Wyoming’s Senate has approved an amended house bill that will see the state establish a regulated online sports betting industry.
HB 133 has been heavily amended since it was first rejected on March 9th. The changes to the original bill saw it pass overwhelmingly by 24-5 with one senator abstaining.
It’s now up to the House to pass an identical version of the bill before it can be signed into law by Governor Mark Gordon.
Wyoming Lawmakers Approve Online Sports Betting Bill Wyoming Lawmakers Approve Online Sports Betting BillThe legislation will also see Wyoming join Tennessee to become only the second state to have an online-only sports betting market.
Speaking in favour of the bill, DraftKings director of legal and governmental affairs, Chris Cipolla told the senate that mobile betting was hugely successful in other states. He highlighted how New Jersey’s online wagers made up 85% of total sports betting wagers pre-pandemic.
Wyoming Lawmakers Approve Online Sports Betting BillSpeaking to the senate, Sen. Drew Perkins said:
Wyoming Lawmakers Approve Online Sports Betting Bill Wyoming Lawmakers Approve Online Sports Betting Bill“This is already happening both legally and illegally. A big part of this bill is not necessarily to create a hammer to go after those who are doing it illegally, but more to create a more protected and regulated environment, so when (bettors) place the bet and they win, their bets are paid.”