Press Releases

Casper, WY - The Wyoming Gaming Commission, in conjunction with the Wyoming State Legislature, has entered into a contract with Spectrum Gaming Group to conduct a feasibility study about the future of gaming in Wyoming. The Joint Appropriations Committee determined their interim topics and their priority #1 is a comprehensive review of gaming in Wyoming.

In the 2024 General Appropriations bill, the Legislature requires the Wyoming Gaming Commission to conduct a "statewide study of gaming in Wyoming including the structure of historic horse race wagering, skill-based amusement games, and online sports wagering" in consultation with the Committee. The study will also "consider the number and growth of wagering locations and activity, the Commission's oversight capacity, the transparency and efficiency of the Commission monitoring and reporting on licensees and horse track safety" and identify possible gaps in Wyoming law that affect or may affect consumers regarding the security, integrity, or fairness of gaming activities, state and local licensing and permitting processes, and procedures to address non-compliance. The Committee may consider pari-mutuel, skilled gaming, and sports wagering, and may consider providing a uniform regulatory structure for all permitted activities. The Committee will also consider whether to authorize or prohibit interactive gaming, an appropriate regulatory structure, and potential tax revenue. This topic may result in legislation introduced in the 2025 General Session.

Spectrum Gaming Group brings in decades of experience in the gaming industry, regulatory and pari-mutuel expertise coupled with unmatched experience in serving state regulators with comprehensive gaming studies. They provide an unparalleled suite of services for the regulated gambling industry worldwide. Their findings, conclusions and recommendations are based solely on their research, analysis and experience.

Throughout September and October, Spectrum Gaming Group will be conducting investigations, site visits, analyzing data, and assessing the current state of gaming in Wyoming. An early initial draft of their report is expected in November and will be utilized to shape the future of gaming in Wyoming.

Inquiries:

Sara Beth Lyon
sarabeth.lyon@wyo.gov
307.265.4015

Casper, WY - On Sunday, August 6, 2023, a newfound excitement circulated the backside of Wyoming Downs and it spread to the fans in the grandstands, a historical and pivotal event was about to ensue.  The Wyoming Downs Futurity qualifiers would be competing for a purse of $200,400, the richest race on record in Wyoming.     

In racing, the true test of a state’s breeders program is if homebred horses can compete in the big leagues with open company. Well the proof is in the pudding that Wyoming is breeding some of the finest around as not only did the historic race have three Accredited Wyoming Bred qualifiers but the top two finishers in the final were breed registered. It was some of the most exciting 17 seconds in sports, as nine (9)
two- year-old quarter horses sprinted 350 yards to the finish in a well fought battle to the end. The victor was then bound for the winner circle for a celebratory photo and awards presentation with all the winning connections.  

Eddie and Andrea Jensen’s Accredited Wyoming Bred Pappas Fame was raised by the late Ron Moosman with his wife Laurie, trained by Kylie Valenzuela and ridden by Jesus Valenzuela.  The Pappasito gelding out of the mare Makn Moves came flying on the end to win the historical race, making his record a perfect 5 for 5 and earned $92,184 for his effort. Pappas Fame also won the $115,000 Powder River Wyoming Bred Futurity at Energy Downs in June.

Running out of trainer Josh Taylor’s barn, Accredited Wyoming Bred Ivorybudsnblossoms was guided by jockey Juan Rivas to a stellar effort but was overtaken right at the wire to place second by a nose. Brook Black bred the Ivory James gelding out of One Famous Blossom and earned $40,080 for owner Eugene Joyce.

The Wyoming Breeders Award Program is currently one of the best in the country.

Inquiries:

Brande Koltiska
brande.koltiska@wyo.gov
307.265.4015

Casper, WY - The Wyoming Gaming Commission approved two additional online sports wagering operators during its May 5th, 2022 special meeting, bringing the total number of operators in the state to six.

Penn Sports Interactive, LLC., dba Barstool Sportsbook and American Wagering, Inc., dba Caesars Sportsbook both were approved unanimously by the Commission.  Caesars Sportsbook expects to launch by the end of May, while Barstool Sportsbook expects to launch in the coming months.

Current Online Sportsbook Operators include the following:

Crown Gaming WY, dba DraftKings Sportsbook
BetMGM, dba RoarDigital
BetFair Interactive US LLC, dba Fanduel Sportsbook
PointsBet Wyoming LLC
Penn Sports Interactive, LLC, dba Barstool Sportsbook
American Wagering, Inc., dba Caesars Sportsbook

Inquiries:

Michael Steinberg
michael.steinberg@wyo.gov
307.233.4620

Casper, WY - During the Wyoming Gaming Commission's special meeting, held Thursday, May 5, 2022 in Casper, WY, the Commissioners approved the request by Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC to amend the live race dates at Sweetwater Downs.  The WGC has scheduled a total of 52 live race days for 2022.

Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC will still offer 16 live race days beginning a week later than originally requested.  Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs will host the following dates:
August 20, 21, 27, 28; September 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25; and October 1, 2.

Wyoming Downs, LLC will offer 20 live race days at Wyoming Downs Racetrack during the following dates:
June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26; July 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31; and August 6, 7.

307 Horse Racing, Inc. will offer 16 live race days, hosted at Energy Downs in Gillette, during the following dates:
May 21, 22, 28, 29, 30; June 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26.

The Commission continues to strive for the protection of the wagering public and the health, safety and welfare of both human and equine participants with our regulatory processes, presence and integrity.

For more information on the latest information and news regarding horse racing in Wyoming, please visit the following sites:
307 Horse Racing, Inc.
Wyoming Downs, LLC
Wyoming Horse Racing, LLC

Inquiries:

Brande Koltiska
brande.koltiska@wyo.gov
307.233.4417