Wyoming Downs and 307 Horse Racing have initiated the development of an $80 million gaming and entertainment complex in southern Laramie County. This initiative aims to draw visitors from nearby states while enhancing the company’s longstanding horse racing ventures in Wyoming.

The expansive 58,000-square-foot facility, positioned east of Interstate 25 at Exit 2 close to the Colorado border, is set to open in spring 2027. This project is part of a broader $180 million investment initiative, which encompasses the establishment of a second gaming venue, refurbishments of existing locations, and the addition of more gaming sites throughout the state.

The new Laramie County location is planned to include about 600 historic horse racing (HHR) machines, simulcast horse betting, a variety of dining options, and a sports-viewing area featuring what the company claims will be the largest TV wall in Wyoming. Additional land has been acquired for future hotel and entertainment developments.

President of the company, Kyle Ridgeway, stated that this initiative is designed to attract customers from Colorado’s Front Range and other nearby areas. With roughly 600,000 individuals residing within a 30-minute drive, this offers a robust customer base capable of bolstering the investment and generating tax revenue from out-of-state guests.

During the groundbreaking event, Ridgeway emphasized that this project aims to bring in visitors and expenditures from neighboring states into Wyoming.

“This initiative is aimed at infusing new revenue into Wyoming by attracting visitors from adjacent states, particularly Colorado, thereby enhancing our economy and diversifying our tax base,” Ridgeway remarked, as covered by the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by local elected officials, business leaders, and representatives from the offices of US Sen. Cynthia Lummis and US Rep. Harriet Hageman.

Wyoming Downs anticipates that the facility will create over 150 permanent jobs upon opening, alongside construction-related employment opportunities generated throughout the development phase.

This venue will be constructed by Groathouse Construction, a Wyoming-based company, with contributions from local subcontractors. The broader investment strategy is also projected to lead to more job opportunities in construction, hospitality, and information technology.

According to Ridgeway, the Laramie County location is anticipated to generate approximately $3 million in annual local tax revenue after several years of operation.

Statewide, Wyoming Downs currently employs over 400 individuals and produces more than $25 million annually in state and local tax revenues.

The initiative arrives amidst the ongoing growth of Wyoming’s historic horse racing industry. The 2025 report by the Wyoming Gaming Commission indicates that bettors placed $2.49 billion in wagers on HHR machines in 2024, an increase from $2.11 billion in 2023.

The Laramie County development will stand as Cheyenne’s second major horse racing gaming venue, following the launch of Horse Palace at Swan Ranch in 2024. Wyoming Downs claims the facility will provide amenities that are currently absent at that location, including Wyoming’s largest TV wall, a dedicated sports-viewing area, and a broader selection of dining choices.

This project is a part of a larger expansion blueprint. Construction on a similar facility in Evanston, Uinta County, is slated to commence in early 2027, targeting visitors from Utah and western Colorado.

Wyoming Downs also intends to renovate existing locations in Cheyenne, Casper, and Rock Springs, with additional projects in the pipeline for Gillette and Green River.