Fasthorse said the addition of sports betting will help the tribe's casinos maintain some 'exclusivity' as state lawmakers appear poised to expand gaming, and that the extra revenue will help keep the tribe afloat.

Supreme Court decision cleared the way, and decided to move forward this spring after state lawmakers created the Wyoming Gaming Commission. 'We would rather be partners than adversaries.'įasthorse said the tribe has kept sports betting 'in its back pocket' since a 2018 U.S. We would like to look at partnerships that could be beneficial to both the tribe and the state,' Fasthorse said. 'We extend an olive branch to the state of Wyoming, the Governor, and the legislators who are advocating for gaming. Still, Fasthorse hopes the move doesn't damage relations between the state and tribal governments, and that the tribe's efforts can serve as a model should state leaders decide to expand gaming in Wyoming.

'The state has no regulatory authority over us when it comes to gaming,' said Northern Arapaho Business Councilman Stephen Fasthorse. Instead, the tribe answers to federal regulators with the U.S. But unlike most gaming tribes, the Northern Arapaho Tribe does not operate its casinos under a compact with the state. Sports betting remains illegal under Wyoming State Law, even after the creation of a statewide gaming commission to regulate 'skill-based' games earlier this year. 'This is truly an amenity that sports fans can't find anyplace else in Wyoming.'

'Well-regulated sports betting is an excellent way to make the gaming experience even better for our customers,' Van Enkenvoort wrote in a statement. Tribal leaders hope the addition will help the tribe's three casinos recover from months of closure and revenue loss amidst the pandemic.īrian Van Enkenvoort, CEO of the tribe's flagship Wind River Hotel and Casino, said the tribe is poised to offer its casino patrons a unique experience. The Northern Arapaho Tribe has plans to launch a sports betting operation on the Wind River Reservation in the coming months.

Wind river casino built in what year