014, indoor football returned to the state with the Wyoming Mustangs joining Champions Indoor Football (CIF).
College Sports
The University of Wyoming’s teams, known as the Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls, participate in NCAA Division I games. The university’s teams have won three NCAA championships: one in men’s basketball, one in men’s skiing, and one in combined skiing.
Women’s Sports
While no major women’s sports teams are based in Wyoming, the Wyoming Cowgirls compete in sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and tennis.
How Does Wyoming Compare to Other States?
Market Coverage
Wyoming boasts one of the most open betting markets in the United States, allowing all forms of betting on college sports. In contrast, some states impose restrictions on college sports betting to safeguard young athletes. Wyoming bettors also enjoy the opportunity to legally wager on in-state college teams like the Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls. Furthermore, although eSports betting is prohibited in several states due to the participation of players under the age of 18, Wyoming allows legal eSports wagering.
Competitive Odds & Prices
BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel offer odds that are highly competitive with renowned bookmakers throughout the United States. Our comparison of odds offered in Wyoming to those available nationwide revealed no significant differences. Moreover, these three sportsbooks provide bet boosts and various promotions to enhance the betting experience for Wyoming bettors.
Gambling Revenue
In Wyoming, operators must agree to a 10% tax on revenue and pay $100,000 for a five-year license. This 10% tax rate is relatively low compared to other states such as New Jersey with 13% and Pennsylvania with 36%. As of June 2022, Wyoming had handled $77,332,320 in sports bets, with sportsbooks collecting $6,938,143 in revenue, of which $222,109 went towards taxes. While this revenue may be considered modest compared to states like New York, which had collected $220,544,167 in tax, it should be noted that Wyoming is the least populated state in the US. Despite its smaller population, Wyoming’s sports betting revenue is still impressive. Under Wyoming law, the first $300,000 in tax revenue annually from gambling is allocated to the Wyoming Department of Health to support individuals dealing with gambling-related issues.
Betting Taxes
The IRS requires each sportsbook to pay a 0.25% tax on the handle (the total amount of bets placed). Additionally, sportsbook operators must pay a $50 fee per employee involved in taking sports wagers. It is important to note that all sports betting winnings in the US are eligible to be taxed by the IRS. Bettors are required to declare all winnings when filing their taxes, although not all winnings may be subject to taxation. If your profits exceed $600, you will need to fill out a W-2G form. Sportsbook operators should provide you with a copy of this form if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Who Oversees Sports Betting in Wyoming?
The Wyoming Gaming Commission is responsible for regulating sports betting, pari-mutuel betting, and skill-based games in the Equality State. This regulatory body oversees the licensing of online sportsbooks, ensures player safety measures are implemented, enforces responsible gambling practices, and maintains security standards to protect bettors. The Wyoming Gaming Commission operates with nine Commissioners appointed by the Governor. The Governor selects seven members from the seven districts outlined in W.S. 9-1-218. One member must be an active law enforcement official, while an additional member must be a member of the Northern Arapaho or Eastern Shoshone Indian tribes with regulatory experience exceeding five years. While the Wyoming Gaming Commission is occasionally referred to as the Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission, both names represent the same regulatory body with jurisdiction over sports betting in the state.
