Potential start date for sports betting in Wyoming remains uncertain and fluid
Sports betting enthusiasts in Wyoming are eagerly waiting for the application process to start, but they didn't receive a definitive answer on Tuesday when the rules were approved for the governor's review. DraftKings representative Chris Cipolla inquired about the application timeline, but Wyoming Gaming Commission President Bob Davis playfully replied that it might be premature to discuss that yet.
Executive Director Charlie Moore shared that their focus is on getting the rules finalized and sorted, after which they'll tackle Phase II, which includes applications and licensing. However, Moore didn't provide a specific timeline for applications and licensing. In most states, it takes around 90 days from the opening of the application window until operators receive their licenses, meaning the 2021 football season might start before sports betting becomesavailable in Wyoming.
The new sports betting law will create an open online marketplace, resembling that of Tennessee (the second market to legalize online-only wagering after Wyoming). The gaming commission has approved rules that will be subject to a 45-day public comment period before the governor's approval. After this period, any additional suggestions will be considered before a final vote on the regulations.
Patrick Willard, director of policy and advocacy for the National Council on Problem Gambling, proposed incorporating a helpline phone number in the advertising section of the rules, but this idea was ultimately rejected. Some suggested that other sections of the rules already require operators to provide advertising guidelines. Wyoming will be the first state to allow "exchange wagering," a head-to-head betting format.
While the enrichment data indicates that applications became available in July 2021, a specific future application date is yet to be announced by the Wyoming Gaming Commission. For the most recent information, it's best to check the commission's official announcements.
- Enthusiasts of sports betting in Wyoming are keenly anticipating the commencement of the application process, as announced by the Executive Director Charlie Moore, who stated that they will address Phase II, which involves applications and licensing, after the rules have been finalized and sorted.
- The new sports-betting law in Wyoming will establish an open online marketplace, similar to Tennessee's, and will be the first state to allow "exchange wagering," a head-to-head betting format.
- In preparation for the launch of sports betting in Wyoming, it would be wise for potential stakeholders to keep a close eye on the application process, as the timeline for applications and licensing remains unspecified.
