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.
Once signed into law, the bill will allow five online sportsbook operators to launch in the state. Permits will cost $100,000 for a term of five years with a renewal fee of $50,000. Interestingly, a sportsbook operator must already be active in three other states before the Wyoming Gaming Commission will consider its application.
With only 580,000 residents in the least populate state in the United States, industry experts expect the state to issue all five licenses by the tentative start date of September 1st.
The legislation will also see Wyoming join Tennessee to become only the second state to have an online-only sports betting market.
Wyoming Lawmakers Approve Online Sports Betting BillProjections estimate that an online sports betting industry could be worth between $2.23 million and $4.7 million is revenue to the state.
Speaking to the senate, Sen. Drew Perkins said:
Wyoming Lawmakers Approve Online Sports Betting Bill Wyoming Lawmakers Approve Online Sports Betting Bill Wyoming Lawmakers Approve Online Sports Betting Bill