Online Gambling Laws in Wyoming: What You Need to Know
Wyoming is one of the least populated states in the United States, but when it comes to online gambling, the state’s laws have shown a surprising level of openness—at least in some areas. While traditional forms of gambling remain heavily restricted, certain types of online betting are indeed legal in Wyoming, making it a unique case among U.S. jurisdictions.
Legal Online Sports Betting
As of September 1, 2021, Wyoming became one of the few states to legalize online sports betting without requiring a physical sportsbook presence. This legislative move allows residents and visitors to legally place sports wagers through state-licensed mobile betting apps and websites. The law permits any individual aged 18 or older to participate, making it more accessible than in many other states where the legal gambling age is 21.
Popular sportsbooks such as DraftKings and BetMGM have already entered the Wyoming market, offering legal and regulated platforms for wagering on professional and college sports. These platforms are monitored by the Wyoming Gaming Commission to ensure fairness, responsible gaming, and consumer protection.
Online Casino Gambling: Still Prohibited
While sports betting has found legal footing, traditional online casino gambling—such as virtual slots, table games, and poker rooms—remains illegal in Wyoming. There are no licensed online casinos operating within the state, and there are no current legislative efforts to change this. Residents who wish to engage in online casino gaming must technically rely on offshore platforms, which operate in a legal gray area and carry risks related to fraud, lack of regulation, and difficulty with withdrawals.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily Fantasy Sports is another gray area that has been operating in Wyoming without significant legal interference. Platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings continue to offer DFS contests, and while they are not explicitly regulated under Wyoming law, they are generally tolerated by state authorities.
Tribal and Land-Based Gambling
Wyoming has only a limited number of land-based casinos, all of which are tribal establishments operating under federal law. These casinos offer slot machines, table games, and bingo but do not currently extend their operations to any form of online gambling.
Use of VPNs and Offshore Sites
Some Wyoming residents use VPNs to access offshore gambling websites that offer online casino games and poker. However, this practice carries legal and financial risks. Using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions could violate terms of service and potentially local laws, and if problems arise—such as account bans or withheld winnings—users have little legal recourse.
Conclusion
Yes, you can legally gamble online in Wyoming, but only when it comes to sports betting through licensed platforms. Other forms of online gambling, including casino games and poker, remain prohibited under state law. For those interested in exploring legal options, sports betting offers a safe and regulated path. However, those seeking a full online casino experience will need to look elsewhere—or wait for future legislative changes that may expand the legal gambling landscape in Wyoming.
