Wyoming's cities and towns are on the verge of gaining more influence over gambling activities within their communities. A bill advanced by the Joint Appropriations Committee on Tuesday holds the potential to reshape the gambling landscape. This development comes as legal gaming attached to horse racing has witnessed a significant boom in recent years, reaching a $2 billion industry. Let's delve into the details.

Local Approval for Simulcasting: A Compromise

The bill titled "Local Approval for Simulcasting" would grant city and town governments the power to have a say in whether simulcasting permits for historic horse racing (HHR) machines are allowed. Currently, only county commissions can make these local decisions. This move aims to bring a balance and allow local communities to have a voice in matters that directly affect them.For instance, Ashley Harpstrieth, the executive director of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities, points out that out of the 45 HHR locations across the state, 42 are in cities. State Rep. Clark Stith, R-Rock Springs, however, believes this arrangement is unfair and "just weird." He emphasizes that if the machines are in a city, both the city council and county commissioners need to approve, but outside city limits, only the county commission's approval is required. Kyle Ridgeway, president of 307 Horse Racing, warns that this could lead to a situation ripe for litigation. Legislative counsel Tamara Rivale states that the language reflects a compromise between cities and counties.

Impact on Local Governance

This newfound local control over simulcasting permits has significant implications for local governance. It allows cities and towns to shape their own gambling policies based on their unique needs and values. It also promotes a sense of community involvement and decision-making, which is crucial in a democratic society.On the other hand, there are concerns about potential conflicts between city and county authorities. The need for both approvals in city areas and the sole approval of county commissioners outside city limits can lead to bureaucratic hurdles and disputes. However, the compromise aims to address these issues and create a more harmonious relationship between local governments.

Balancing Interests

While the bill gives cities more say, it still allows county commissioners to veto a municipal government's approval. This ensures that there is a system of checks and balances in place. It also recognizes the importance of county-wide considerations and the need for a unified approach in some cases.The fact that this arrangement is similar to local liquor license laws, which allow cities and towns to set limitations within 5 miles of a municipality, provides a precedent and a framework for understanding how local control can be implemented.

Bringing Wyoming Horse Racing to the World

The committee also passed a bill enabling Wyoming thoroughbred horse races to comply with federal regulations for out-of-state broadcasting and betting. This presents an opportunity for Wyoming to expand its horse racing industry and attract more attention from outside the state.With the horse racing industry shrinking nationwide, Walters believes that Wyoming can fill a void in certain areas. By making Wyoming races available for betting out-of-state, the state can promote its horse industry and grow its economic activities.To comply with the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), racetracks need to meet certain requirements such as creating a horse racing anti-doping and medication control program and a racetrack safety program. The state would pay the racetrack's fees from other gambling revenues. However, there are differences in estimates regarding the cost of compliance. Wyoming Downs spokesperson Neal Tomlinson claims it would cost nearly $1 million in total fees, while Laurie Urbigkit, a lobbyist for Wyoming Horse Racing LLC, estimates it at $100,000.

Social Gambling and Permit Restrictions

A bill that aimed to clarify what constitutes social gambling in Wyoming and increase the minimum age for online sports wagering from 18 to 21 was rejected by the committee. The bill defined social gaming as activities between two or more people with a social relationship outside of physical gaming.Walters mentioned that the need for this clarification arose from the argument that billionaire Bill Gates was engaging in an illegal activity when he played poker with locals during the groundbreaking of his TerraPower nuclear plant in Kemmerer.The Appropriations Committee also voted down a bill that would have capped the number of HHR machines per location and statewide permit holder. This shows the complexity and diversity of gambling regulations in Wyoming and the challenges faced in finding the right balance.Most of the committee members voted to support the bill allowing local control over simulcasting, indicating a recognition of the importance of local decision-making in the gambling arena.In conclusion, Wyoming's gambling landscape is undergoing significant changes, with local governments gaining more say and the horse racing industry exploring new opportunities. These developments will have a lasting impact on the state's economy and social fabric.