New Wyoming law drives Casper gaming development pause

A new Wyoming law requiring local approval for historic horse racing locations has prompted Casper City Council to approve a 180-day moratorium on new simulcasting and gaming development.

Senate File 45 took effect July 1 and requires local approval before the state can issue or renew permits for future historic horse racing locations.

Under the law, operators must obtain specific consent from the city, town or county where a facility is located. Local authorities can hold public hearings, mandate operating hours and define terminal locations. The bill also establishes a process for neighboring jurisdictions to file formal objections over public safety or land use concerns.

The Wyoming Gaming Commission presented details of the law to the City Council prior to Tuesday’s vote. Wyoming Gaming Commission Executive Director Nick Larramendy said the statute provides councilors with criteria to deny future applications.

“Senate File 45 at least gives you all some things that you can look at to where you can say no if you choose to say no as long as it fits within the criteria of that statute,” Larramendy said.

Council approves six-month pause

City Attorney Eric Nelson said the new law factored into the council’s decision to approve the moratorium on new simulcasting and gaming facilities during Tuesday’s meeting. City staff plan to use the six-month pause to evaluate spacing standards, potential zoning district restrictions and buffering requirements so future developments align with long-term land-use plans and the character of local communities.

The moratorium does not affect the eight historic horse racing locations currently operating within Casper’s municipal boundaries. Those businesses may continue operating but cannot expand during the six-month period.

Councilor Brandy Haskins noted that the council can lift the moratorium before the period concludes if it completes its review sooner.

Vote splits council over business impact

The measure passed without unanimous support. Councilor Pat Sweeney opposed the moratorium, saying it restricts business. He said he initially supported the pause but changed his position after hearing comments from local businessman John Johnson at a previous meeting.

“Do we as city council have the right to impose these changes?” Sweeney said. “I do believe the council has a duty and a right to protect the public, but do we have the right to tell an existing owner of a property that has a full liquor license that they cannot sell to a simulcasting HHR operator if we preclude those operations within a certain area?”

Councilor Gena Jensen said the moratorium would unduly benefit existing gambling establishments, adding that it “teeters on the line of economic protectionism.” She also said she considers the moratorium too broad and suggested narrowing its scope, pointing to 2nd Street downtown as an area that could be excluded through more targeted language.

Sweeney cited a policy recently adopted in Rock Springs that established a formal approval process for simulcasting and pari-mutuel betting operations, and he proposed tabling the vote to allow further research and additional input from business owners and experts. No motion to table was made.

Vice Mayor Kyle Gamroth said the moratorium gives councilors time to research the issue and become more familiar with it. He disagreed with the argument that the measure limits business, saying government oversight is warranted for businesses affecting public health, including drinking and gambling establishments.

Councilor Michael Bond said he saw no downside to the moratorium, while Councilor Amber Pollock said she has heard regular complaints about the growth of gambling in Casper since joining the council.