DraftKings is one of the first sportsbooks to launch in Wyoming

CASPER, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - A legal sports bet used to require you to make a trip to a place like Las Vegas, or recently, you could legally bet on sports up in Montana or down in Colorado. As of Sept. 1, it’s legal right here in the Cowboy State.

Wyoming is the 23rd state to legalize sports betting in addition to the District of Columbia.

DraftKings Director of Race and Sports Operations Johnny Avello said the company was excited to enter the market in Wyoming.

“I’m from Nevada, worked in Las Vegas for 42 years, and [I] never thought it would get past Las Vegas, so to see it grow the way it is, I’m truly excited for each and every state that comes on board.”

Despite a small state population, Avello said it wanted to enter Wyoming as soon as possible. “We think Wyoming is a viable state to be in. We think that there is business there,” said Avello during a Zoom interview last week. “The business will benefit us. It’ll be great for the consumer, and it’ll benefit the state of Wyoming, of course, for tax purposes.”

The law in Wyoming only allows for legal online sports wagering. There will be no physical sportsbooks, and it’s only the second state to set up a system like it.

DraftKings has physical locations in other states, but it is primarily a web-based service.

“The digital component of betting is the easiest and the growth of the business,” said Avello. “For a customer, to be at home, or out to dinner, or getting a haircut, or what have you and be able to make a bet or download the app and fund it or withdraw it all from the convenience of their home or wherever they may be is very important.”

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