Wyoming Lawmakers Consider Changes to Gaming Regulations

(AsiaGameHub) –   Wyoming is considering regulatory changes following a meeting of the Wyoming Legislature’s Select Committee on Gaming, which convened to review the state’s gaming industry. Officials have put forward several legislative proposals aimed at addressing key issues within the sector.

WGC Discussed a Variety of Issues

The Select Committee on Gaming, established to oversee the rapidly expanding industry, held its interim session last week to examine Wyoming’s gaming landscape. During the meeting, officials addressed multiple topics, including how proceeds from wagering should be distributed and the contentious issue surrounding “Queen of Hearts” charitable games.

Nick Larramendy, executive director of the Wyoming Gaming Commission, began the discussion by highlighting growth in historic horse racing handle, which reached $2.49 billion in 2025. While noting that handle does not directly translate to revenue, Larramendy explained that state taxes are calculated based on 1.9% of handle. He also reported that operators retained a gross profit of $180 million.

Following this, officials turned their attention to a range of other urgent matters.

Some Were Displeased After Races Were Moved to Evanston

A major point of debate during the meeting centered on Wyoming Downs and 307 Horse Racing’s decision to relocate several races from Gillette to Evanston. The tracks’ president, Kyle Ridgeway, defended the move by explaining that Evanston draws a significant number of bettors from Utah, leading to increased attendance and a more vibrant “racing atmosphere.”

However, some lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, arguing that it amounts to abandoning support for horse racing in northern Wyoming. Ridgeway responded by asserting that his organization continues to make substantial economic contributions and remains committed to operating within legal boundaries—not based on emotion.

The Committee Will See if a Legal Path for Queen of Hearts Is Possible

Another focal point was the recent closure of the Queen of Hearts game. Operating similarly to traditional raffles, the game differs in that no winner is guaranteed at each drawing—a feature that conflicts with Wyoming law.

Bryan Grzegorczyk, owner of Alf’s Pub in Cheyenne and founder of the Thankful Thursdays fundraiser, pointed out that the Queen of Hearts initiative had raised $4.5 million for charitable causes. He urged lawmakers to explore options for legalizing the game.

Lawmakers acknowledged this request but emphasized that the current format violates existing regulations. Nevertheless, they agreed to investigate whether modifications could bring the game into compliance.

In related discussions, lawmakers noted concerns about current raffle rules, which allow organizers to classify most proceeds as operational costs, leaving minimal funds for charity. In response, the committee approved the drafting of a bill requiring at least half of all raffle proceeds to go toward charitable purposes.

WGC Plans to Draft iGaming Prohibition Bill Amid Others

The rise of illegal online gambling platforms and sweepstakes casinos was another significant topic. Committee members voiced concern over public misunderstanding regarding the legitimacy of these sites.

As a result, the committee intends to draft legislation explicitly banning internet-based gambling, or iGaming, in Wyoming.

Other proposals discussed included setting a fixed minimum percentage of historic horse racing (HHR) revenue to support live racing events, allocating $300,000 from online betting revenues to fund problem gambling treatment programs, and creating a professional gaming commission to replace the current Wyoming Gaming Commission.

The committee plans to continue developing and reviewing proposed bills at its next scheduled meeting in July.