Laramie County OKs resolution so Wyoming Horse Racing can seek expansion of Swan Ranch betting facility

The Laramie County Commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 14 to approve a resolution allowing Wyoming Horse Racing LLC to seek permission to expand its existing off‑track betting operation at Swan Ranch, south of Cheyenne, increasing the facility’s licensed terminals from 400 toward a 1,000‑terminal master plan and enabling follow‑on proposals for a hotel, theater and convention space. The resolution passed 5‑0 (Commissioners Heath, Holmuth, Thompson, Swan and Chairman Maugham voted “aye”).

The expansion approved by the county is a licensing step that lets the applicant present a larger plan to state regulators. “The part of the process that the commissioners play a role in is the licensing of our their ability to go and seek the additional gaming machines,” a county staff member told the meeting. The applicant must still obtain consent from the Wyoming Gaming Commission and secure any City of Cheyenne zoning and building permits before construction or changes in use could proceed.

Steve Hughes, who identified himself as president of the applicant and associated payroll company, told commissioners the Swan Ranch site opened in June with just under 300 terminals and is licensed for 400. He said the company now seeks the ability to expand incrementally to a 1,000‑terminal cap, and said the full master plan originally contemplated up to 1,400 terminals. “We are a touristic destination,” Hughes said, adding that “currently, about 76% of the visitations are coming from outside of the state of Wyoming.” He described $25 million to $30 million already invested at Swan and said the company anticipates roughly $100 million in further investment for amenities including a 150‑ to 200‑room hotel, a theater and convention space. Hughes said the project could create “in excess of 300 new jobs for Cheyenne” and estimated an 18‑ to 24‑month timeframe for a first follow‑on phase if weather and other conditions cooperate.

A public commenter identified as Micah raised concerns about transparency, local impacts and demand, saying that public materials did not clearly explain the master plan and asking for usage and staffing data. “I would like to see some firm numbers,” Micah said, and urged additional outreach before final county action.

Commissioner discussion cited prior briefings and public materials. “The information that we originally received on the expansion of the, Swan Ranch facility is contained in our agenda items for the November 19 meeting, and that video is archived,” Commissioner Heath said, noting the county and the City of Cheyenne previously received presentations on the broader resort concept. Commissioner Zawanesi described visiting the site, reviewing license plates and speaking with staff, saying she was surprised “how ecstatic they were to work there and how much they love their job.” Zawanesi also said most patrons she observed were from Colorado.

County staff emphasized limits to the commissioners’ authority over land use: the site is within the City of Cheyenne’s jurisdiction for zoning and building permits, and the county’s vote pertains to the licensing step for additional gaming machines. The meeting record shows commissioners approved the county resolution by motion (mover/second: not specified in the transcript) and completed a roll‑call vote with five “aye” votes and no opposing votes or abstentions.

Speakers at the hearing also raised ancillary concerns the commissioners did not resolve during the meeting, including local hotel market effects, water use for a potential large hotel and questions about employment composition. The county record and the applicant’s prior presentations — including a November work session — remain the primary public sources for additional project details.

Next steps outlined at the meeting: the applicant will submit expanded licensing materials to the Wyoming Gaming Commission for its consent and will pursue City of Cheyenne zoning and building approvals; no county direction to delay those actions was recorded.