Online sports betting in Wyoming became legal when Governor Mark Gordon signed House Bill 133 into law. That took place on April 5th 2021, with the first online sportsbooks launching almost exactly five months later.
As the least populous state in the US, the Wyoming sports betting handle is understandably lower than most. With no retail sportsbooks allowed for now, and just three mobile sites operating, sales figures have remained largely static since launching.
We’ll talk more about the history and future of the WY sports betting landscape later in this article. In addition, we’ll reveal the most popular betting lines, discuss some common bonuses and share a step-by-step guide to placing your first bets. But before we do any of that, let’s rank the best online betting sites in the Equality State.
Best Licensed Online Sports Betting Sites available in Wyoming
The following Wyoming sports betting sites are the only ones currently operating. We’ve checked them all to compare their odds, betting lines, promotions and countless other factors, before listing them in order of preference.
Now that you’ve seen our favorite Wyoming sports betting brands, what else are we going to discuss in this article? Feel free to jump straight to the sections you’re most interested in via the following links.
For as long as we’ve had organized sports, people have found ways to bet on them. Whether legal or not, it has always happened. In fact, our ancient ancestors even liked a flutter, as archaeologists have found rudimentary dice carved from bones.
When the internet became mainstream in the 1990s, it didn’t take long for gambling companies to appear. It was casino gaming to begin with, but bookmakers soon began to switch over from telephone betting operations to the internet. And more recently, the surge in smartphone usage has taken things even further.
When we talk about online sports betting, we’re referring to bets placed remotely through an internet connection. It doesn’t matter whether it’s pre-game or in-play, or via cell phone, tablet or computer. But other forms of gambling, such as virtual sports or DFS, are not categorized as sports betting.
Is Online Sports Betting Allowed in Wyoming?
Online sportsbooks are allowed to operate in WY, though at the time of writing, there are no plans to allow retail betting. This seems unlikely to change in future.
Things began in 2018 when the Supreme Court ruled that individual states should be allowed to regulate sports betting. Although Wyoming was a little slower than some states, they did eventually manage to pass legislation.
Two bills died in committee in 2020, perhaps due to the distraction of the Covid-19 situation. But on April 5th 2021, Governor Gordon eventually signed a bill which would permit sports wagering. Five months later on September 1st 2021, the first two mobile sportsbooks began accepting bets.
When it comes to sports betting in Wyoming, everyone has their own preferred way to wager. But there are a few observable trends which suggest some lines are more popular than others. Let’s take a look at the most prevalent sportsbook lines in the Equality State.
Moneyline
The most basic sports betting market is the moneyline. Since all you need to do is pick the team you think will win the game, it’s the easiest to understand. That simplicity underpins its popularity among sports bettors.
The odds represent the team’s relative probability of emerging victorious. The higher the number, the lower the chances of winning, hence greater returns if they do.
Spread
If one team is far superior to the other, the moneyline will be lopsided. When one team is such a big favorite, it’s not very appealing from a betting perspective. Risking a lot of money to produce such a low return is never a great idea. But betting on the outsider makes little sense if they have no chance to win.
Bookmakers solved this problem by setting lines where the better team is handicaped. By giving a head start to the underdog, the superior team also has to cover the points spread in addition to winning the game. That brings the odds much closer together.
Totals
Another set of common Wyoming sports betting markets are point totals. The bookies set an imaginary target and you need to calculate whether the real value will be higher or lower. As such, these lines are usually dubbed “Over/Under” markets.
For instance, in a soccer game, you might be faced with a totals line of 2.5 goals in the entire match. Or it could be a player prop, such as Klay Thompson to drain more than 8.5 three-pointers in one game.
Futures
Wagering on events that won’t be settled for many weeks is known as “futures” betting. This is a popular way to bet because the rewards can be greater than standard sports wagers. With so much time still to elapse, there’s more risk involved. A player could end up hurt, lose form or be traded.
Futures betting is very popular in horse racing, such as trying to identify the winner of the Kentucky Derby months in advance. But you see these markets in all sports, most notably the outright winners of the World Series, Super Bowl or NBA Championship.
In-Play
Live betting, or “in-play” as it’s often termed, is a huge part of the modern bookmaker’s business. For most sports, it represents more than half of the bookie’s turnover.
Betting in-play offers a whole host of different betting angles, particularly for an expert. Watching the action unfold in and responding with a wager can be very profitable if you know what you are doing.
Parlay
One of the most popular bet types anywhere in the world is the parlay. By linking multiple wagers together to form one giant bet, it’s possible to greatly increase your returns. And that’s why they’re so attractive to bettors.
Of course, parlays do also multiply the difficulty levels, so they can be hard to win. But the chance to turn a small stake into a huge prize is often irresistible.
