Wyoming Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in WY

In the early 2000s, the situation of legal gambling in Wyoming began to change. It used to be limited to charitable games, bingo, and pari-mutuel betting. However, the Northern Arapaho tribe filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming that they had the right to open a full-fledged casino in Riverton.

Under the Indian Gambling Regulatory Act of 1988, the tribe argued that the state was required to allow them to offer Class 3 games, including slots because they were already permitted during charity events. The case went federal, and in 2004, the Tenth District Court of Appeals ruled that the tribe was entitled to the full range of casino-style Class 3 gambling.

The state tried to resist this ruling and requested a rehearing, but the court ruled in favor of the tribe again in 2005. This paved the way for the Eastern Shoshone tribe to make their own deal with the local government, which led to the creation of a new gambling establishment in Lander.

Aside from tribal venues, local racetracks in Wyoming were permitted to install Instant Racing terminals in 2003. These machines are similar to slot machines in gameplay but generate outcomes based on historical horse racing data. Local bars used to offer electronic skill games designed by Banilla Games as well, but in December 2018, the Wyoming Attorney General issued a formal opinion stating that the machines met the definition of illegal gambling devices under Wyoming law.

In the early 2000s, the situation of legal gambling in Wyoming began to change. It used to be limited to charitable games, bingo, and pari-mutuel betting. However, the Northern Arapaho tribe filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming that they had the right to open a full-fledged casino in Riverton.

Under the Indian Gambling Regulatory Act of 1988, the tribe argued that the state was required to allow them to offer Class 3 games, including slots because they were already permitted during charity events. The case went federal, and in 2004, the Tenth District Court of Appeals ruled that the tribe was entitled to the full range of casino-style Class 3 gambling.

The state tried to resist this ruling and requested a rehearing, but the court ruled in favor of the tribe again in 2005. This paved the way for the Eastern Shoshone tribe to make their own deal with the local government, which led to the creation of a new gambling establishment in Lander.

Aside from tribal venues, local racetracks in Wyoming were permitted to install Instant Racing terminals in 2003. These machines are similar to slot machines in gameplay but generate outcomes based on historical horse racing data. Local bars used to offer electronic skill games designed by Banilla Games as well, but in December 2018, the Wyoming Attorney General issued a formal opinion stating that the machines met the definition of illegal gambling devices under Wyoming law.

List of Top Gambling Venues in Wyoming

Related reading: Wyoming online casinos

Best Casinos in Wyoming

1. Wind River Hotel & Casino

The Wind River Hotel & Casino is one of the largest and most popular casinos in Wyoming, located in Riverton. The casino offers a wide variety of games, including slot machines, table games, poker, bingo, and off-track betting. Some example titles of slot machines available at Wind River Hotel & Casino include “Buffalo Gold,” “Lightning Link,” “Walking Dead,” “Dragon Link,” and “Tarzan.”

The venue has a large gaming floor, with over 800 slot machines and 10 table games available. The casino was launched in 2005 and has since become a major attraction in the area.

In addition to gaming, Wind River Hotel & Casino also offers several dining options. The Red Willow Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and specializes in contemporary American cuisine. There is also a deli, a coffee shop, and a bar located within the casino.

For those looking to stay overnight, Wind River Hotel & Casino also offers a 90-room hotel. The rooms are spacious and come with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and refrigerators. There is also a fitness center, a pool, and a hot tub available for guests to use.

2. Little Wind Casino

Little Wind Casino is located in Riverton, Wyoming and offers a smaller gaming experience compared to other casinos in the state. The casino has over 160 slot machines, including classic and video slots. Some of the popular slot titles available at Little Wind Casino include “The Hangover,” “Red Hot Tamales,” “88 Fortunes,” and “Dragon’s Temple.”

Little Wind Casino was launched in 1992 and has become a favorite spot for locals and tourists who prefer a more intimate setting for gaming.

The casino has several dining options, including a bar serving snacks, drinks, and cocktails. A cafe is also available for visitors who want a more substantial meal.

Little Wind Casino does not have an onsite hotel, but several hotels are located nearby. The casino offers a players’ club, where regular visitors can earn points and redeem them for various rewards.

3. Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel

Located in Lander, Wyoming, the Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel is a popular destination with a spacious gaming floor. With over 400 slot machines and a variety of table games and poker, you’re sure to find something you love. Try your luck at games like “Fort Knox,” “Lightning Link,” “Cash Express,” and “Buffalo Diamond.”

