Wyoming Gaming Commission Enters Contract with Spectrum Gaming Group to Study iGaming

The Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC) and state legislature announced this week they entered a contract with Spectrum Gaming Group for a “feasibility study” on the state’s gambling industry.

Wyoming Gaming Commission said the study with Spectrum Gaming Group could lead to online gambling regulation

Wyoming could be the next state to legalize online casino. Sports betting in the Cowboy State began in 2021 and has generated $2.9 million in taxes for the government. However, this will be a slow process.

Spectrum is a non-partisan consultancy agency that specializes in the economics, regulation, and policy of legalized gambling worldwide. The company has provided independent research and professional services since 1993.

A WGC release said the study could lead to legislation, including online gambling regulation, in the 2025 general session. State and local licensing and permitting processes will also be discussed.

In the 2024 General Appropriations bill, the Legislature requires the Wyoming Gaming Commission to conduct a “statewide study of gaming in Wyoming including the structure of historic horse race wagering, skill-based amusement games, and online sports wagering” in consultation with the Joint Appropriations Committee.

Additionally, the study will also “consider the number and growth of wagering locations and activity, the Commission’s oversight capacity, the transparency and efficiency of the Commission monitoring and reporting on licensees and horse track safety” and identify loopholes in Wyoming law.

Joint Appropriations Committee may consider pari-mutuel, skilled gaming, and interactive gaming

The Committee may consider pari-mutuel, skilled gaming, and sports wagering, and may consider providing a uniform regulatory structure for all permitted activities.

Furthermore, the Committee will consider whether to authorize or prohibit interactive gaming, an appropriate regulatory structure, and potential tax revenue

Throughout September and October, Spectrum Gaming Group will be conducting investigations, site visits, and analyzing data. Of course, Spectrum will assess the current state of gaming in Wyoming as well.

An early initial draft of their report is expected in early November. The draft will be utilized to shape the future of gaming in Wyoming. Spectrum has worked in 44 U.S. states and territories and in 48 countries on six continents.

As of September 2024, only seven states offer iGaming: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.