Wyoming Sports Betting

Wyoming Legal Sports Betting Overview

Wyoming Sports Betting Summary

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon legalized online sports betting by signing SB 133 in April 2021. On September 1, 2021, WY became the second US state to launch an online-only sports betting market, following the example set by Tennessee in November 2020. As of June 2022, retail sportsbooks remain prohibited from opening.

Wyoming is currently home to three of the most popular betting sites in the country: FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings. PointsBet has also received its license from the Wyoming Gaming Commission but hasn’t launched yet. State law requires at least five operators to receive a license, so another bookmaker is expected to be granted one in the near future, while there is no established cap on how many betting sites can operate in the Equality State. Read our complete guide to discover everything you need to know about sports betting in Wyoming.

Wyoming Online Sportsbooks Compared

The three sportsbooks currently available in Wyoming are live in dozens of US states and have used that experience to deliver top-quality sports betting action to WY bettors. We compared BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel across several essential areas to help you pick the best betting site for you:

• Best Mobile App – DraftKings

DraftKings offers one of the best mobile apps around, no matter which US state you’re betting in. The sportsbook app is available to download for Apple and Android devices and it makes betting easy. Mobile-exclusive live streaming of selected events makes it stand out from other betting apps. While betting on the go, you can access to all the functions available on the desktop site, including customer support, cashier, and live betting.

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• Best Welcome Bonus – FanDuel

FanDuel knows how to roll out the red carpet with its welcome bonus offering for new bettors a generous $1,000 risk-free bet. You can place your first wager up to $1,000 safe in the knowledge that if the bet loses, the sportsbook will match what you lost with bonus bets. If you bet wins, you get to keep your funds. While you cannot withdraw your FanDuel bonus bet funds, any winnings from bonus bets are yours to keep. However, take note of the wagering requirements, which stop you from making an instant withdrawal.

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• Best Competitive Odds – BetMGM

While all Wyoming sportsbooks offer betting odds that compete with the best bookmakers in the US, BetMGM edges past the competition. The sportsbook offers outstanding odds on MLB games for moneylines and spreads. BetMGM also offers daily odds boosts for Wyoming bettors to keep it ahead of the competition.

Get your BetMGM Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Market Coverage – BetMGM

The Wyoming Gaming Commission determines which sports are available for WY bettors, and BetMGM Sportsbook showcases the widest range of sports markets. There are 20 different markets you can bet on, including tennis, NASCAR, and golf. Yet, it’s not just how many sports Wyoming’s betting sites offer but also the depth of the betting lines available on each sport which impresses us. Almost every event on BetMGM has live betting markets.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – FanDuel

FanDuel’s simple navigation makes it perfect for sports fans trying out betting for the first time. The menus on the left of your screen make it easy to change between betting on different sports. The sportsbook’s bet slip also splits your wager from your profits, making it easier for first-time bettors to understand American odds.

• Best for Payout Speed – FanDuel

While BetMGM and DraftKings offer fast withdrawals, FanDuel process transactions quicker than most other sportsbooks. PayPal withdrawals take up to 48 hours, although the sportsbook often completes these transactions much faster. Online banking withdrawals take between two to four days, which is pretty quick compared to other operators. Yet, if you request a withdrawal by check, you are dependent on the postal service. Be aware that these withdrawals can take up to 14 days.

How to Place a Bet in Wyoming

Betting is still new to many sports fans but placing wagers at Wyoming sportsbooks is easy. Follow our straightforward guide to register with the right bookmaker for you and place your first bet today:

1. Choose the sportsbook that best suits you and click on the link on this guide to visit the sportsbook’s site.

2. Download your WY sportsbook app from the Apple or Android app stores. You can also download the app directly from the sportsbook’s site.

3. Enter your full name, address, date of birth, email, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to register your account. You will need to create a password to sign in again in the future.

4. Go to your chosen site’s cashier section and select a deposit method and amount. Many welcome bonuses require a deposit, so follow the terms of your sportsbook’s offer to receive your promotion.

5. Search through your sportsbook for a market. Add it to your bet slip, set your stake, and make your first bet.

6. Sportsbooks will ask you to verify your account before cashing out your winnings. Email or upload a copy of your photo ID, proof of your address, and other requested documents.

