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Last month Wyoming Representative Tom Walters and Senator Ogden Briskill introduced House Bill 0225, which focused on legalizing online and mobile sports betting opening a regulated marked till 1 January 2021. The bill though, failed to pass and was defeated by votes 27-32.
According to Representative Tom Walters many of the people voting against the bill are simply against all gaming. “I knew it was tight but felt like I had enough support that it was worth it, and also I wanted to start the conversation. There were some people who were maybes, and ultimate five of those folks decided to vote no. They felt that by providing a regulatory opportunity it was legalizing it. I somewhat disagree in saying it’s not illegal but it operates in an underground world because we don’t have a regulatory framework in place. With no regulatory framework, it will continue to not be monitored”.
Walters stated that he would try again next year, If he is re-elected in November elections.
According to the proposed bill Sports betting in Wyoming would have been taxed at a rate of 16% with an initial license fee of $20,000 renewable for $10,000 annually. The bill set the minimum age for sports betting at 18 years old. Sports wagering would have been allowed in the state beginning in 2021.
Current gambling in Wyoming consists of dog and horse racing and unregulated video gambling terminals in bars. A form of sports betting has occurred in the state in the past in the rodeo industry.