Teasers
A teaser is a form of parlay, which allows bettors to adjust certain parameters. After all, parlays can be very tricky to land, so moving lines in your favor is definitely appealing.
However, the trade off in making it a little easier to win is that your returns will be slightly reduced. But for many Wyoming sports betting fans, that’s a price worth paying.
The Growth of Sports Betting in Wyoming
Since the first Wyoming sports betting sites accepted their initial registrations, the market has remained fairly static. September 1st 2021 was the first day of business and that month saw a combined handle of $6,242,469.
Sales figures peaked in January 2022 at $13,977,632 and by the middle of that year, they were consistently hovering around the 10 million mark. For example in May, the Equality State’s total handle was $9,340,833.
With just three sportsbooks running and no retail operations, there’s a lack of competition. But since the population of Wyoming is so small, there’s no incentive for new operators to rush into the region. So in all likelihood, the situation will remain the same for the foreseeable future.
Is Sports Betting Popular in WY?
Due to the small population of Wyoming, which has the fewest residents of any state, sports betting sales are naturally low. You must also consider the fact that there are currently no retail betting operators in WY and just three online sportsbooks.
Wyoming is known for its beautiful scenery and attracts lovers of the great outdoors. But with such a tiny population, the state is not an attractive location for anyone wishing to run a top sports franchise. As such, there are no professional teams in the region.
All of these factors explain why the numbers are not hitting the heights seen elsewhere in the country. But there are still many states which have not even legalized sports betting, suggesting that it’s more popular in Wyoming than other areas.
Those Wyomingites who do partake in sports betting probably enjoy the added buzz that wagering brings. There’s no better way to spice up an uneventful game when you’re not a fan of either team. And if you’re a sports expert, betting represents a chance to make some money from your superior knowledge.
Types of Bonus in Online Sports Betting
Due to the competitive nature of the sports betting industry, companies have to fight hard to get our attention. That’s why you’re sure to see so many online betting bonuses and promotions, both for new customers and existing ones.
In the next section of our guide to Wyoming sports betting, we’ll highlight a few of the most popular offers. Look out for these and be sure to take advantage!
First Time Deposit Bonus
A first time deposit bonus is one of the most common new player offers in the online sportsbook world. As the name implies, you’ll need to add some real money to your new account. But when you do, you’ll earn a reward that’s linked to the size of the deposit.
For example, new players registering with DraftKings in Wyoming can earn a 20% deposit bonus of up to $1,000.
Reload Bonus
Deposit bonuses don’t just have to be for first time depositors. Some online bookmakers like to reward their loyal customers by issuing further rewards for future top ups.
These are what’s known as “reload” bonuses, as the promotion only applies when you reload your betting wallet. They work in the same way as a new player deposit match offer, only the percentages tend to be smaller.
Free Bet
A free bet promotion is essentially a wagering token that allows you to bet without losing any money. If you manage to pick out a winner, the profit is yours to keep. But if the bet goes down, it hasn’t actually cost you a cent.
Free bets are often given to new customers, but you’ll find them used as loyalty rewards too. They are usually restricted to certain types of market, so be sure to read the terms of the promotion before betting.
Risk-Free Bet
It might sound the same, but a risk-free bet is a little different to a free bet. In this case, you must use your own money to place a standard bet. So if you win, naturally you’ll keep any profits, as well as the original stake.
However, if you lose, there will be some kind of compensation lined up. That’s almost always in the form of a betting token worth an equal amount to the real money bet, allowing you to take another shot.
At BetMGM Sportsbook Wyoming you can now enjoy a $1,000 Risk-Free Bet after sign up.
Parlay Insurance
As we’ve mentioned elsewhere in this Wyoming sports betting article, parlays are not easy to land. So a lot of online bookmakers will soften the blow of a near-miss with a form of parlay insurance.
It’s usually the case that if one pick lets you down, you’ll earn a free bet. For example, if you placed a nine-leg parlay and eight of them won, you’ll receive an insurance payout.
Loyalty Program
You’ve probably heard of air miles and similar rewards schemes, but did you know that many online sportsbooks do the same? It works in a similar fashion, acquiring points with every real money bet that you place.
As you accumulate more and more, you’ll climb up through the rewards tiers and receive increasingly beneficial perks. But you can also switch your points for free bets, bonuses and tangible gifts like branded clothing, hardware or dining experiences.
Popular Sports to Bet On
With no professional sports team in the state, Wyoming sports betting fans spread their wagers around fairly evenly. It’s likely that football would be the most popular sport by far, if there were a local team to root for.
That said, there are successful college sports teams in the Equality State, notably the Cheyenne Grizzlies, Yellowstone Quake, Laramie Colts and Wyoming Knights. And with the likes of the Denver Broncos and Utah Jazz plying their trade in neighboring states, there is certainly some support for sporting teams in the wider region.