7. Revisit the cashier section and follow the sportsbook’s instructions to make your withdrawal.

Who is Eligible to Bet in WY?

Unlike most US states where the legal gambling age is 21 years old, you can bet legally in Wyoming as long as you’re 18 or older and present within state borders. However, certain circumstances or positions prohibit you from betting. For example:

• 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 and college sports teams that could affect the outcome of sports events (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals with authority to influence athletes.

• Employees of organizations licensed by the Wyoming Gaming Commission to provide sports betting. This list includes key staff, officers, owners, and directors.

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

• Individuals prohibited from betting on a federal or state level (e.g., due to criminal history).

Latest Wyoming Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Wyoming

• March 10, 2022: FanDuel launches in Wyoming and becomes the state’s third sportsbook.

• September 1, 2021: Wyoming online sports betting launches with DraftKings and BetMGM going live.

• April 5, 2021: Gov. Gordon signs HB 133 to legalize online sports betting.

• February 28, 2020: Representative Tom Walters and Senator Ogden Driskell’s HB 225 to legalize online sports wagering does not pass the Wyoming House of Representatives.

• February 26, 2020: HB 234 to legalize sports betting does not pass the Wyoming House of Representatives.

• May 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). This ends Nevada’s near-monopoly on sports betting and allows states to legislate for wagering.

Wyoming Sports Betting Background

Wyoming doesn’t have a particularly long gambling history, with tribal casinos only permitted to launch in 2005. In addition, the state lottery, WyoLotto, only launched in 2013. However, horse racing has been operating in the state since the 1980s.

Future of Wyoming Sports Betting

Part of HB 133 states Wyoming must license a minimum of five sportsbooks. Therefore, the market must welcome more operators by law. Australian bookmaker PointsBet has already received a license from the Wyoming Gaming Commission, but there have been no announcements on when it will launch. Similarly, these regulations include no limits on how many sportsbooks the state can license, so Wyoming might welcome a wide range of betting sites in the future.

Wyoming Sports Betting Locations

Many US states help retail sportsbooks launch by requiring these betting locations to open in a land-based casino. However, when HB 133 passed in 2021, lawmakers did not include any legislation for retail sportsbooks. So, despite Wyoming being home to four tribal casinos, all authorized by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, there is no retail sports betting in the Equality State.

However, tribal casinos do not operate under the authority of the Wyoming Gaming Commission. As such, these gambling venues might introduce retail sportsbooks in the future.

For Wyoming residents interested in visiting a casino to get involved in sports betting, there are opportunities in neighboring states. You can place wagers at Deadwood casinos in South Dakota. There’s also the option of heading to Colorado, where retail sportsbooks have opened at a number of casinos in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek.

Wyoming Lottery Locations

The Wyoming Lottery Corporation, more commonly known as WyoLotto, was launched in 2013 when Gov. Matt Mead signed HB 77. The lottery operates a range of draws you can access from retailers around the state, online, or through its app. However, the Wyoming Lottery Corporation has no partnerships with sportsbook operators or the Wyoming Gaming Commission. Therefore, you can’t place sports bets at lottery retailers.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Since you won’t find any retail sports betting in Wyoming, there are also no stadium sportsbooks. Horse racing has, however, been very popular for years in Wyoming, and there are three racetracks with live horse racing. They are the Wyoming Downs, Sweetwater Downs, and Energy Downs. You can wager on these races at off-track betting (OTB) locations in WY, licensed by the Wyoming Gaming Commission. All OTB locations are operated by the Wyoming Downs, 307 Horse Racing, or Wyoming Horse Racing.

Wyoming Responsible Gambling Resources

• Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling – Provides a free problem gambling screen questionnaire and advice on spotting and controlling problem gambling. (800) 522-4700

• Wyoming Department of Health Problem Gambling – Describes symptoms of problem gambling and directs players to support organizations. (800) 535-4006

• Gam-Anon – Offer meetings for anyone struggling with problem gambling and an exclusive help program. (718) 352-1671

Many states in the US offer a self-exclusion program that lets bettors prohibit themselves from registering with any licensed sportsbook. It also blocks them from receiving gambling advertising material. While Wyoming’s legislation includes provisions for the Wyoming Gaming Commission to operate a self-exclusion program, it hasn’t launched yet. However, online sportsbooks in the Equality State will let you self-exclude from betting.

