Wyoming regulator backs study into the future of gaming in the state
Spectrum Gaming Group brought in to examine how Wyoming Gaming Commission can improve Cowboy State’s wagering landscape
The Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC) has signed a contract with Spectrum Gaming Group to conduct a feasibility study into the future of gaming in the Cowboy State.
The deal has been agreed in conjunction with the Wyoming state legislature, whose Joint Appropriations Committee deemed a comprehensive review into the state’s gaming landscape a priority.
In the 2024 General Appropriations Bill, the legislature found that the WGC must conduct, alongside the committee, a “statewide study of gaming in Wyoming including the structure of historic horse race wagering, skill-based amusement games, and online sports wagering”.
It is expected the study will try to spot potential gaps within Wyoming law that could be used to exploit the security of consumers, as well as issues regarding the fairness of gaming activities, state and local licensing permitting processes.
Aspects of Wyoming-based gaming, such as “the transparency and efficiency of the Commission’s monitoring”, will also be covered by the report.
The committee is expected to consider whether to authorize or ban interactive gaming and, if it is legalized like sports betting was in 2021, how to implement a regulatory structure and tax revenue system — all topics that could appear as legislation in the 2025 General Session.
Throughout September and October, Spectrum Gaming will analyze data and conduct on-site visits to land-based casinos to further assess the current state of gaming in Wyoming.
The first draft of the report is expected to come in early November.
Spectrum Gaming brings swathes of igaming experience to the deal and has previously conducted similar research projects for other state regulators. The consultancy has worked in 44 US states and territories, as well as 48 different countries.
Meanwhile, the WGC reaffirmed its commitment to “fostering an environment of responsible gaming, and addressing problem gambling head-on, to ensure that patrons play responsibly and provide help to those who many need it.”