The Casper City Council has implemented a 180-day moratorium on new simulcasting and gaming developments in response to a recent Wyoming law that mandates local consent for historic horse racing venues.
Effective from July 1, Senate File 45 stipulates that operators must secure approval from local authorities before the state can issue or renew permits for any future historic horse racing sites. This law empowers local governments to conduct public hearings, set operational hours, and determine terminal locations.
Additionally, the legislation allows neighboring jurisdictions to formally raise objections concerning public safety or land use issues. The Wyoming Gaming Commission provided insights into the law to the City Council before their vote on Tuesday. Executive Director Nick Larramendy emphasized that the new statute gives council members the authority to reject future applications based on specific criteria.
City Attorney Eric Nelson indicated that this new law influenced the council's decision to impose the moratorium on new gaming facilities. The council intends to utilize this six-month period to assess spacing standards, zoning restrictions, and buffering requirements to ensure that future developments align with long-term land-use strategies and the character of local communities.
Importantly, the moratorium does not impact the eight existing historic horse racing venues currently operating within Casper. These establishments can continue their operations but are prohibited from expanding during the moratorium.
Councilor Brandy Haskins mentioned that the council has the option to lift the moratorium earlier if their review is completed ahead of schedule. The measure, however, did not receive unanimous support. Councilor Pat Sweeney voiced his opposition, arguing that the moratorium restricts business. He initially backed the pause but changed his stance after hearing from local businessman John Johnson.
Sweeney questioned the council's authority to impose such restrictions, while Councilor Gena Jensen expressed concerns that the moratorium could unfairly favor existing gambling establishments, suggesting it borders on economic protectionism. She proposed narrowing the moratorium's scope, particularly excluding certain areas like 2nd Street downtown.
In contrast, Sweeney referenced a new policy in Rock Springs that established a formal approval process for simulcasting and pari-mutuel betting, advocating for further research and input from business owners. However, no motion was made to table the vote.
Vice Mayor Kyle Gamroth stated that the moratorium allows councilors time to delve deeper into the issue, countering claims that it limits business by asserting that government oversight is necessary for industries impacting public health, such as gambling and alcohol sales. Councilor Michael Bond expressed no objections to the moratorium, while Councilor Amber Pollock noted ongoing complaints about the expansion of gambling in Casper since her election.