Wyoming Cautions Citizens to Avoid Illegal Internet Gambling Platforms

Wyoming has been one of the most forward-thinking states in the United States, almost introducing online casinos, passing sports betting, and even making way for cryptocurrency.

Yet, the state’s regulator, the Wyoming Gaming Commission, has issued a warning on Thursday, May 22, warning residents and visitors about the proliferation of illegal online gambling platforms – collectively known as iGaming.

Wyoming Wants People to Steer Clear of Unregulated Gambling Sites, Apps  

Both websites and apps have continued to encroach on state territory, targeting residents and visitors, and trying to mislead people into registering and playing at these websites. The illegal gambling services themselves try to impersonate regulated companies.

Although these websites may appear legitimate at first glance, warns the Commission, they are not licensed to operate in the state, and consumers do not enjoy the same level of protection that they would normally do at a state-based and regulated company.

Wyoming is openly attacking companies that have listed a Wyoming address to further credence to their operations.

In a statement, Commission executive director Nicholas Larramendy said that the websites did not have a valid license from the commission and were therefore not allowed to operate locally, and cautioned players about the risks that they would face registering and playing at such websites and apps:

“We want to make it unequivocally clear: no online casino, iGaming, or sweepstakes site is licensed by the Wyoming Gaming Commission, and they are all operating illegally in Wyoming. We strongly encourage everyone to avoid these websites, however, patrons who choose to engage with these unlicensed platforms do so at their own risk.”

Sweepstakes and Social Casinos Not Welcome Either

The press release has similarly and specifically focused on the sweepstakes and social casinos that currently operate in Wyoming, which the regulator called illegal. This comes at a time when companies in the sector have been setting up trade groups to fight back against the regulatory pushback.

Most recently, VGW, the company behind Chumba Casino and other popular social platforms, has set up the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA). The commission added:

“The Wyoming Gaming Commission cannot provide assistance or intervention in cases of disputes regarding winnings, or other account issues arising from participation in illegal iGaming. Again, because most of these operations are based outside of the United States, enforcement of local laws becomes difficult. The Wyoming Gaming Commission will do our best to attempt to shut down the operation in our state when we become aware of an illegal operation.”

Wyoming Gaming Commission

 The regulator wrapped up by urging player to remain vigilant and exercise caution and steer clear of iGaming platforms that have not obtained the necessary licenses. The Commission said that online casinos were not yet legal in the state, and as such should be avoided entirely, with poker a close second.

The only regulated gambling activity in the state as of right now is sports betting.