South Dakota and Wyoming regulators took significant steps toward their projected go-live sports betting dates this week, when the South Dakota Commission on Gaming amended and passed final sports betting regulations and the Wyoming Gaming Commission opened its sports betting operator and vendor application processes.
In South Dakota, the final regulations are expected to go before the state legislature for approval on Aug. 2. The commission then plans to approve operators at its Sept. 8 meeting with the goal of launching retail sports betting in Deadwood Sept. 9, the first day of the 2021 NFL season.
The commission is currently vetting prospective operators, and sources say just under 10 operators have applied so far. Though the commission has not released the names of the companies that have applied for licenses, it’s likely that many of the big players including BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel are in the mix, as well as the Dakota Nation, which owns and operates three casinos in the state. Casinos operate only in the tourist town of Deadwood and in Indian Country.
Voters in November approved in-person wagering in Deadwood only.
Applications, directives available
In Wyoming, regulators Friday morning posted applications for online sports wagering operators and online sports wagering vendors. Lawmakers in the state legalized digital-only sports betting April 5.
The nine-page operator license application requires potential operators to provide information regarding ownership personnel, finances, and licensing history. It specifically asks if an operator is licensed in “not less than three jurisdictions in the United States” and also requires potential operators to provide a Certificate of Authority from the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office.
In addition to the applications, an “online sports wagering checklist” is available as is a “permitting directive.” Regulators say they will provide additional directives and guidance in the near future.
The Wyoming Gaming Commission is aiming for an early September launch of operators, and the new law requires that a minimum of five digital platforms be available. Proposed rules are currently open for a public-comment period that ends on July 31.
