The Wyoming Gaming Commission has issued a strong public warning regarding the surge of illegal online gambling platforms offering casino-style games across the state. While online sports betting and fantasy sports are permitted and regulated in Wyoming, real-money online casino games—such as slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette—remain strictly prohibited under current state law.
Despite this legal restriction, numerous offshore iGaming websites and apps have been aggressively marketing to Wyoming residents. Some of these entities falsely claim legitimacy by registering as Wyoming-based LLCs or by using local addresses on their platforms to mislead users.
Executive Director Nicholas Larramendy made the Commission’s position clear:
“We want to make it unequivocally clear: no online casino, iGaming, or sweepstakes site is licensed by the Wyoming Gaming Commission, and they are all operating illegally in Wyoming.”
Consumer Protection and Enforcement Limitations
The Commission emphasized that none of these sites are licensed, regulated, or approved by the state, and that users engage with them at their own risk. In the event of disputes over winnings, account issues, or other problems, the Commission is unable to intervene—particularly because many of these operations are based outside the United States, making enforcement of state laws complex.
Larramendy added, “We strongly encourage everyone to avoid these websites. The Wyoming Gaming Commission cannot provide assistance in cases involving illegal platforms, but we will continue efforts to shut them down where possible.”
Some Risky Sites Masquerade as Social Casinos or Sweepstakes
In addition to conventional offshore casinos, the Commission also flagged so-called sweepstakes or social casino sites that offer real-money payouts, stating that these platforms are not exempt from Wyoming gaming laws if they offer any form of monetary return without licensure.
Legitimate Gaming Options Remain Available
Wyoming’s regulated market continues to grow. As of May 2024, the state had licensed 21 online sports betting operators, including Fanatics Sportsbook, which recently joined the legal market. All legitimate platforms are listed on the Commission’s official website.
The Commission reiterated its mission:
“Our primary responsibility is to protect the integrity of gaming in Wyoming and safeguard its citizens. We urge anyone with questions about the legality of a particular online gambling site or service to contact our office directly.”
Public Awareness and Responsible Gambling Resources
Residents are urged to use caution when responding to online advertisements for gambling platforms claiming to offer casino-style games. The Commission stressed that licensed operators undergo rigorous vetting, and only these entities offer proper consumer protections and fair gaming standards.
For those facing issues with gambling, support resources are available:
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling: 307-278-0766 or https://www.wyomingcpg.org
Anyone seeking more information about licensed operators or responsible gambling services is encouraged to visit the Wyoming Gaming Commission’s website or call 307-265-4015.
Source:
Wyoming Gaming Commission warns against illegal gambling websites, Wyoming News, May 22, 2025.