These following sports are among the most popular for betting in WY.
Ready to get started at a Wyoming sports betting site? Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Follow the below steps and you’ll be placing wagers in double quick time!
To start with, you’ll need to decide where to place your bets. It’s a little easier in WY than some states, since at the moment there are only three to choose from! We’ve listed our preferred sportsbooks at the top of this page.
Visit our desired online bookie by clicking through our link, so you don’t accidentally end up at a fake site. Spoof sportsbooks are rare, but they do exist and you might end up getting scammed.
Add your personal information to the simple registration form to open your account. Make sure you fill these in correctly as if you don’t, future payouts could be delayed.
Next you should consider the welcome bonus. Some bookmakers ask you to insert a promo code when filling out the signup form. Others simply let you choose from a list of options after registration, while many require a bonus code when depositing. Pay attention to the rules!
Having completed the signup process, it’s time to load your account with real money. Hit the cashier section of the site, pick a payment method and make that deposit!
Transaction completed? Great, you’re ready to play! Take a look through the sportsbook and see which betting opportunities catch your eye. Click on the odds to build your bet.
Sports Betting Payment Methods
The top online sportsbooks try to make the user experience as pleasant as possible. That’s why the best sites, including Wyoming sports betting brands, give bettors a wide choice of deposit and withdrawal methods.
You’ll see many safe, fast and reliable payment options at these sites, including some or more of the following options.
American Express
Discover
Mastercard
Visa
Bank Transfers
Paypal
Neteller
Skrill
EcoPayz
Paysafecard
Responsible Sports Betting in Wyoming
For a very small minority of players in Wyoming, sports betting can become a serious problem. If you feel that your gambling activities are getting out of hand, don’t worry; you’re not alone. You can always turn to any of the following groups:
National Problem Gambling Helpline. This nationwide helpline is staffed around the clock, seven days a week. Contact 1-800-522-4700 if you need to talk in confidence to someone that understands your situation. Alternatively, head to ncpgambling.org for further details.
Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling. The WCPG was established in 2005 and is there for problem gamblers as well as their families. Call them on 307-277-0509 or visit wyomingcpg.org for more information.
Gamblers Anonymous. This organization has been assisting problem gamblers since the late 1950s, via their famous 12-step program. See gamblersanonymous.org for a list of support groups near you.
Useful Tools
Before you need to reach out to any of the above resources, you can always take control for yourself. That’s because the best Wyoming sports betting sites offer responsible gambling controls, like these:
Reality Checks. A message will appear after your specified period of time to remind you to leave the sportsbook.
Deposit Limits. Configure a maximum figure that the bookmaker will accept from any of your registered payment methods, in a given timeframe.
Loss Limits. Cap the total amount of money you can lose in your chosen time range, before the site blocks further bets.
Time Outs. Choose to take a break from your betting account for as long as you wish. You will be denied the opportunity to log in until the time out is elapsed.
Self Exclusion. An extreme measure which will completely lock you out of a betting site. No more accounts can be created and the bookmaker will do everything within their control to prevent you from receiving marketing content or accessing the site.
FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Wyoming?
Yes it is. Since the approval of House Bill 133 on April 5th 2021, sports betting in WY is legal. The first online sportsbook opened up on September 1st of the same year. However, for the time being, there is no retail betting permitted in the Equality State.
What is the legal age for Wyoming sports betting?
Unlike most of the United States, you can legally place sports bets at 18 years of age in Wyoming.
Can I bet on college sports in Wyoming?
Yes! HB 133 allows for betting on college sports teams based in Wyoming. So if you want to show your support for the Cheyenne Grizzlies or Wyoming Knights with a wager, go for it!
Is it legal to bet with offshore sportsbooks in Wyoming?
As with many US states, the legal situation around offshore betting sites in Wyoming is somewhat grey. Technically, you cannot operate a sportsbook without a license from the Wyoming Gaming Commission. But many international brands do accept US players and there’s nothing the local authorities can do about it.
What are the best Wyoming sports betting sites?
At the time of writing, there are only three sites offering Wyoming residents their sports betting services. You can see all of these, in order of our personal preference, towards the top of this page.
When officials rubber stamped legal sports betting in Wyoming, BetMGM was the first operator on the scene. And since launching in September 2021, the popular online sportsbook offers a very generous welcome bonus to new players. In this article, we’ll present an impartial review of the site, detailing the key features you need to know ..
Online sports betting is a fast-growing phenomenon across the US. More and more states are legalizing online sports betting which makes mobile betting available to the broad public. With the rise of sports betting in mind we where curious what the best sports betting apps are in the US. Browse this guide to learn more ..