As required by law, every Wyoming sportsbook features an extensive responsible gambling section offering resources, articles, and tools to manage your bankroll and gambling activities on the site. Bettors will also find links to local problem-gambling support groups.

Teams to Bet on in Wyoming

• Pro Sports

Despite having many passionate sports fans, Wyoming has no major league sports teams. There are no plans to bring a major league franchise to the state simply because it does not have a large enough population. The state’s population of 576,851 in the July 2021 census is smaller than the top 30 largest cities in the US. This lack of support means it’s not financially viable for a major league franchise to set up in the state.

However, many WY sports fans follow teams in nearby Western states. Here are some of the most popular franchises among bettors in the Equality State:

• Minor League Sports

Without any major league sports franchise in the state, many Wyoming sports fans support minor league teams. Many indoor football fans were disappointed when the Wyoming Cavalry folded in 2014 after playing in the IFL, AIFA, and NIFL. However, indoor football has returned to the state with the Wyoming Mustangs joining Champions Indoor Football (CIF).

• College Sports

Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls: The University of Wyoming is the only college in the state that plays its games in NCAA Division I. The team has won three NCAA championships, one in men’s basketball, one in men’s skiing, and one in combined skiing.

• Women’s Sports

There are no major women’s sports teams in Wyoming. However, the Wyoming Cowgirls play sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, and tennis.

How Does Wyoming Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Wyoming has some of the most open betting markets in the US, including allowing all forms of betting on college sports. Some states restrict college sports betting to protect young athletes, but Equality State bettors can wager on in-state teams like Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls. In addition, you can also bet on eSports, which are restricted in other states because some players are 18 or younger. Wyoming sportsbooks also offer markets for popular professional sports, like the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA, as well as more niche sports.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

The three sportsbooks available in Wyoming are also available in many other states. We compared the odds offered in WY to those in the rest of the US and found no noticeable difference. DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM offer odds competitive with other renowned US operators. In addition, Wyoming bettors can use bet boosts and other promotions from these sportsbooks.

• Gambling Revenue

To get a license in Wyoming, operators must agree to a 10% tax on revenue after paying $100,000 for a five-year license. The 10% tax rate is quite low compared to states like New Jersey with 13% and Pennsylvania with 36%.

As of June 2022, the state had handled $77,332,320 in sports bets. Sportsbooks had collected $6,938,143 in revenue, of which $222,109 had been collected in tax. Yet, this is dwarfed by other states like New York, which had already collected $220,544,167 in tax. Still, Wyoming is the least-populated US state, so its revenue is still pretty impressive.

Wyoming laws require the first $300,000 of tax raised annually from gambling to go to the Wyoming Department of Health to help it support those with associated addictions.

• Betting Taxes

The US Internal Revenue Code requires each sportsbook to pay a 0.25% tax on its sports betting handle. There is also a $50 fee for every employee involved with taking sports wagers.

All sports betting winnings in the US are eligible to be taxed by the IRS. You must declare everything you win while filing your taxes, although you may not be taxed for everything. If you make profits above $600, you must fill out a W-2G form. Your sportsbook operator should send you a copy of this form if you are eligible.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Wyoming?

The Wyoming Gaming Commission regulates all sports betting, pari-mutuel betting, and skill-based games in the Equality State. The Commission is responsible for licensing online sportsbooks to operate in the state, including testing these sites for player safety measures. The Commission also enforces responsible gambling measures and keeps betting sites up to current security standards.

The Commission is made up of nine Commissioners selected by the Governor. The Governor must appoint seven of these members from the seven districts set out in W.S. 9-1-218. Also, one of the other members must be an active member of law enforcement. The other must be a member of the Northern Arapaho or Eastern Shoshone Indian tribes with more than five years of regulatory experience.

The Wyoming Gaming Commission is sometimes referred to as the Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission. You may see this on sportsbooks’ licensing or the Wyoming Gaming Commission page. However, both names refer to the same regulatory body with the same jurisdiction.