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Can I offer contests that involve a single game or event in Wyoming? What are the requirements?

Yes, you can offer contests that involve a single game or event in Wyoming, subject to certain requirements.

Requirements for Offering Contests in Wyoming

To offer a contest in Wyoming, a sports wagering operator or sports wagering vendor must file written notice with the Commission of its intent to offer that tournament, contest, or pool type and obtain approval from the Commission [1.1]. The request must provide a detailed description of the contest, including the rules of the contest, the requirements for entry, the entry fees, the rake, and potential payouts [1.1]. Once a sports wagering operator or sports wagering vendor receives approval to offer a contest type, the sports wagering operator or sports wagering vendor shall not be required to seek additional approvals from the Commission for each subsequent type that is substantially similar [1.1].

Each sports wagering operator or sports wagering vendor must maintain a record of each contest it offers, which must address, at a minimum, all of the following: name or identification of the contest, the date and time the contest occurred or will occur (if known), events and wager types, rules concerning contest play and participation, and for each registered patron: unique patron ID and username (if different), amount of entry fee collected, patron scorings/rankings, and amount of winnings paid [1.1].

The sports wagering operator or sports wagering vendor shall be responsible for the rake. The sports wagering operator’s or sports wagering vendor’s rake collected from patrons that enter a contest while located in the state of Wyoming less any rake adjustment, if applicable, shall be considered online sports wagering revenue and are subject to all taxes and tax requirements outlined in W.S. § 9-24-104 [1.1].

Additional Requirements for Skill-Based Amusement Games

If the contest involves a skill-based amusement game, additional requirements apply. Skill-based amusement games are only played on a fixed, commercial electrical gaming device [2.1]. A game is not considered a skill-based amusement game if it does not allow a player to exercise skill or strategy over the game, or if the ability of any player to succeed at the game is impacted by chance [2.1].

To offer a skill-based amusement game in Wyoming, a vendor must submit an application to have the game evaluated by the Commission and obtain approval [2.2]. The vendor must also maintain a reserve in the amount necessary to cover the outstanding skill-based amusement game liability required under W.S. § 11-25-304(d) [2.3].

Commission Investigations

The Commission has the authority to enter any establishment where skill-based amusement games are present during normal business hours or if it appears customers are still present [2.5]. The Commission may inspect and examine all skill-based amusement game locations approved by the Commission, any establishment that conducts or participates in conducting skill-based amusement gaming and is not approved by the Commission, and any facility in which skill-based amusement game supplies, devices, or equipment are manufactured, sold, distributed, tested, or otherwise held or maintained [2.5].

Therefore, to offer a contest that involves a single game or event in Wyoming, you must file written notice with the Commission of your intent to offer that contest type and obtain approval from the Commission. You must also maintain a record of each contest you offer and be responsible for the rake. If the contest involves a skill-based amusement game, additional requirements apply, including obtaining approval from the Commission and maintaining a reserve to cover the outstanding skill-based amusement game liability.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Wyoming