Casper Police Chief Hosts Forum About Illegal Gambling Devices
Casper Police Chief Keith McPheeters will conduct an open, informal forum next week about the recent Wyoming Attorney General's formal opinion that declared illegal electronic gambling devices known as "skill games," according to a news release from the City of Casper.
Tuesday, Attorney General Peter Michael responded to Natrona County District Attorney Michael Blonigen's question about these electronic gambling devices that have become prevalent in the state and Casper.
These skill games are “illegal gambling devices, playing them constitutes gambling, and those aiding or inducing others to play these games engage in professional gambling," Michael wrote.
State law says persons who gamble are committing a misdemeanor, conviction of which is punishable by not more than six months in jail, a fine of not more than $750, or both.
Professional gambling is a felony punishable by imprisonment of not more than three years, a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
McPheeters said the attorney general's opinion identified Wyoming Skill Game 1 and Wyoming Skill Game 2 as illegal.
The games are manufactured by Banilla Games, Inc., and operate under the names of Bathtime Bucks, Fruity Sevens, Searing Sevens, Snake Eyes, Wheel Deal, Spooky’s Loot, Mega Monkey Reel, Lucky Striker, Major Cash, and Pedro’s Hot Tamales.
Pari-mutuel Off-Track betting devices remain approved, legal gambling devices.
"Authorized, legal electronic gambling devices will have a registration sticker from the State of Wyoming, generally located on the right side of the device," McPheeters said. "In addition to the electronic gaming devices identified by name in the attorney general’s opinion, other non-Pari-Mutuel Off-Track betting electronic gambling devices may also fall into the category of illegal gaming devices."
To explain the application and impact of the Attorney General's opinion, McPheeters will hold the form at the Casper City Hall's Council Chambers at 6 p.m. Wednesday.