Wyoming Lawmakers Back Bill Giving Cities Power Over Horse Racing Venues

Wyoming legislators are moving to give cities and towns more control over gambling facilities, including simulcast wagering and historic horse racing (HHR) operations, shifting decision-making power away from counties.

Good to Know

• The new bill would require city or town consent for HHR and simulcasting permits.
• Wyoming currently grants approval at the county level.
• A companion proposal would cap the number of HHR terminals statewide.

The Legislature’s Select Committee on Gaming voted 5–1 this week to advance a proposal titled Local Approval for Simulcasting. If enacted, the measure would make it mandatory for gambling operators to secure approval from local municipalities before receiving state permits for simulcasting or HHR. The process would mirror that of liquor license applications, as noted by The Sheridan Press.

A second, related bill—also passed with amendments—seeks to limit the total number of HHR terminals allowed in Wyoming. Lawmakers say the cap would help ensure balanced growth and reduce oversaturation across smaller markets.

During the committee hearing, local officials strongly supported the shift. They pointed out that 44 of the state’s 47 current permit holders operate within city boundaries, yet local governments have no formal authority under existing law. Presently, only county commissions can approve gambling permits, leaving mayors and city councils without a voice.

Rep. Steve Johnson of Cheyenne told Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins that past disputes over gaming venues might have been avoided with clearer local approval rules. “If municipalities had more defined authority, zoning conflicts wouldn’t have reached this level,” he said.

However, city leaders stressed that zoning alone does not provide enough control. Mills Mayor Leah Juarez argued that while zoning manages locations and setbacks, it cannot address public safety or moral considerations tied to gambling.

“Zoning is a mapping tool,” she said. “It turns gaming into an automatic right, not a privilege earned through public review, which is essentially erosion of local control. So permitting is not a land-use question. It’s about public safety and community character.”

Under the proposed changes, both city and county governments could impose conditions on gambling permits or revoke them if violations occur. Supporters believe this would create a fairer, more transparent system that gives communities a stronger say in how gaming expands within their borders.

The bill now moves to the Wyoming Management Council, which will decide whether it advances to the full Legislature for debate early next year.

FAQ

What does the bill aim to change?

It transfers permitting authority for simulcasting and historic horse racing from counties to cities and towns where venues operate.

Why are municipalities supporting it?

Local leaders say they need direct oversight since most gambling venues operate within city limits, not in unincorporated county areas.

What about zoning laws?

Officials argue zoning regulates land use but cannot address public safety or community standards tied to gambling operations.

Can local governments revoke permits?

Yes. The proposal allows both municipal and county authorities to attach conditions to or revoke permits if violations occur.

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