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Can I offer contests that involve skill-based games in Wyoming? What are the requirements?
Offering Skill-Based Contests in Wyoming
Yes, you can offer contests that involve skill-based games in Wyoming, but you must comply with the state’s regulations and requirements.
Requirements for Skill-Based Amusement Games
According to WYST 11-25-301, skill-based amusement games operating in the state must be approved by the commission to operate in the state or be removed from the state by the vendor. The commission shall promulgate any necessary rules to administer and enforce this article. The rules may include provisions for the control, supervision, direction, discipline, suspension, or fining of any person for violation of this article or rules adopted in accordance with this article.
Certification of Skill-Based Amusement Games
As per 038-0003-5 WYAR § 1, all skill-based amusement games shall be submitted to a nationally recognized, independent gaming laboratory approved by the Commission for certification testing. Vendors are prohibited from offering a skill-based amusement game in Wyoming without such certification. The vendor is responsible for all costs associated with testing and obtaining such certifications.
Access to Skill-Based Amusement Games
As per 038-0003-4 WYAR § 9, vendors must have the ability to restrict which users have access to certain functions on the skill-based amusement games. Remote access to the skill-based amusement game may be permitted for limited functions. Anyone proposing to access their skill-based amusement games remotely must demonstrate to the Commission through the laboratory report, or otherwise, that security measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access and to document all remote access attempts and security incidents.
Skill-Based Amusement Game Approval
As per 038-0003-4 WYAR § 1, no skill-based amusement game may be used for play at an establishment that has not been approved by the Commission. An application to have a skill-based amusement game evaluated by the Commission must be completed by the vendor, or if the operator is functioning independently it will be completed by the operator, on a uniform application furnished by the Commission.
Skill-Based Amusement Game Qualifiers
As per 038-0003-4 WYAR § 2, when the Commission is making a determination regarding whether a specific game meets the definition of a skill-based amusement game, it will consider the following requirements, as well as the physical operation of the game by a player of reasonable skill. Skill-based amusement games are only played on a fixed, commercial electrical gaming device.
Restrictions on Operation of Skill-Based Amusement Games
As per WYST 11-25-303, no skill-based amusement game shall allow a game play of more than three dollars ($3.00) per play. No skill-based amusement game shall allow a payout of more than three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) per play. No establishment shall have more than four (4) skill-based amusement games operating for play at any one (1) time. An operator shall not locate a skill-based amusement game in an area of the establishment into which a person under the age of twenty-one (21) years may enter. An operator shall conspicuously mark each area of the establishment containing a skill-based amusement game as an age-restricted area. The operator shall not allow a person under the age of twenty-one (21) years to play a skill-based amusement game.
Taxation Requirements
As per 038-0003-3 WYAR § 4, each vendor and operator shall, at all times, comply with any Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements for reporting and withholding proceeds from skill-based amusement games.
Therefore, to offer contests that involve skill-based games in Wyoming, you must comply with the state’s regulations and requirements, including obtaining certification for the skill-based amusement games, obtaining approval from the Commission, and complying with restrictions on operation and taxation requirements.
Jurisdiction
Wyoming