DraftKings & BetMGM go live in Wyoming

DraftKings and BetMGM have kicked off Sports Betting in Wyoming

DraftKings and BetMGM have become the first two sportsbooks to launch in Wyoming. The Wyoming Gaming Commission met virtually on Wednesday and decided to approve both online sports betting licenses unanimously. The BetMGM sportsbook and DraftKings sportsbook will begin accepting bets straight away, which would make the Equality State the first location in the US to pass a sports betting bill and take bets in 2021.

The approval of the two sportsbooks comes after the committee overwhelmingly voted to approve online sports betting regulations last month. The state began accepting applications from operators on July 15, just two months after Gov. Mark Gordon signed HB-133 to legalize sports wagering into law.

More Sportsbooks are possibly on the way

The commission did not reveal any details regarding other sportsbooks, but both FanDuel and Barstool have applied for licenses. It is expected that Wyoming will eventually grant up to five licenses, but for the time being, BetMGM and DraftKings will be the only two operating in the state.

Wyoming becomes one of only two states that will require operators to run their platforms on a mobile-only basis and not require a land-based casino or sportsbook. Sports wagering in Tennessee is only online as well.

Gambling in Wyoming will look a little different from that of the rest of the country. This is because it has the smallest population of any state and does not feature a professional sports team from any of the major four sports. Wyoming is home to the collegiate Wyoming Cowboys, who are part of the Mountain West Conference in football and basketball.

Bettors in nearby Utah can make the journey across the border and place bets on professional teams like the NBA’s Jazz.

This year has been a strong one for the sports wagering industry so far. Numerous states, including Florida, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and Arizona, have all passed sports betting bills. However, Wyoming is the first state to pass that bill and then approve licenses to sportsbooks in the state this year.

BetMGM, DraftKings expand footprint

By launching in Wyoming, DraftKings is now legal in 12 states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Michigan, and Colorado.

As well as Wyoming, BetMGM is live in Washington, DC, Tennessee, West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Iowa, Indiana, Colorado, Michigan, and Nevada.

Want to stay up to date on the latest legal sports betting news across the US? Then come and follow us over on Twitter @Gamble_usa.

Relevant news