This bill proposes the transfer of the Wyoming Gaming Commission to the Department of Revenue, consolidating the regulation of gaming activities under one department. It includes a type 1 transfer of all positions, personnel, appropriations, property, and authority from the Gaming Commission to the Department of Revenue, ensuring that existing rules and obligations remain valid. The governor is authorized to use positions and funds from the Gaming Commission to support the Department of Revenue until June 2026, after which the Department will be responsible for budget requests for its new functions. The bill also creates a new chapter in the Wyoming statutes dedicated to regulated gaming activities, covering various types of gaming, including charitable gaming, pari-mutuel wagering, skill-based amusement games, and online sports wagering, while repealing obsolete provisions to ensure consistency in regulation.

Significant changes include replacing references to the "commission" with "department" throughout the text, indicating a shift in regulatory authority. The bill establishes new licensing and operational requirements for skill-based amusement games and pari-mutuel events, including criminal background checks for applicants and the delegation of enforcement authority. It also outlines the criteria for denying online sports wagering applications and mandates that operators maintain geolocation systems to ensure compliance. Additionally, the bill prohibits boards from considering criminal convictions older than twenty years for licensure unless specified by statute, allowing individuals with prior convictions to seek determinations regarding their eligibility for licenses. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the regulatory framework for gaming activities in Wyoming, ensuring proper oversight and accountability.

Statutes affected:
25LSO-0054 v0.5: 11-25-102, 9-25-301, 11-25-104, 9-25-302, 11-25-201, 11-25-209, 9-25-303, 9-25-311, 11-25-301, 11-25-306, 9-25-402, 9-25-407, 9-24-101, 9-24-106, 9-25-501, 9-25-506, 6-1-104, 6-7-101, 7-2-101, 7-19-106, 7-19-201, 9-2-2007, 33-1-202, 33-1-301, 33-1-302, 33-1-303