Legislators in Wyoming have taken significant steps by pushing forward a new law that grants local governments the official power to oversee simulcasting and historic horse racing (HHR) establishments, shifting from the existing county-level approval system.

On Tuesday, the Select Committee on Gaming of the Legislature voted 5-1 in favor of the proposal named “Local Approval for Simulcasting,” which will now be reviewed by the Wyoming Management Council. This initiative mandates that gambling establishments secure approval from local municipalities for simulcasting and HHR licenses, mirroring a method akin to liquor licensing procedures, according to The Sheridan Press.

Additionally, a separate measure was also passed with amendments that aims to impose limits on the number of HHR terminals available statewide.

City officials expressed strong support for the control measure, pointing out that 44 out of the 47 current permit holders are situated within city boundaries, while local governments presently lack formal oversight. Under current legislation, county commissions have the authority to approve permits.

Rep. Steve Johnson, a Republican from Cheyenne, remarked to Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins that explicit zoning regulations could have ameliorated past jurisdictional disputes.

However, local leaders contended that zoning alone is inadequate for regulating gaming establishments, explaining that it only dictates physical locations, not community standards or safety issues.

Mills Mayor Leah Juarez emphasized that zoning serves merely as a “mapping tool” for location and setbacks but lacks the necessary “ethical or societal review process” essential for ensuring public safety and maintaining community integrity.

“It transforms gaming from a privilege that must be earned through public evaluation into an inherent right, effectively diminishing local authority,” Juarez commented on the notion of granting local power strictly through zoning. “Thus, permitting transcends a land-use topic. It encompasses public safety and the essence of the community.”

The revised bill would empower both municipalities and counties with the ability to impose conditions on permits and revoke them when necessary.