When it’s time for a break, check out the dining options at Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with contemporary American cuisine and drink options. You can also grab a quick bite at the snack bar located within the casino.

If you’re planning on staying the night, the hotel at Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel has got you covered with 61 rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators. Take advantage of the fitness center and pool available for guests to use. Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel has it all.

4. 789 Casino & Smokeshop

In Riverton, Wyoming, you’ll find the 789 Casino & Smokeshop, which features over 200 slot machines and table games. Popular slot titles include “Fortune 88,” “Kronos Unleashed,” “Buffalo Gold,” and “Dragon’s Temple.”

Although the gaming floor is smaller than other Wyoming casinos, 789 Casino & Smokeshop has a variety of table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette. Locals and tourists alike have made this casino a favorite since its launch in 2013, especially those who enjoy gaming and smoking.

You won’t find dining options at 789 Casino & Smokeshop, but the smokeshop located within the casino sells tobacco products and snacks.

For those planning to stay overnight, 789 Casino & Smokeshop doesn’t have a hotel on site. However, there are several hotels nearby to choose from. The casino also offers a players’ club where regular visitors can earn points and redeem them for various rewards.

5. Sage Hill Casino

Nestled in Blackfoot, Wyoming, Sage Hill Casino boasts a cozy and intimate gaming experience with over 100 slot machines and table games. You can test your luck on popular slot titles like “Fortune 88,” “Panda Magic,” “Pharaoh’s Fortune,” and “Texas Tea.”

Even though the gaming floor is smaller than other Wyoming casinos, Sage Hill Casino has a variety of table games such as blackjack and poker. Since its launch in 2005, the casino has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a more personalized gaming experience.

Hungry? Don’t miss out on the chance to dine at the restaurant located within Sage Hill Casino, which serves up delectable American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also quench your thirst with a wide range of drink options available.

Although there isn’t a hotel on site, there are several nearby hotels to choose from for overnight stays. Additionally, the casino offers a players’ club, where regular visitors can earn points and redeem them for various rewards. Come join the fun at Sage Hill Casino for an unforgettable gaming experience.

Wyoming Gambling Revenues: An Overview of the State’s Gaming Industry

Wyoming may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of gambling, but the state has a small but growing gaming industry that generates substantial revenue. In 2019, the Wyoming Gaming Commission reported that the state’s gambling establishments generated $310 million in revenue. This is a significant increase from the $268 million in revenue generated in 2018.

The majority of Wyoming’s gambling revenue comes from slot machines, accounting for around 70% of the total revenue. Table games such as blackjack and poker generate the remaining 30%. The state currently has six licensed casinos and over 1,200 gaming machines located in bars, taverns, and other establishments.

Wyoming uses the revenue generated from gambling to fund various programs, including education and infrastructure projects. In 2019, the state’s general fund received $23.8 million in gaming revenue, while the Wyoming Department of Health received $2.8 million. The Wyoming Travel and Tourism Board received $2.5 million to promote tourism in the state. Additionally, a portion of the revenue is allocated to the gambling industry itself to cover regulatory and administrative costs.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Wyoming: A Look at Their History and Current Status

Wyoming is home to several Native American tribes, many of which have a history of gaming. The state has two federally recognized tribes, the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Both tribes operate casinos on their respective reservations, which generate millions of dollars in revenue annually.

However, the relationship between the tribes and the state of Wyoming has been contentious at times. In the 1990s, the Northern Arapaho Tribe opened a casino on their reservation, which the state promptly shut down, citing violations of state law. The tribe sued the state, and the case went all the way to the US Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the tribe’s right to operate the casino.

Despite this victory, the relationship between the tribes and the state remains strained. In 2019, the Wyoming Legislature considered a bill that would have allowed for the expansion of gaming in the state, but it ultimately failed to pass. This has left the tribes in a precarious position, as they rely on gaming revenue to fund critical programs and services for their communities.

List of Indian Gaming Tribes in Wyoming:

• Eastern Shoshone Tribe
• Northern Arapaho Tribe

A History of Gambling in Wyoming: From Outlawed Activity to Regulated Industry

Wyoming may not be one of the first states that comes to mind when you think of gambling, but the state has a rich history of wagering that dates back to the early days of the Wild West. In the late 1800s, gambling was a popular pastime in the state, with saloons and gaming halls dotting the landscape. However, the state soon passed laws to outlaw gambling, which remained in effect until the 20th century.

