Tap To Play? Lawmakers Advance Debit-Card Sales For WyoLotto

The original story by Jordan Uplinger for Wyoming Public Radio.

Wyoming could soon let you buy WyoLotto tickets with a debit card — no cash required. A legislative panel on Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources voted to sponsor a bill for the February budget session that would modernize how tickets are sold.

Key guardrail: credit cards stay off the table. Lawmakers said the goal is convenience, not encouraging people to gamble on credit. Retailers could also opt out and keep it cash-only if they want.

“This is really about staying competitive and letting people purchase our products with a debit card,” said John Clontz of the Wyoming Lottery.

WyoLotto launched in 2013 to add a new revenue stream for the state. Since then it’s brought in more than $44 million, steered millions in unrestricted funds to local governments, paid out nearly $153 million to winners, and kicked about $1 million a year in commissions to the local stores that sell the tickets.

With two members excused, the Travel Committee backed the bill unanimously.

A couple of lawmakers used the moment to flag a bigger worry: gaming creep. Rep. Karlee Provenza (D–Laramie) praised the credit-card ban but said gambling venues are multiplying fast in her district. Laramie now has three off-track betting (OTB) spots on the same street — Derby Club and Horse Palace joining Wyoming Downs.

Sen. Bill Landon (R–Casper) echoed the concern, noting beloved neighborhood bars in his area have turned into “slot machine parlors.” He called the risk in this particular bill “minimal,” but said the broader trend gives him pause.

Those critiques land as the Legislature wrestles with Wyoming’s rapid expansion of OTBs and historic horse racing machines — growth that’s also fueled a comeback in live horse racing.

Expect tweaks once the session starts. Lawmakers signaled they may add security measures, especially since big jackpots tend to pack convenience stores.

If it passes? Buying a quick-pick with your gas and coffee might be as easy as a tap — just not on credit.