Illegal iGaming Warnings Issued Publicly in Wyoming
The Wyoming Gaming Commission has issued a stern warning to residents and visitors of the state, urging them to steer clear of unregulated online casino websites. The regulator explicitly stated that sweepstakes and social casinos are illegal, as the state only authorizes sportsbooks at present.
Citizens must understand that they forego the same safeguards when they choose to play at offshore and unregulated gambling sites. The Commission clarified that any online casinos or poker rooms claiming legal operation within the state are misrepresenting themselves, and consumers should exercise caution when using such platforms.
Registration addresses in Wyoming do not equate to approval by the regulator, the Commission advised. Nick Larramendy, the Executive Director of the Commission, affirmed that there are currently no legal online casinos in the state, including those offering poker and sweepstakes. He stressed that any entity claiming otherwise is being dishonest.
Larramendy implored everyone to avoid these unlicensed platforms, noting that the Commission has no authority to intervene in disputes with these unregulated entities. He explained that in cases where players have incurred unfair losses at offshore casinos, the Commission's options for intervention are limited due to the platforms' international locations.
The Commission acknowledged the difficulties in enforcing local laws against offshore operators but highlighted its commitment to shutting down illegal operations within the state when brought to its attention. Residents are urged to exercise vigilance andquestion the legitimacy of the websites they engage with, ensuring they are authorized to operate within the state.
In the future, state legislator Robert Davis may reintroduce a bill to legalize online casinos in 2025. While past attempts have been unsuccessful, new research and case studies from other states could potentially sway votes in favor of legalization. However, for now, online casino gaming remains illegal in Wyoming, and the Gaming Commission actively warns against engaging with unlicensed platforms.
- The Commission cautions citizens about the risks of gambling at unregulated online casinos, since Wyoming only authorizes sportsbooks currently.
- Choosing to play at offshore and unregulated gambling sites may mean foregoing essential safety measures, as the Commission doesn't endorse any online casinos, poker rooms, or sweepstakes within the state.
- Nick Larramendy, the Executive Director of the Commission, stated there are no legal online casinos, including poker or sweepstakes, in Wyoming, and any claiming otherwise is false.
- The Commission has no jurisdiction over disputes with international, unregulated online casinos, making it difficult for players to seek assistance if they suffer unfair losses.