In the early 1900s, gambling began to make a comeback in Wyoming. Horse racing became a popular activity, with tracks opening up in several cities. In 1933, Wyoming passed a law legalizing parimutuel betting on horse racing, which allowed the industry to flourish. Today, Wyoming is home to three horse racing tracks, with the state’s industry generating $16.8 million in revenue in 2021.

In the 1960s, Wyoming began to allow charity gambling, which allowed nonprofit organizations to operate bingo and raffle games. This provided a legal avenue for gambling, but the industry remained relatively small. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Wyoming began to seriously consider the potential of commercial gambling.

In 1989, the state passed the “Limited Gaming Act,” which allowed for the establishment of commercial casinos on a limited basis. The law allowed for a maximum of five casinos in the state, each of which was required to pay a $100,000 licensing fee. This move paved the way for the modern gambling industry in Wyoming, and the first casino opened in 1991.

Today, there are six licensed casinos in Wyoming, each of which offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and poker. In 2019, the state’s casinos generated $310 million in revenue, with the majority of that coming from slot machines. The industry employs thousands of people and provides significant revenue to the state.

However, the relationship between the state and the gambling industry has not always been smooth. As mentioned earlier, the state shut down a casino operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe in the 1990s, and the two groups have clashed over gambling-related issues since then. Additionally, the state has been slow to expand the industry, with several proposals to increase the number of casinos or allow for online gambling failing to gain traction.

Gambling Taxes in Wyoming: What You Need to Know

If you’re a gambler in Wyoming, it’s important to understand the tax implications of your winnings. Wyoming imposes a tax on gambling winnings, which is collected by the state’s Department of Revenue. The tax rate varies depending on the type of gambling and the amount of winnings, but generally, the tax is 25% of the winnings.

For example, if you win $1,000 at a slot machine, you will owe $250 in taxes. This tax is automatically withheld by the casino before you receive your winnings. However, if you have losses that offset your winnings, you may be able to claim a refund for some of the taxes paid.

It’s worth noting that Wyoming’s gambling tax is one of the lowest in the country. Many states have a higher tax rate, with some as high as 50%. This can have a significant impact on the amount of money you take home after a big win.

If you’re a regular gambler or a professional gambler, you may need to file a tax return with the state. Wyoming requires that all taxpayers report gambling winnings on their state income tax return, regardless of the amount. This means that even if you only won a few dollars, you are still required to report it.

To file your tax return, you will need to complete the appropriate forms and include all of your gambling winnings and losses for the year. This can be a complex process, particularly if you have significant winnings or losses. It’s important to keep accurate records of all your gambling activity throughout the year to ensure that you can file an accurate and complete tax return.

Wyoming Gambling FAQ: Answers to Your Burning Questions

How much can you win at Wyoming casinos before being taxed? 

In Wyoming, all gambling winnings are subject to a 25% tax, regardless of the amount. The casino is required to withhold the tax before paying out your winnings.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Wyoming? 

If you feel that you have a gambling problem or want to take a break from gambling, you can voluntarily ban yourself from Wyoming casinos. To do this, you can contact the Wyoming Gaming Commission, which will assist you in filling out a self-exclusion form. Once you’ve signed the form, you will be banned from all Wyoming casinos for the duration of the self-exclusion period.

Who regulates gambling in Wyoming? 

The Wyoming Gaming Commission is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the state. The commission is tasked with ensuring the integrity of the industry, enforcing state laws and regulations, and protecting the public from fraudulent or illegal activities.

What is the minimum gambling age in Wyoming? 

The minimum age for gambling in Wyoming is 18 for bingo and pull-tab games and 21 for all other forms of gambling, including casinos and horse racing.

Can I gamble online in Wyoming? 

No, online gambling is not legal in Wyoming. The state has not yet legalized any form of online gambling, including online casinos or sports betting.

What types of gambling are legal in Wyoming? 

Wyoming allows for several types of gambling, including casinos, horse racing, and charitable gaming such as bingo and raffles. The state also permits parimutuel betting on horse racing, and there are three racetracks in the state.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in Wyoming? 

Yes, you can deduct gambling losses on your Wyoming state income tax return, but only to the extent of your winnings. This means that if you won $1,000 but lost $1,500, you can only deduct $1,000 in losses. You must also keep accurate records of all your gambling activity to support your deductions.