The cowboys in Wyoming enjoy gambling from time to time, but the gambling laws in Wyoming have not always been favorable for Wyoming casinos. The laws have become more favorable over time, which means gamblers can place wagers in relative peace. If you find yourself in Wyoming, you can also buy lottery tickets at any retail store that sells them.
Gamblers in Wyoming can choose between horse racing and Wyoming tribal casinos. This guide covers the Wyoming casinos you can visit in the Cowboy State and whether online gambling is allowed there.
Key Wyoming Casino Facts
- Three tribal casinos: Wind River Casino, Little Wind Casino and Shoshone Rose Casino are the only casinos in the state.
- Commercial casinos are prohibited: Only tribal casinos operate, under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
- Lottery: Approved in 2013, with scratch-off cards and video lottery games prohibited.
- Pari-mutuel betting: Legal across the state since 2011 and governed by the Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission.
- Online gambling: No law prohibits players from gambling online, but operating an online casino in Wyoming appears to be banned.
- Minimum gambling age: 18, including race tracks, charity gambling and tribal casinos.
Types of Gambling Available at Wyoming Casinos
Types of gambling available at Wyoming casinos include tribal casino gambling, charitable gambling, racing betting and the lottery. Since gambling in Wyoming has become less restrictive, gamblers have a chance to dabble in various forms of gambling in the Cowboy State. If you are comparing Wyoming with other states, our state-by-state guide shows how the rules differ.
Casino Gambling
Native American casinos are allowed to operate in Wyoming, but commercial casinos are prohibited. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act has allowed tribal casinos to operate in the Cowboy State, and these Wyoming casinos can only admit gamblers who are 18 years old or older.
Commercial casinos are prohibited in Wyoming, but neighboring states have different rules, so players near the Nebraska border can compare gambling in Nebraska.
Charitable Gambling
Charitable gambling is allowed in Wyoming. However, specific requirements must be met before a company can offer gambling games in the state.
- If a non-profit organization wants to offer gambling games, it needs to have been operational for at least three years.
- A minimum of 65% of the NGO’s gross sales must be redeemed as winnings monthly.
Racing Betting
Wyoming made pari-mutuel gambling legal in 2011 across the state. The Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission governs the operation.
There is only one major race track in Utah, and a significant number of gamblers come from this state. A few facilities in Wyoming also offer off-track betting. Gamblers are allowed to place bets on horse and dog races.
Lottery Gambling
Lottery gambling in Wyoming was approved in 2013. The state became the 46th state to approve the lottery. However, state lawmakers also passed a law that prohibited scratch-off cards and video lottery games.
Legislators justified the ban by stating that the instant gratification factor of these types of gambling placed players in danger of gambling addiction. But when they purchase a lottery ticket, they are compelled to wait to learn whether they have won or not.
Online Gambling in Wyoming
Online gambling in Wyoming is not prohibited for players, but the state’s gambling law appears to ban operating an online casino in Wyoming. There is no Wyoming law that stops a player from visiting an online gambling site, so the law mainly affects those who would like to run an online casino in the state.
As a player, you have to exercise the utmost care when gambling on the internet, because there are a lot of rogue online gambling sites. Offshore casino sites that accept Wyoming players are not licensed by the state, so make sure the relevant authorities regulate the casino where you are betting.
Players near the Montana border can also compare online gambling in Montana, since each state sets its own rules.
Top Local Wyoming Casinos
As we have stated before, commercial casinos are not allowed in the Cowboy state. However, the following tribal casinos are open for players to visit.
| Name | Address | Website |
| Wind River Casino | 10269 WY-789, Riverton, WY 82501 | http://www.windriverhotelcasino.com/ |
| Little Wind Casino | 685 WY-132, Ethete, WY 82520 | http://www.littlewindcasino.com/ |
| Shoshone Rose Casino | 5690 US Highway 287, Lander, WY 82520 | http://www.shoshonerose.com/ |
Evolution of Wyoming Casino Gambling Laws
Wyoming casino gambling laws have changed over time, and they sit within the wider framework of US gambling laws. The timeline below shows how the Cowboy State moved from a gambling ban to tribal casinos, racing and a lottery.
1901—The McGill Act was passed, which banned gambling in Wyoming.
2005 – For the first time in decades, the state legislators in Wyoming allowed tribal groups to open Class III gaming houses in the state.
2010—The last horse racing track in Wyoming closed because too few people were interested in the sport.
2013—This year, the Cowboy State became the 46th state in the United States to allow lottery games.
2014—Horse racing, as well as pari-mutual betting, is offered at two different tracks in Wyoming.
FAQs About Wyoming Casinos
Does Wyoming Have Gambling?
Yes. There are different types of gambling that you can do when you are in Wyoming. This includes casino games that you can play at three different tribal casinos in the state. There is also the lottery, as well as horse race betting.
How many Casinos are in Wyoming?
There are three tribal Wyoming casinos in the state: Wind River Casino, Little Wind Casino, and Shoshone Rose Casino.
What is Calcutta Wagering at Wyoming Casinos?
Calcutta wagering is a type of sports bet that is similar to an auction. This type of sports wager went out of fashion in many states when TVs and radios were introduced. However, Wyoming casinos still have it because it is their tradition to have Calcutta wagering.
Are Online Wyoming Casinos Illegal?
Gambling on the internet is not explicitly prohibited in Wyoming. However, we advise that players take the necessary precautions when placing wagers on the internet.
What is the gambling age at Wyoming Casinos?
The minimum gambling age in Wyoming is 18 years. This includes gambling on the race tracks, charity gambling, as well as tribal casinos.
Do Wyoming Casinos Check ID?
Wyoming casinos will ask for IDs from people they believe might be too young to gamble there. To be on the safe side, you will need to carry your ID with you when you go to wager at Wyoming casinos.
