Wyoming’s New Local-Approval Law Spurs Casper to Halt Gaming Development for Six Months

Casper City Council has enacted a 180-day moratorium on new simulcasting and historic horse racing (HHR) facilities, a direct response to Wyoming’s recently enacted Senate File 45. The law, which took effect July 1, mandates that operators obtain explicit local consent before the state can issue or renew permits for HHR venues, giving municipalities the power to hold public hearings, set operating hours, and define terminal locations.

Law Provides Local Veto Tools

During a council meeting preceding the vote, Wyoming Gaming Commission Executive Director Nick Larramendy outlined how the statute equips councilors with concrete 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,” Larramendy said, “as long as it fits within the criteria of that statute.”

City Attorney Eric Nelson confirmed that the new legal framework was a key factor in the council’s decision. City staff plan to use the six-month pause to examine spacing standards, zoning district restrictions, and buffering requirements, aiming to align any future gaming developments with long-term land-use plans and community character.

Existing Operators Unaffected, But Cannot Expand

The moratorium does not affect the eight HHR locations already operating within Casper’s city limits. Those businesses may continue normal operations but are barred from expanding during the freeze. Councilor Brandy Haskins noted that the council could lift the moratorium early if its review concludes sooner.

Council Split Over Economic Impact

The vote was not unanimous. Councilor Pat Sweeney opposed the measure, arguing it restricts business freedom. He said his initial support shifted after hearing from local businessman John Johnson at a prior meeting. “Do we as city council have the right to impose these changes?” Sweeney asked, questioning whether the council can prevent a property owner with a full liquor license from selling to an HHR operator if zoning precludes that use in certain areas.

Councilor Gena Jensen called the moratorium too broad and said it “teeters on the line of economic protectionism,” suggesting it would unfairly benefit existing gambling establishments. She proposed narrowing the restriction, noting that areas like 2nd Street downtown could be excluded with more precise language. Sweeney pointed to Rock Springs’ recently adopted formal approval process for simulcasting and pari-mutuel betting as an alternative model and moved to table the vote for further research, but the motion was not seconded.

Vice Mayor Kyle Gamroth argued that the pause is necessary for councilors to thoroughly study the issue. He rejected the notion that the measure hinders business, stating that government oversight is appropriate for enterprises affecting public health, such as alcohol and gambling venues. Councilor Michael Bond said he saw no downside to the moratorium, while Councilor Amber Pollock reported receiving regular complaints about gambling growth in Casper since joining the council.