Cheyenne is at the center of significant legislative discussions regarding horse racing and gambling. Lawmakers have forwarded bills that could reshape the landscape of gaming within the state. These proposals aim to grant city and town governments more autonomy in approving historic horse racing machines and allow Wyoming operators to expand their reach through national betting.

Unraveling the Impact of Wyoming's Gambling Legislation

Local Approval for Simulcasting

One of the key bills under consideration is "Local approval for simulcasting." This would give town and city governments the authority to approve or deny simulcasting permits for historic horse racing machines. Currently, this power lies with county commissioners. The bill represents a revised version proposed by the Wyoming County Commissioners Association Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman in June. It allows city and town governments to have a say within their jurisdictions, but final approval still requires county consent. For locations outside city limits, only county approval is needed. Rep. Clark Stith raised concerns about the "asymmetry" in the bill, noting that cities have less say when machines are within their boundaries compared to unincorporated areas. Legislative counsel Tamara Rivale explained that the language was a compromise to ensure both entities had an appropriate voice. Cheyenne City Councilman Mark Rinne emphasized that the city is primarily concerned with gaming sites within its limits, as they directly impact neighborhoods.

National Horse Betting

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act passed by Congress in 2020 has led to significant changes in the horse racing industry. Bill draft 232, "Interstate export of Wyoming horseracing," aims to make Wyoming thoroughbred horse races HISA compliant and enable national betting. This bill also imposes a 6% tax on net proceeds, which will go into the state's general fund. Rep. Tom Walters highlighted the growth potential of Wyoming's horse racing industry and how this legislation could expand its reach beyond state borders. However, there are ongoing lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of HISA, particularly regarding the federal fee structure. Wyoming Downs spokesperson Neal Tomlinson expressed concerns about the unsettled nature of the litigation and the potential costs associated with compliance. Wyoming Gaming Commission Deputy Director Nick Larramendy provided insights into the costs of achieving HISA compliance for Wyoming tracks.These bills represent important steps in shaping Wyoming's gambling and horse racing policies. They have the potential to impact local communities, the gaming industry, and the state's economy. As the legislative process continues, it will be crucial to carefully consider the implications and balance the interests of various stakeholders.