The Wyoming Senate has voted down a bill that would have allowed the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes to participate in the state’s online sports wagering system, County 10 reports.
The Senate also declined to advance a separate proposal aimed at expanding interactive gaming in Wyoming.
Wyoming legalized online sports wagering in 2021, but the law required that operators be established in at least three US jurisdictions—a condition that the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes did not meet.
House Bill 299 (HB 299) sought to amend that law and allow tribal participation. Rep. Ivan Posey, D-Fort Washakie, who sponsored the bill, described it as a way to ensure the tribes were not unfairly excluded.
Supporters of the bill argued it would provide the tribes with an economic opportunity and level the playing field. Northern Arapaho Business Council Spokesman Travis McNiven emphasized that the bill simply added the tribes as eligible operators, allowing them to apply for permits like other entities in Wyoming.
However, some legislators expressed concerns about expanding gambling. Sen. Darin Smith, R-Cheyenne, questioned whether the bill would contribute to further gambling activity in the state. Others, including Rep. Robert Wharff, R-Evanston, raised concerns about addressing gambling addiction outside of tribal lands.
Ultimately, the bill failed in the Senate by a 12-12 tie vote, effectively halting its progress.
A separate bill, House Bill 162 (HB 162), which aimed to legalize interactive gaming—including online poker, blackjack, and slot games—was also rejected.
Tribal representatives opposed HB 162, arguing that it could negatively impact their gaming revenues. Eastern Shoshone Business Council Member Clinton Glick warned that expanding online gaming beyond the reservation would divert funds that support tribal communities, employment, and local economies.
Similarly, Northern Arapaho Business Council Chairman Keenan Groesbeck noted that tribal casinos create jobs and generate millions in economic impact, while online gaming could benefit out-of-state operators instead of Wyoming communities.
Proponents of HB 162 argued that it would provide additional state revenue and allow Wyoming to regulate online gambling, which already occurs illegally. However, opponents countered that legalizing interactive gaming would unnecessarily expand gambling in the state.
The House Travel Committee indefinitely postponed HB 162 before it could reach a vote, though supporters indicated that it may be reconsidered in a future legislative session.
