Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Gambling Licensing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Albany County approves Wyoming Horse Racing LLC to offer wagering at 416 South Third Street
Summary
The Albany County commissioners voted to approve a resolution allowing Wyoming Horse Racing LLC to conduct pari-mutuel wagering, historic horse racing and simulcast events at a former Sears building at 416 South Third Street in Laramie.
The Albany County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 approved a resolution allowing Wyoming Horse Racing LLC to operate pari-mutuel wagering, historic horse racing and simulcast wagering at 416 South Third Street in Laramie.
The vote came after company representatives described the proposal and answered commissioners’ questions about local economic impacts, staffing and responsible-gaming measures.
Jennifer, a county staff member who presented the resolution to the board, told commissioners the application had been forwarded to her by Wyoming Horse Racing and warned the board the approval could not be revoked without an evidentiary hearing under recent state precedent: “once the commissioners have approved it, removing or revoking that approval in the future, we would have to have an evidentiary hearing and all of those things that can't be just revoked at a renewal without cause.”
John Sheldon, a partner with Wyoming Horse Racing, and Nick Hughes, the company’s president, answered questions about the operation. Sheldon introduced the company and said the Laramie location is a new enterprise for the company and that the firm acquired Wyoming Horse Racing in December 2021. Hughes said the company operates multiple sites in the state and plans investment in Laramie’s former Sears building.
“We have 10 locations around the state,” Hughes said, adding the company plans attraction-style venues with restaurants, a bar and entertainment. Hughes estimated local tax benefits and employment: “running the numbers on conservative revenues, we believe that the state, the city and the county will benefit to the tune of about $250,000 each in tax payments. We're gonna employ about 9 to 12 people,” he said.
Commissioners asked about alcohol service, square footage and employee benefits. Hughes said the company would apply for the appropriate food and beverage and alcohol permits and described an employee benefits program and internal advancement opportunities. He also said the company has policies and training to address problem gambling and that Wyoming gaming regulators were emphasizing problem-gambling awareness.
A commissioner moved to approve the resolution; the motion carried with affirmative votes and no recorded opposition. The county did not enumerate operational conditions beyond those described in the resolution and state licensure requirements.
The resolution allows Wyoming Horse Racing LLC to operate wagering and related events at the specified address in Laramie. The company said it intends to renovate the approximately 4,000-square-foot space, bring the facility up to code and install fire suppression as required by the city before opening.
Commissioners did not specify a timetable for final city permitting; company representatives said they would proceed with city permitting and construction to meet local codes.
