Wyoming Senate Moves Forward with Stricter Gambling Regulations

Efforts to Close the Social Relationship Loophole

Wyoming lawmakers recently advanced legislation aimed at tightening gambling controls, focusing first on what is often referred to as the “social relationship” loophole. Currently, most gambling activities are illegal in the state, but private games among friends are allowed. However, some have exploited this by operating professional-level poker rooms disguised as casual social clubs.

The proposed bill, Senate File 44, seeks to clarify that legal social games must be private affairs involving only natural persons playing without any paid organizers or hosts. Senator John Kolb, who chaired the interim gaming committee, emphasized that the law intends to ensure participants are genuine friends rather than individuals who gather solely to gamble professionally.

Supporters of the bill believe these clearer restrictions will help authorities crack down on businesses masking illegal gambling operations as friendly get-togethers. Some lawmakers have expressed concern that this may unintentionally impact nonprofit and fraternal groups, but regulators, including Nick Larramendy of the Wyoming Gaming Commission, reassured that traditional charity events such as raffles and bingo will mostly remain unaffected. However, they do recognize some charitable games have been misused to conceal illegal gambling activities.

Mike Moser of the Wyoming State Liquor Association voiced support for the bill while cautioning that overly aggressive enforcement could unfairly target harmless clubs hosting casual card games.

Restriction of Skill-Based Gambling Machines in Everyday Locations

The second legislative effort, Senate File 46, addresses the presence of skill-based gambling machines in grocery stores and other common venues. This bill proposes limiting these devices to licensed liquor outlets, truck stops, and smoke shops.

Existing machines in grocery stores would be allowed to operate until their permits expire, after which their use in such locations would no longer be permitted. Concerns driving this measure include the accessibility of these machines to minors and the rapid expansion of gambling activities into spaces not typically associated with adult gambling.

Both measures received approval from the Senate Revenue Committee, with SF 44 passing unanimously and SF 46 passing with one dissenting vote from Senator Troy McKeown, who has a conflict of interest due to liquor license ownership.

Senate File 44 is slated to take effect on July 1, 2026, while Senate File 46 could become law immediately if it clears the remaining legislative hurdles. The bills will next be debated and voted on by the full Senate before proceeding to the House for consideration.