The Select Committee on Gaming reviewed a Legislative Service Office draft that would impose a three‑year moratorium on new entrants and expansions of historic horse racing (HHR) terminals.

Tamara Rebele of LSO described the draft (26 LSO 0152, working draft 0.4) as a temporary prohibition running April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029. Under the bill draft the Gaming Commission would be barred from issuing new simulcasting permits, from approving new HHR premises or satellite facilities, and from approving increases in the number of HHR terminals for current permit holders beyond the number authorized as of the effective date. LSO noted the draft includes conforming amendments and a sunset clause to ensure the pause is temporary.

Cowboy Racing representatives and others testified that a moratorium would undercut ongoing projects. Affie Ellis and an affiliated witness described that Wyoming Downs and other incumbent operators already have thousands of terminals approved and substantial build‑out plans; they said a moratorium would leave new entrants without an operating revenue stream needed to finance tracks and infrastructure. Ellis provided figures submitted to the committee showing that Wyoming Downs had approval for about 1,836 machines (approximately 1,200 in operation), 307 Horse Racing had approval for 1,289 machines (923 in operation), the combined ECL approval totaled about 3,125 machines with roughly 2,144 in operation, and Wyoming Horse Racing had approval for 2,804 machines (about 890 in operation). Cowboy Racing said it had applied for 289 machines and that a moratorium would jeopardize projects already under construction.

Supporters of the moratorium told the committee the pause would preserve policy options and could be used as a fail‑safe if the task force does not complete a comprehensive local‑control solution this interim. Committee chairs framed the moratorium as a placeholder and a potential legislative backstop while the task force works on local control and zoning alternatives.

Ending: The committee voted to carry the moratorium draft forward to the next meeting so it remains an available option. Members said they would continue work on more targeted solutions (zoning, caps, build‑out requirements) before deciding whether a moratorium is needed.