The State of Wyoming defines gambling as, “Risking any property for gain contingent in whole or part upon lot, chance, or outcome of an event, including sporting event, over which person taking a risk has no control” - code section 6-7-101 et seq.; 11-25-101 et seq.
In addition to licensed horse, harness, cutter, chariot, chuckwagon racing and pari-mutuel wagering being legal, bona fide contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance, social and Calcutta wagering, raffles, bingo and pull tabs sold by charitable organizations, display or private use of antique devices are also allowed.

While there is only one horse track still in operation in the state, off-track betting parlours can be found in taverns within state borders.

Non-profit organizations are allowed to host casino nights where guests can play on rented casino game machines for a small donation, and exchange tokens for prizes at the end of the event. Bingo, pull tabs and raffles are other ways to play games of chance for fun. All these options will require a license which can be sought through the Wyoming Gaming Commission.

Invitations to a poker game you’re hosting in your home can only be extended to people you are friends with or related to. You’re not allowed to invite anyone who can’t prove that they have a bona fide relationship with you. The host is not allowed to profit from the game, but this is standard across most states in America.

There are no legal commercial casinos allowed in the state and the only brick and mortar casinos you will find are all on Native American reservations.

When it comes to the lottery, only the sale of lotto tickets are permitted. Wyoming is not a place where you’ll find instant games or scratch-offs. As such, there are no lottery terminals at gas stations and in supermarkets.

Anyone caught gambling illegally can be fined up to $750 or get sentenced to serve 6 months in jail. Being busted for running a casino business without the necessary licensing will earn you a fine of $3,000 or up to 3 years in jail.

Applying for a gambling license to offer games of chance in the State of Wyoming is a lengthy and detailed process. From submitting photographs and fingerprints to having your personal and financial history investigated, starting the application process should not be taken lightly, and it is recommended that you take the time to get your affairs in order before you do so.

Depending on the kind of license you’re wanting, the application differs slightly to fit the purpose. The Wyoming Gaming Commission is your contact for anything from offering licensed gambling in your place of business, to approving your license to offer games of chance for fundraising for your non-profit organization.

To offer skills-based amusement games in your establishment, a $250 application fee will need to accompany all the required forms. The games may only be offered in an area that is made accessible to players over the age of 21, is a requirement with this application. The maximum bet cannot exceed $3 per play and the maximum payout cannot be more than $3,000.

Your operator license application to offer skills-based amusement games will be accompanied by a fee 10 times that amount at $2,500. In addition to the requirements for the establishment license, operators also need to pay 20% of all earnings received to the gaming commission as a requirement of their license.

When it comes to applying for a license to offer raffles or bingo games to raise funds for your non-profit organization, the application doesn’t need to be accompanied by a fee, but you need to submit financial records and proof of your tax status from the Internal Revenue Service.

Each application may be investigated at the federal level to ensure that any funding that has been received has come from reputable sources and to verify that all business owners and partners are free and clear of any criminal histories related to fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.

It is not uncommon for the gaming commission to request contact details of references who are not relatives to ensure that your business is not a cover for organized crime.