Wyoming Gambling Laws 2026: Tribal Casinos, Sports Betting & Online Guide
Wyoming maintains a limited but expanding gambling framework, centered on three tribal casinos on the Wind River Indian Reservation and regulated online sports betting since 2021. Real-money online casinos and poker remain prohibited, with no regulated iGaming market despite occasional legislative proposals. The Wyoming Gaming Commission oversees sports wagering, while tribal gaming operates under federal compacts. Pari-mutuel horse racing, the state lottery, and charitable activities provide additional options. Offshore sites function in a prohibited area, lacking state protections and exposing users to risks.
Overview of Gambling in Wyoming
Wyoming Statutes § 6-7-101 defines gambling broadly, with exceptions for tribal Class III gaming, pari-mutuel wagering, the lottery, charitable bingo/raffles, and fantasy sports contests. Online sports betting launched in 2021 via HB 133, exclusively mobile/online due to no commercial casino industry. No prosecutions of individual offshore players reported, but participation violates state law. The Wyoming Gaming Commission regulates non-tribal activities, emphasizing consumer safeguards and revenue for education/problem gambling programs.
Land-Based Casinos in Wyoming
Wyoming hosts three tribal casinos on the Wind River Indian Reservation, operated by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes under IGRA compacts. These venues offer slots, table games (blackjack, poker variants), bingo, and limited retail sports betting at select locations. Key facilities include:
- Wind River Hotel & Casino (Riverton, Northern Arapaho): Largest venue with extensive slots, tables, hotel, and sportsbook options.
- Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel (Lander, Eastern Shoshone): Features slots, table games, hotel accommodations, and dining.
- Little Wind Casino (Ethete/Riverton area, Northern Arapaho): Smaller property focused on slots and basic gaming.
- 789 Smoke Shop & Casino (associated with Northern Arapaho): Provides additional slots and gaming access.
Historical horse racing (HHR) machines operate at racetracks like Wyoming Downs and Sweetwater Downs, simulating past races for pari-mutuel-style betting.
Online Gambling and Offshore Sites
Real-money online casinos and poker are not legalized or regulated in Wyoming. Proposals for iGaming (e.g., HB 162 in 2025) stalled due to tribal concerns over revenue impacts and lack of land-based support. Offshore platforms accept Wyoming players but operate illegally under state law, with no consumer protections, potential for disputes, and enforcement risks. Sweepstakes/social casinos offer legal alternatives using virtual currencies. The Wyoming Gaming Commission has warned against unlicensed iGaming sites, including sweepstakes models qualifying as gambling.
Poker in Wyoming
Poker is available at tribal casinos, primarily at Wind River and Shoshone Rose with limited tables. Small-stakes cash games and weekly low-buy-in tournaments occur, but no major events due to venue size. No intrastate online poker exists; offshore access violates statutes, though individual enforcement remains low.
Sports Betting in Wyoming
Online/mobile sports betting is legal and operational since September 2021, regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission with no retail sportsbook requirement. Operators include DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Fanatics, Caesars, and others (5+ active). Age 21+, geolocation required within state borders. Wagers cover professional/college sports, esports, and more; college player props under review. Pari-mutuel horse racing available on-track, off-track, and via ADW platforms. Tribal casinos may offer on-site retail options under compacts.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
DFS operates in a legal gray area but remains accessible and unregulated. Major platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, Underdog, and Sleeper accept Wyoming players, positioning contests as skill-based to avoid gambling definitions. No specific prohibition or dedicated regulation exists; no reported enforcement against participants.
Wyoming Lottery and Bingo
The Wyoming Lottery, established 2014, offers Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Cowboy Draw, 2by2, and Keno exclusively at retail—no online ticket sales. Proceeds support state programs. Charitable bingo and raffles permitted for nonprofits with permits; commercial bingo available at tribal casinos. Online bingo or real-money versions prohibited.
Wyoming Gambling FAQ
What gambling options are available in Wyoming?
Legal activities include three tribal casinos (slots, tables, poker, limited retail sports), online/mobile sports betting (DraftKings, FanDuel, etc.), pari-mutuel horse racing, state lottery (retail only), DFS contests, and charitable bingo/raffles.
Is online gambling legal in Wyoming?
Online sports betting is legal and regulated. Real-money online casinos and poker are prohibited; offshore participation unlawful without state protections.
Do offshore sites accept Wyoming players?
Yes, many do, supporting credit/debit cards and wires. Users face risks including no recourse, potential disputes, and enforcement exposure; regulated sports betting preferred.
Will Wyoming legalize online casinos soon?
Unlikely in near term. 2025 proposals stalled amid tribal opposition and revenue concerns; no major momentum for 2026 budget session, though discussions may continue.