Operators and local officials press conflicting aims: preserve live racing support or rein in expansion
Loading...
Summary
Industry leaders described multi‑million‑dollar investments in destination HHR facilities and said HHR revenue funds purses and agribusiness, while county and municipal officials and some legislators warned of saturation and urged caps or tighter local control.
Industry representatives told the Management Council that historic-horse-racing terminals have helped revive live racing, grow breeder funds and draw outside tourism dollars.
Pete Liguori, part owner of Wyoming Horse Racing, described phased construction of large destination facilities with plans to expand terminals as part of multi‑phase builds. "We plan on using all of them," Liguori said of permits for up to 3,000 terminals in some projects, and he explained the multi-year design and financing timeline for large complexes that combine machines, hospitality and other non-gaming amenities.
Cowboy Racing's attorney Affie Ellis described the investment calculus that led the company to build a one‑mile track near Cheyenne: the 100-mile rule and due-process protections were part of the reason private investors committed funds. "If the 100-mile rule were enforced, we would open...we proposed 283 games," Ellis said, and she urged the committee to retain the 100-mile protection and due-process language in the local-control draft.
Local governments and county commissioners offered a different view. Jeremiah Reiman (representing county commissioners) and Mark Rinne (Cheyenne City Council president) said the current statutory framework leaves unclear who may impose conditions or revoke site permits; they asked for clearer local notice, public input and revocation authority, while acknowledging legal constraints from court precedent.
Members of the council repeatedly returned to public perception and social consequences, with Representative Harrelson asking whether community members want the machines visible in downtowns and grocery stores. Several legislators recommended more time in the interim to refine policy and numerical caps, and some called for a statewide cap similar to other states.
What to watch: stakeholders signaled willingness to continue negotiations: operators seek regulatory certainty that protects investments; counties seek stronger local voice without risking takings claims; new entrants seek fair access and due process.
