Wyoming Senate Advances Bills to Tighten Gambling Rules

Lawmakers in Wyoming, US, took another step Friday toward tightening gambling regulations, advancing two bills aimed at closing loopholes and limiting gambling machines in everyday places like grocery stores.

Closing the “Social Relationship” Loophole

Senate File 44 focuses on what some call the “social relationship” loophole. Under current law, gambling is mostly illegal, but friends can play certain games privately without breaking the rules. 

Lawmakers and law enforcement, however, have said some operators have exploited that exception, running what are essentially professional poker rooms under the guise of social clubs.

“The goal was to improve the definition of what friends are,” said Sen. John Kolb, the Rock Springs Republican who led the interim committee on gaming. “Frankly, you can’t be friends for the sole purpose of wanting to gamble.”

The bill clarifies that legal social games must involve only natural persons playing privately, without anyone being paid to host or organize the event. Supporters argue this would make it easier to take action against businesses disguising professional operations as friendly gatherings.

Some raised concerns that the changes could unintentionally affect nonprofits or fraternal organizations. 

Nick Larramendy, executive director of the Wyoming Gaming Commission, reassured lawmakers that traditional charitable games like raffles, bingo, and pull-tabs would largely be unaffected, pointing out that certain “raffles” have been used to front illegal gambling. He cited the Queen of Hearts game as an example. 

Mike Moser of the Wyoming State Liquor Association said he supported the bill overall but worried about overly strict enforcement that could penalize innocent clubs renting a room for a card game.

Removing Skill Games from Grocery Stores

The second measure, Senate File 46, targets skill-based gambling machines in grocery stores and other everyday locations. 

Under the bill, these machines would be limited to licensed liquor establishments, truck stops, and smoke shops. 

Any machines already in grocery stores may continue operating until their current permits expire, after which they would no longer be permitted. Lawmakers expressed concerns regarding minors accessing these machines and the rapid growth of gambling in non-adult spaces.

Both bills passed the Senate Revenue Committee, with SF 44 approved 4-0 and SF 46 passing 3-1, the lone no vote coming from Sen. Troy McKeown, who has a conflict of interest as a liquor license holder. 

SF 44 would take effect July 1, 2026, while SF 46 could become law immediately if it passes the full legislative process.

Both bills now head to the full Senate, where lawmakers will debate and vote on them before they move to the House.