Wyoming Downs and 307 Horse Racing have initiated the construction of an $80 million gaming and entertainment complex in southern Laramie County. This ambitious project aims to draw visitors from surrounding states and enhance the company’s long-standing horse racing activities in Wyoming.
The new facility, spanning 58,000 square feet, is strategically located east of Interstate 25 at Exit 2, close to the Colorado border, and is set to open its doors in spring 2027. This development is part of a broader $180 million investment initiative that encompasses a second gaming venue, upgrades to existing locations, and the establishment of additional gaming sites throughout the state.
The Laramie County venue will house around 600 historic horse racing (HHR) machines, offer simulcast horse betting, a variety of dining options, and a sports-viewing area highlighted by what is claimed to be the largest TV wall in Wyoming. Plans for future hotel and entertainment expansions are also in the works, with additional land acquired for these developments.
Company President Kyle Ridgeway emphasized that this project is designed to attract customers from Colorado’s Front Range and nearby regions. With approximately 600,000 residents living within a 30-minute drive, the site boasts a substantial customer base that can sustain the investment while also generating tax revenue from out-of-state guests.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Ridgeway stated, “This project is designed to bring new dollars into Wyoming, drawing visitors from neighboring states, especially Colorado, strengthening our economy and diversifying our tax base,” as reported by the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.
The ceremony was attended by local officials, business leaders, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis and U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman.
Wyoming Downs anticipates that the facility will create over 150 permanent jobs once operational, in addition to construction jobs during the building phase. The venue is being constructed by Groathouse Construction, a Wyoming-based firm, with assistance from local subcontractors. The overall investment plan is also expected to generate further job opportunities in construction, hospitality, and information technology.
According to Ridgeway, the Laramie County property is projected to produce around $3 million in annual local tax revenue after several years of operation. Currently, Wyoming Downs employs over 400 individuals and contributes more than $25 million annually in state and local taxes.
This project aligns with the growth of Wyoming’s historic horse racing sector. The Wyoming Gaming Commission’s 2025 report indicates that bettors placed $2.49 billion in wagers on HHR machines in 2024, a significant increase from $2.11 billion in 2023.
The Laramie County development will mark Cheyenne’s second major horse racing gaming venue, following the anticipated opening of Horse Palace at Swan Ranch in 2024. Wyoming Downs asserts that this new property will feature amenities that are currently unavailable at the existing venue, including the largest TV wall in Wyoming, a dedicated sports-viewing area, and enhanced dining choices.
This initiative is part of a larger expansion strategy, with construction of a similar facility in Evanston, Uinta County, expected to commence in early 2027, targeting visitors from Utah and western Colorado. Additionally, Wyoming Downs plans renovations at existing locations in Cheyenne, Casper, and Rock Springs, with further projects slated for Gillette and Green River.