The most common forms of gambling in America are: horse-racing, casino gambling, tribal gaming, charitable gambling, and the state lottery. Most states have lotteries, which are games of chance that award cash prizes. In general, the lottery is usually run by the state government, and the revenue it generates is put towards causes such as improving local communities and public education.
Wyoming Lottery is Born
After years of trying and failing to pass the law, Wyoming printed off its first lottery tickets in 2014. It marked the end of more than a decade of failed bills and defeated legislation. As the law was close to being signed into law, the governor said his office received phone calls from people opposed to the bill because of social concerns. Yet the majority of people he talked to in person throughout the state said they supported the lottery because of the money it would bring in.
Iit was a question of people leaving the state to buy lottery tickets and probably a soft drink, hot dog or even dinner and a movie, Gov. Matt Mead told local media. The state is facing flat revenues, budget cuts at the federal and state level and the loss of Abandoned Mine Lands reclamation money.
The lottery is expected to generate $6 million a year in profits to be distributed to cities, towns and counties. Any income beyond $6 million will go to education. The state Legislature will review where the money is being spent after six years.
Mead appointed a nine-member board to supervise the lottery corporation after the bill went into effect. The board hired a chief executive officer who will recommend budget items and personnel. The board must present the governor with a proposed budget each year.
Early Lottery Revenues
In the first four months since the Wyoming Lottery printed off its first ticket, the lottery sold more than $6.5 million worth of tickets. Individual players won more than $843,000. But while lottery players have been able to participate in the two largest multistate lotteries, Powerball and Mega Millions, they've also been pining for more state-level games, which usually offer lower jackpots, but much better odds of drawing a winning ticket. That's why the lottery unveiled its first state-based game.
Wyoming State Lotteries Law: Related Resources
To learn more about lotteries, in general, check out FindLaw’s Details on State Lottery Laws article. Finally, if you have more specific questions or need legal assistance, you may want to contact a Wyoming gaming attorney.
