Legislators in Wyoming are contemplating two pieces of pro-gambling legislation. The first would establish a state lottery. The second bill would legalize casual poker games.
Only seven states in the United States do not have a state sponsored lottery – Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. This isn’t Wyoming’s first rodeo though. Lottery legislation failed in 2007 and 2009. Officials believed there were not enough inhabitants to generate significant revenue while other critics thought it was socially irresponsible.
The second piece of legislation, House Bill 188, would legalize friendly poker games. Players in these games must have a “bona fide social relationship” so underground games where the house takes a rake are still illegal. Still, the law would protect the casual player from arrest. Being labeled something other than a casual players has severe consequences. Under current law, professional gambling is deemed a felony.
Wyoming is a traditionally Republican state. This legislation passing committee is a small victory in itself. It’s another sign that gambling regulation on the federal level is fast-approaching.