Is Sports Betting Legal in Wyoming? Everything You Need to Know

When and How Did Sports Betting Become Legal in Wyoming?

When was sports betting legalized in Wyoming? House Bill 133, signed by Governor Mark Gordon on April 5, 2021, legalized online sports betting after the 2018 Murphy v. NCAA ruling overturned PASPA.

The market launched on September 1, 2021, with DraftKings and BetMGM placing the first bets. The Wyoming Gaming Commission finalized rules in August 2021, enabling a rapid rollout.

Unlike Colorado (launched May 2020, hybrid model) or Washington(tribal-only, 2020), Wyoming’s online-only approach suits its sparse population and lack of commercial casinos.

nitially failing in the House, HB 133 passed after reconsideration, making Wyoming the first state to legalize sports betting in 2021. The state’s 18+ age minimum and cryptocurrency acceptance set it apart.

Where Can You Place Sports Bets in Wyoming?

Where can you bet in Wyoming? Sports betting is online-only, accessible via mobile apps or websites from DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, and Fanatics Sportsbook.

No retail sportsbooks exist due to the absence of commercial casinos, though tribal casinos offer limited in-person betting. Bettors must be in Wyoming (excluding tribal lands), verified by geolocation technology like GeoComply.

Remote registration simplifies account setup, requiring name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of an SSN. Wyoming was the first state to allow cryptocurrency deposits(convertible to cash), alongside PayPal, cards, and bank transfers.

Compared to Colorado’s retail and online options, Wyoming’s model maximizes convenience. The table below compares key sportsbooks:

Recent Developments in Wyoming Sports Betting

[June 16, 2025]: Wyoming Eyes Tax Hikes on Gambling to Boost State Revenue 

[May 23, 2025]: Wyoming Sounds Alarm on Illegal Online Gambling Platforms 

[May 3, 2025]: Wyoming Forms Committee to Push Online Casino Legalization 

What Types of Bets and Sports Are Available in Wyoming?

What betting options are available in Wyoming? Sportsbooks offer moneyline, spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, futures, prop bets, live betting, pools, straight bets, and exchange wagering. Popular sports include:

• NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS

• College sports (e.g., NCAA football, basketball, excluding in-state player props)

• Esports, tennis, golf, UFC, NASCAR, Olympics

Bettors can wager on the University of Wyoming Cowboys for standard bets but not player props. Prohibited bets include high school sports, politics, entertainment awards, and events with mostly underage participants.

Wyoming’s exchange wagering and esports betting (legal since March 2022) are unique. Compared to New Jersey, which bans in-state college betting entirely, Wyoming offers more flexibility. Bet on Denver Broncos or March Madness via apps like FanDuel.

How Is Sports Betting Regulated in Wyoming?

Who regulates Wyoming’s sports betting? The Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC) oversees the market, issuing licenses ($100,000 initial, $50,000 renewal) and enforcing rules.

Bettors must be 18+ (some operators require 21+), verified via KYC, and located outside tribal lands, confirmed by geofencing. A 10% tax on gross gaming revenue funds state programs, with the first $300,000 annually supporting problem gambling initiatives.

Federal taxes (24% on winnings over $600, 0.25% excise on handle) apply, but Wyoming has no state income tax. Illegal betting risks $25,000 fines for first offenses, escalating to $50,000, or six months in jail for unlicensed operations.

The WGC ensures audited odds, secure transactions, and responsible gambling plans, offering a safer alternative to offshore platforms.

What Is the Economic Impact of Sports Betting in Wyoming?

How does sports betting benefit Wyoming? The market generated a $21.2 million handle in October 2023, with $716.8 million total handle from September 2021 to July 2025, yielding $3.95 million in state taxes.

The 10% tax on gross revenue supports education, infrastructure, and problem gambling programs, with $300,000 annually dedicated to treatment.

The industry creates jobs in technology and customer service, though exact numbers are unavailable. Wyoming’s per capita handle ($325) exceeds Montana ($57) and South Dakota ($10), reflecting its online-only model’s success.

Compared to Colorado’s $6.2 billion handle in 2024, Wyoming’s market is smaller but vital for its 580,000 residents, boosted by 8 million annual tourists betting legally.

Why Should You Avoid Offshore Betting Sites in Wyoming?

Why do bettors use offshore sites? Some seek broader markets (e.g., in-state college props, politics) or tax avoidancevia platforms like Bovada. However, these are illegal, risking $1,000 fines, jail time, delayed payouts, or data breaches. A 2024 Bovada cease-and-desist highlights enforcement efforts. Legal sportsbooks offer:

• Audited odds and SSL/TLS encryption

• Responsible gambling tools (self-exclusion, deposit limits)

• Transparent promotions and consumer protections

Offshore platforms lack oversight, increasing fraud risks. Stick to licensed operators like DraftKings for safety. Report illegal gambling to the WGC at gaming.wyo.gov.

How Can You Bet Responsibly in Wyoming?

What tools ensure safe betting? Wyoming promotes responsible gambling with:

• Self-exclusion: 1-year to lifetime bans

• Deposit/time limits: Daily, weekly, or monthly caps

• Cooling-off periods: Minimum 72-hour account suspensions

• No credit betting

Bettors should budget 1–5% of disposable income, take 30–60-minute breaks, and balance betting with activities like visiting Yellowstone. Resources include:

• 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-522-4700)

• Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling (307-278-0766, [email protected])

• Gamblers Anonymous and Birches Health telehealth

The WGC allocates $300,000 annually for treatment programs, ensuring support for at-risk bettors.

What Is the Future of Sports Betting in Wyoming?

What’s next for Wyoming’s market? ESPN BET is poised to join as a sixth operator, increasing competition. A 2024 online casino bill (HB 120) failed, but a feasibility study suggests iGaming could generate $704 million over five years. A potential ban on college player prop bets addresses NCAA concerns.

AI enhances personalized odds, while blockchain secures transactions, leveraging Wyoming’s crypto-friendly stance. Challenges include limited in-state college betting pushing some to offshore sites and the absence of retail sportsbooks. Wyoming’s 10% tax rate attracts operators, ensuring stability.

Compared to Colorado’s expansive market, Wyoming’s online-only model suits its population but may evolve with legislative shifts.

Is sports betting legal in Wyoming?

Yes, since April 2021, online-only.

What’s the minimum betting age?

18, but some sportsbooks require 21+.

Can I bet on University of Wyoming Cowboys?

Yes, except for player prop bets.

What are the top sportsbooks?

DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, Fanatics.

Are winnings taxed?

No state tax; federal tax (24% over $600) applies.

Can I use cryptocurrency?

Yes, convertible to cash, a U.S. first.

How do I report illegal gambling?

Contact the WGC at gaming.wyo.gov.