Wyoming is Next! Maybe?

 Big news coming out of the Cowboy State that could shake up the online poker scene. Wyoming, known more for its wide-open spaces than its bustling casinos, is stepping into the digital age of gaming. That's right, Wyoming legislators are putting their chips on the table with a new bill that's all about bringing online casino gaming and poker into their domain. Let's dive into the details and see what this means for poker players like us.

Wyoming's Bold Move into Online Gaming

The Lowdown on the Legislation

• A New Frontier: Wyoming might be the smallest state population-wise, but they're thinking big with this move. After legalizing online sports betting back in 2021, they're now eyeing the whole casino gaming spectrum.

• The Bill's Blueprint: If passed, the bill would open doors to all sorts of online games – think poker, blackjack, slots, and more. The state gaming commission will be running the show.

• Operators, Get Ready: Up to five operators could be granted licenses, with a $100,000 price tag for the initial license and $50,000 for renewals every five years. Vendor permits are in the mix too.

• Shared Liquidity - A Game Changer: With Wyoming's modest population, the real deal is in the possibility of shared liquidity with other states. This is key for a thriving poker market, and the legislation is all for it.

What This Means for Poker Players

• Joining the Big Leagues: If Wyoming jumps on board with the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), local players could be rubbing virtual elbows with players from Nevada, Michigan, New Jersey, and Delaware.

• Taxation and Responsibility: The bill slaps a 10% tax on online gaming revenue. Plus, there's a thoughtful side to it – $300,000 annually would be allocated to problem gambling programs.

The Bigger Picture

• Wyoming's Gaming Landscape: The state already has tribal casinos, horse racing, and charitable gaming. Online gaming could be the next big player in town.

• A Growing Trend: Wyoming isn't alone. States like New York, Illinois, Maryland, and Hawaii are also flirting with legalizing online gaming.

HB 120: The Talk of the Town

• The Mastermind: Rep. Bob Davis (R-Baggs) is the man behind HB 120. He's pushing for at least five licenses for online casino gaming.

• MSIGA Membership on the Cards: The bill isn't just about going solo; it's about joining forces with other states through MSIGA.

• The Operators' Opportunity: Big names like BetMGM and WSOP, already in the Wyoming sports betting scene, might be the front runners to launch online poker.

Takeaway for Poker Buffs

• Wyoming's Small but Mighty Play: Their population might be small, but their ambitions are high. This could mean more action and diversity for poker players.

• Eyes on the Prize: If Wyoming joins the multi-state pact, it could be a game changer, especially for poker players in the state and across the MSIGA network.

So, fellow poker lovers, Wyoming might just become our next favorite online poker destination. Keep your eyes peeled and your chips ready – the Cowboy State could be dealing us in sooner than we think! 🤠🃏👍