After Wyoming presented an ambitious plan for quick sports betting legalization, operators are now arriving in droves. With early permit submissions beginning in July, the state is rapidly sorting through the reams of papers, awarding licenses to deserving and proven operators, with BetMGM, DraftKings and Genius Sports all securing an official go-ahead to set up shop in the state. Wyoming is the 23rd state to have legalized sports betting, including plans to allow cryptocurrencies as a viable payment method, a first for the US.
BetMGM Makes Its Mark on Sports Betting in Wyoming
BetMGM has confirmed that it has been cleared for sports betting operations in Wyoming, launching its product in the state as its 14th jurisdiction in the country, where the company is allowed to operate its online and mobile products.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt welcomed the news on a high note, asserting that the team was ecstatic to have had the opportunity to be among the first to break ground in the highly innovative sports betting landscape Wyoming now offers to operators.
“Wyoming is an important state for us as we continue to expand BetMGM’s footprint in the West. We’re confident that its sports fans will enjoy the BetMGM experience,” Greenblatt said, stressing the importance of having operations up and running just before the NFL season.
As a result, consumers in Wyoming will have access to the company’s dedicated user-friendly app and benefit from the MGM Resorts M life Rewards program, which will allow consumers to rack up points while at home on sports betting and then spend them at various MGM Resorts properties, such as the Beau Rivage in Mississippi, the MGM National Harbor in Maryland, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and elsewhere.
BetMGM remains firmly focused on promoting a responsible gaming message across the nation, with 14 states now up and running on time for the football season.
DraftKings Enters in on the Market Hype
DraftKings was the other early riser in the Wyoming sports betting market on Tuesday, with the betting operator confirming an early launch and introducing the “Double Your Money” promotion. The company is trying to make its offer distinguishable from the rest by engaging in various social initiatives, as well.
One such initiative is the promise to plant one million trees by Earth Day in 2022, and, on the gamification end, DraftKings is launching a free-to-play pool for Wyoming residents. Commenting on these developments, DraftKings Co-founder and President Matt Kalish stated, “We are thrilled that Wyoming sports bettors have the opportunity to experience the highly accessible and immersive fan experience along with best in class consumer protections that our product offers millions of skin-in-the-game sports fans.”
Meanwhile, there is a host of other potential operators looking to secure entry in Wyoming, including Barstool, FanDuel and Penn National Gaming. PointsBet, which hit a snag in Arizona, could be doubly interested in joining an arguably more liberal sports gambling site as Wyoming.
Genius Sports Gets Green Light to Launch as Service Provider
Genius Sports has become one of the latest entities to obtain a license in Wyoming’s quickly developing sports gambling landscape. The company confirmed late on Wednesday that it had been given a long-term Online Sports Wagering Vendor Permit, issued by the Wyoming Gaming Commission.
With this, Genius Sports is now authorized to run operations in 15 states in the US. Commenting on these developments, Genius Sports CEO Mark Locke stated, “We are honored that the Wyoming Gaming Commission has joined the growing number of U.S. gaming authorities that have granted Genius a betting supplier license. Our team looks forward to working with our industry-leading sportsbook partners to deliver compelling, high integrity sports betting experiences throughout the great state of Wyoming.”
Locke said that the company expects the US sports betting market to “fulfill its massive potential,” which will allow companies such as Genius to further benefit from their operations in the country.