Exploring Wyoming's Unique Bingo Culture

Wyoming has an interesting past with gambling, which has led to a unique relationship with bingo. History has a way of shaping how we view the present, even if laws and public perception change over time. This shift has led to a Bingo culture in the Cowboy State that is unlike any other in the union. To fully appreciate Wyoming’s unique bingo culture, you must first understand where it started, how it got to where it is today, and where it could be heading in the future.

Where It All Began

In the 1800s, Wyoming was very much the Wild West; laws weren’t always followed, so activities that were considered illegal, like gambling, were commonplace in those times. About 11 years after Wyoming became a state, the McGill Act was passed, which outlawed all forms of gambling in Wyoming. A renewed push for gambling legalization came in the 1930s around prohibition times, but nothing ever came from it, and the McGill Act stood until the 1970s.

Lawmakers finally passed a gambling bill in the early 70s, and although it was a start, it wasn’t what gamblers wanted. The law allowed for charitable gambling in the form of events like raffles, door prizes, and, of course, bingo. This updated law remained in place until native tribes sued at the turn of the 21st century for their right to operate class three casinos on tribal land. The Shoshone and Arapahoe peoples eventually won and currently operate four casinos in the state. However, Wyoming is a large state, and the casinos are relatively close together in the heart of the state, which doesn’t leave a ton of options for those who live outside of the tribal area. Wyoming did enact a state lottery in 2013, but it doesn’t have the same feel as the rush of live play, which leaves bingo as one of the few options outside of casinos in Wyoming.

Bingo in Wyoming Today

Although Wyoming gambling laws have loosened greatly since gambling was outlawed in the twentieth century, bingo is still classified under its charitable gambling laws from the seventies. Since bingo is not considered gambling in the same sense that something like slots or poker is, you can still find stand-alone bingo halls all overstate. In addition, since bingo has to be charitable, there are some unique laws surrounding bingo halls in Wyoming, which have, in turn, created a unique bingo culture in the state. To fully grasp how bingo is different in Wyoming, you must first understand the rules and laws surrounding it.

The most prominent law is bingo halls must be operated on a charitable basis. It is not required, but these establishments can also run other charitable games like pull tabs and raffles. The law states that at least sixty-five percent of all gross earnings have to be paid out as player winnings each month, leaving the other thirty-five percent for operating costs and charitable giving. Additionally, charitable donations from these proceeds must be donated no more than one year after they are collected.

One of the most intriguing rules surrounding bingo in Wyoming is that all charitable gambling must be operated by a volunteer member of that charity or someone employed by the charity specifically to run the games. The charity must also be recognized on a state or national level, which prevents grifters from setting up their own “charity” to swindle the state. With all the Wyoming-specific rules, it is easy to forget that the standard laws around gambling, like players must be eighteen or older to play, still apply.

What May Come

The future of bingo halls and Wyoming’s unique bingo culture are likely safe for the foreseeable future. There have been rumors over the years about Wyoming continuing to expand its citizens’ options for legalized gambling, but a 2016 bill to legalize online casinos fell flat. On the other hand, the state did legalize online sports betting in 2021. Considering the fact that they have chosen to take up certain forms of gambling while leaving the charitable gambling laws on the books, it is safe to bet Wyoming doesn’t plan on disrupting its current bingo culture any time soon. If they do it will be a massive shift for the people of Wyoming and the charities that have been operating bingo halls for over half a century.

Find Out for Yourself

The best way to understand Wyoming’s unique bingo culture is to experience it yourself. Everything that goes into Wyoming bingo halls, from the laws that shape them to the people you’ll meet while you’re there, make for a fun and inviting atmosphere that will make you want to come back. Despite how some may feel about the current state of bingo in Wyoming, it is cool that even if you lose, you walk away knowing that the money is going to a good cause. So, if you are a resident of Wyoming or just passing through, make sure to check out a local bingo hall to see why Wyoming’s bingo culture is second to none.