Laramie County approves three Cowboy Racing off‑track wagering sites after public hearing and debate

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Laramie County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 7 to approve three separate resolutions permitting Cowboy Racing LLC to operate pari‑mutuel wagering, historic horse racing (HHR) and simulcast events at three Cheyenne addresses: 714 West 20th Street, 1734 Meadowland Drive and 1720 Cleveland Avenue.

The votes came after a public hearing during which the applicant described plans for a new eastern Cheyenne racetrack and said revenue from HHR and off‑track betting would be reinvested in track infrastructure and equestrian facilities. Neighbors and a city council member raised concerns about the Cleveland Avenue site’s proximity to a residential neighborhood and school traffic.

The resolutions matter because county approval of local locations is part of the state application process for gaming operations: county sign‑offs are one of several boxes prospective operators must check before the Wyoming Gaming Commission issues final permission. The three approved locations will allow Cowboy Racing to pursue engineering, site planning and final licensing steps required by state regulators.

Ryan Clement, a representative for Cowboy Racing, told the commission the company is developing a 312‑acre site off the Hillsdale exit on County Road 140 as a primary racetrack and equestrian facility and that HHR revenue would be used “to build the best equestrian center that we possibly can that will rival any other equestrian center in the region.” He said the company has partnered with First Racing, an experienced track operator, and has completed a full‑length track on the east site.

County Attorney Mark Voss told commissioners his office had reviewed the applications and that the county’s role is limited to approving locations; the Wyoming Gaming Commission conducts the final licensing and rule enforcement. Scott Homer, counsel for Cowboy Racing, said Cheyenne Police Chief Francisco indicated law enforcement does not expect a significant increased demand related to the OTB/HHR sites, calling the effect “negligible.”

Local business owners and equine industry representatives spoke in favor. Darren Westby, owner of Westby Edge Brewing at 714 West 20th, said partnering with Cowboy Racing could help finish his building renovation and “help other establishments grow.” Equine professionals including Dave DeLancey and John Hess said the track and related activity could increase demand for local services such as feed, veterinary care and lodging.

Opposition focused mainly on the Cleveland Avenue location. Cheyenne City Council member Mark Moody said many constituents opposed the 1720 Cleveland Avenue site because of traffic and residential proximity. Residents from Sun Valley and near Sunrise Elementary — including Heather Burnham, Travis Burnham and their son Carden — told commissioners they opposed placing an off‑track gambling facility near a neighborhood and schools. Heather Burnham said, “We have enough off‑site gambling facilities, and I'm most opposed to the one on Cleveland Avenue.” Travis Burnham said he did not want “that in my neighborhood.”

Commissioners debated traffic, zoning and long‑term community impacts during the presentation and public comments. Commissioners said the Cleveland building is zoned commercial and that site‑plan review and any required city approvals — including traffic and liquor licensing where applicable — remain part of the next steps. Applicant representatives said the Cleveland location would still have to clear city site‑plan and building requirements and that substantial renovation and security infrastructure were planned.

The three resolutions passed by roll call vote with Commissioners voting “aye”: Commissioner Heath, Commissioner Hollingshead, Commissioner Swanitzer and Chairman Moll. The county record shows each resolution passed by the same 4‑0 tally.

What’s next: County approval advances Cowboy Racing’s applications to the Wyoming Gaming Commission and supports the developer’s ability to spend on engineering and design work for each site. The company indicated it would continue community outreach and further site planning, and city approvals will be required for locations inside Cheyenne’s jurisdiction.

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Sources: Laramie County Board of Commissioners meeting transcript, Jan. 7, 2025; public comments and applicant presentation at the Jan. 7 hearing.