The Wyoming Legislature’s Select Committee on Gaming reviewed a bill draft aimed at increasing local control over gambling operations, particularly simulcasting permits for horse racing events. The bill, a revised version of a previously passed House Bill 85, would require city, town, or county approval for issuing and renewing these permits and repeal the 100-mile rule restricting simulcasting near live tracks. While municipal leaders like Pinedale’s mayor support local authority, some county officials, such as the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, oppose the exclusion of county input when permits are issued within city limits, citing concerns over law enforcement and financial impacts.

Stakeholders from the horse racing industry expressed mixed views: Cowboy Racing supports local permit control but worries it may hinder competition against established companies, and opposes removing the 100-mile rule. Others, like Wyoming Horse Racing, consider the rule outdated. There was also debate over whether gambling approvals should be subject to public votes, with some advocating for voter input to allow communities to reject certain gambling types, while others emphasize the economic benefits of gambling and caution against politicizing the process. The committee postponed decisions to continue discussions and requested industry proposals on managing historic horse racing terminal growth.