Wyoming Casino Guide
Facts About Gambling & Online Casinos in Wyoming
Gambling in Wyoming is really a new venture. Until 2013, residents of Wyoming had to leave the state to do something as simple as purchase a lottery ticket. House Bill 77 opened the doors to the state’s first lottery. Now, Cowboy Draw, Mega Millions, Pool Play, and Powerball tickets are sold by authorized retailers throughout the state.
State lotteries are not the only things you’ll find in Wyoming. The state is home to three tribally-run casinos. All three do not serve alcohol, so players 18 and older are welcome!
History of Gambling in Wyoming
After the McGill Act of 1901, gambling in Wyoming was banned. Even with the ban, some establishments sidestepped the laws and held card games for local ranchers and guests. Things seemed to go well until slot machines were brought in. These machines caught attention and were confiscated and people were charged with illegal gambling. That brought gambling to a halt and former Governor Milward Simpson stated that there would be no gambling in his state.
The ban on gambling remained in place. Over time, Native Americans managed to open three casinos. These are the only casinos in Wyoming, and they’ve grown over the past decades. Not only do they offer jobs to hundreds of people, but they also provide excellent accommodations and entertainment that draw tourists and tourism dollars.
Age Restrictions for Gambling in Wyoming
Gamblers in Wyoming can start at the age of 18. People can enter and play in any of the land-based casinos and participate in the state lottery as long as they’ve had their 18th birthday.
Wyoming’s Casino Gambling Outlook
Now that the state lottery is active and keeping residents from spending their money in neighboring states, attention may turn to legalizing online casinos and state-run brick and mortar casinos. If this does happen, it is still likely to be years, if not decades, away.
Local Casinos
Little Wind Casino
Little Wind Casino is a smaller establishment in Ethete. In addition to slot machines and table games, the Wyoming casino has a full-service restaurant called Morning Star Restaurant that offers hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Shoshone Rose Casino
At Shoshone Rose Casino, players find a restaurant, gift shop, and casino room with 300 slot machines, Blackjack tables, and poker tables. The casinos sits on the southern border, about three hours south of Yellowstone National Park.
Wind River Hotel & Casino
Located in Riverton, Wyoming, Wind River Hotel & Casino first got its start as a bingo parlor. Over the decades, it has expanded and now has a Wyoming’s largest casino. Players will find table games and slots. There are two restaurants and an espresso bar, the spacious hotel, gift shops, and regular events in the Entertainment Room.