A recent law in Wyoming mandating local endorsement for historic horse racing venues has led the Casper City Council to establish a 180-day suspension on new simulcasting and gaming projects.

Enacted on July 1, Senate File 45 demands local authorization before the state can grant or renew permits for upcoming historic horse racing sites.

According to the law, operators are required to secure explicit permission from the city, town, or county where a facility is situated. Local governing bodies have the authority to conduct public hearings, set operational hours, and designate terminal placements. Additionally, the legislation introduces a mechanism for adjacent jurisdictions to formally contest applications related to public safety or land-use issues.

Prior to Tuesday’s vote, the Wyoming Gaming Commission provided the City Council with an overview of the law. Wyoming Gaming Commission Executive Director Nick Larramendy mentioned that the law equips council members with reasons to decline future submissions.

“Senate File 45 offers criteria for council members to say no if they wish, as long as it aligns with the law’s stipulations,” Larramendy commented.

Council’s Six-Month Hiatus Decision

City Attorney Eric Nelson indicated that the new legislation influenced the council’s choice to endorse the moratorium on new simulcasting and gaming establishments during Tuesday’s session. City personnel intend to utilize the six-month period to assess spacing regulations, potential zoning restrictions, and buffer requirements to ensure that future projects correspond with long-term land-use plans and the community’s character.

The moratorium does not impact the eight historic horse racing facilities presently operating within Casper’s city limits. These businesses may carry on their operations but are barred from expanding during the six-month duration.

Councilor Brandy Haskins mentioned that the council has the option to revoke the moratorium before the duration ends if its review is completed ahead of schedule.

Divided Council Over Business Implications

The motion was not passed unanimously. Councilor Pat Sweeney opposed the moratorium, arguing that it constrains business opportunities. Initially supportive of the pause, he altered his stance after listening to concerns from local entrepreneur John Johnson during a prior meeting.

“Do we, as city council, possess the authority to impose these changes?” Sweeney inquired. “I believe the council has both the obligation and right to safeguard the public; however, do we have the authority to prevent an existing property owner with a full liquor license from selling to a simulcasting HHR operator if we restrict those operations in a certain area?”

Councilor Gena Jensen stated that the moratorium would unduly favor existing gambling establishments, suggesting that it “borders on economic protectionism.” She further argued that she finds the moratorium to be excessively broad and proposed narrowing its focus, particularly regarding 2nd Street downtown as a potential exception.

Sweeney referenced a policy recently enacted in Rock Springs that introduced a formal approval procedure for simulcasting and pari-mutuel betting ventures, proposing to delay the vote to facilitate additional research and gather input from local business owners and specialists. No motion to postpone was made.

Vice Mayor Kyle Gamroth expressed that the moratorium allows councilors the necessary time to explore the matter more thoroughly. He rejected the assertion that the measure stifles business, asserting that governmental oversight is necessary for enterprises that influence public health, including drinking and gambling venues.

Councilor Michael Bond saw no negative aspects to the moratorium, while Councilor Amber Pollock noted that she receives frequent complaints about the expansion of gambling in Casper since her council tenure began.