Wyoming Regulatory Body Gathers Feedback, Affirms Rule-making Procedure Is Progressing Smoothly
Let's Talk Sports Betting in Wyoming
If Wyoming Gaming Commission Director Charlie Moore gets his way, the first phase of sports betting rules could be on Gov. Mark Gordon's desk by this weekend! Even if it's not, thanks to Moore's optimism, the rules should still make it to Gordon by June 1, allowing sufficient time for approval before the state-mandated Sept. 1 deadline.
During a recent stakeholders' meeting, representatives from major operators, including DraftKings and FanDuel, gathered to discuss Phase I of the proposed rules. Issued just a week prior, these rules cover everything from fees to layoff wagers to geofencing to responsible gaming. However, operators are still mulling over the 62-page document in a thorough review.
While they are gathering feedback, DraftKings has requested that Wyoming regulators adopt a Colorado sports betting rule related to "sports pools." Operators often use sports pools for events like March Madness, and DraftKings feels this rule definition will provide clarity.
In April 2021, Wyoming lawmakers legalized digital-only sports betting, making it the second state, after Tennessee, to do so. Legalized sports betting continues to expand in the U.S., with Wyoming joining South Dakota and New York on the list. While many states are catching up, Colorado remains a leader in efficient, mobile betting options.
Over the next few days, gaming commission staff will refine the proposed rules to incorporate changes and suggestions made during the meeting. They plan to present the updated rules for discussion and approval at the next gaming commission meeting. If everything goes smoothly, the rules will be on Gordon's desk by June 1, triggering a 45-day public-comment period.
L. Clare Johnson from the Northern Arapaho Tribe suggested that the commission rework rules regarding the state's federally recognized tribes to match language in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe currently offers in-person betting at its Wind River Casino, and it would be a violation of tribal and federal law for a commercial operator to accept wagers on tribal lands.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
In the discussion surrounding Phase I of the proposed sports betting rules in Wyoming, operators like DraftKings and FanDuel are considering a request to adopt a Colorado sports betting rule related to "sports pools." This rule definition is hoped to provide clarity for events like March Madness. The gaming commission staff is scheduled to refine the rules based on feedback from stakeholders, with the aim to present the updated rules for approval at the next commission meeting. The target date for the rules to reach Governor Mark Gordon's desk is June 1.
