Summary
- The Wyoming Gaming Commission has advised the public to steer clear of online casino websites.
- The regulator has identified sweepstakes and social casinos as illegal.
- Citizens should be aware that offshore and unregulated websites do not offer the same protections.
The Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC) has cautioned the public against using unregulated and offshore gambling websites. The commission reminded both residents and visitors that Wyoming only regulates sportsbooks at this time and prohibits most forms of online gaming. This includes online casinos offering games of chance, as well as sweepstake and social casinos.
Wyoming appeals to consumers to remain vigilant about offshore gambling sites
The watchdog has issued a warning to consumers about the risks of playing on unregulated online casinos and poker websites that falsely claim to be operating legally within the state. These sites often list Wyoming addresses but lack approval from the state regulator, cautioned the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC). WGC Executive Director Nicholas Larramendy clarified that there are currently no legal online casinos or poker sites in the state, including sweepstake sites. The commission has not authorized any of these entities to operate legally. Larramendy stressed, Any entity claiming otherwise is not truthful. He strongly advised the public to avoid using such websites and warned that patrons who do engage with unlicensed platforms do so at their own risk. He further explained that if players encounter unfair losses, the regulator has limited capacity to intervene. The WGC can only mediate disputes between consumers and operators that are state-licensed, Larramendy noted.
Limited opportunities to intervene on consumer's behalf
Since many of these operations are located outside the United States, enforcing local laws can be challenging. The Wyoming Gaming Commission will make every effort to shut down illegal operations in our state once they are identified, he concluded. The commission has advised consumers to remain vigilant and to question the legitimacy of the websites they use, ensuring these businesses are authorized to operate within the state.
