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Casper council adopts first reading of temporary moratorium on new simulcasting facilities
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing and debate, Casper City Council voted on first reading for a temporary moratorium on new historic-horse-racing/simulcasting establishments to give the city time to develop zoning and objective standards; the motion passed with two councilors opposed.
The Casper City Council on June 2 approved on first reading a temporary moratorium on new simulcasting (historic-horse-racing/off‑track betting) establishments, saying it needs time to craft objective zoning rules and application criteria before new operators can establish locations in the city.
Supporters said the pause will give staff and council time to create consistent zoning and procedural safeguards. “We need time to come up with longer‑term solutions i.e., zoning primarily,” said the city attorney during council discussion.
Opponents argued a moratorium improperly favors incumbent operators and undermines free enterprise. “I don’t think this is council’s responsibility. Let free enterprise run its course,” John Johnson told the council during the public hearing. He warned blanket pauses could discourage investment in Casper.
Afy Ellis, legal counsel for a potential entrant she identified as Valleys, told the council a pause would disadvantage newcomers who have invested in racetrack infrastructure and are not yet operating machines. Ellis said state law (Senate File 45) provides narrow grounds for local denial and cautioned that a city‑wide freeze risks legal challenges and uneven treatment of operators.
Councilmembers discussed public‑health and community impacts, zoning, and legal risk. Several members emphasized the need to finish targeted zoning work quickly so the moratorium is short‑lived. “If we can get it finished, decided, and established something before the third reading, cool beans,” said Councilmember Haskins.
The council moved the ordinance on first reading and recorded the vote as: Councilors Jensen and Sweeney voting nay; all other councilors voting aye. The ordinance will return for further readings and any amendments could narrow the moratorium’s geographic scope or duration.
What’s next: staff and a council work group will review zoning, develop objective standards consistent with state law, and return recommendations before the ordinance’s next readings. The council also recorded extensive public testimony and materials for the record, and signaled follow‑up meetings with stakeholders.
