Local control over gambling bill reaches middle ground

CHEYENNE (WNE) — After the House and Senate couldn’t agree on a bill that seeks to grant greater local authority over approving or denying new gambling locations, a committee met Wednesday to reconcile some of the disagreements.

By the end of the discussion, lawmakers on the Joint Conference Committee reached a compromise that preserves local control while addressing concerns over judicial appeals and administrative fees.

Senate File 45 came out of conversations over the past year after cities and towns expressed concern over their role, or lack thereof, in the growing historic horse racing and simulcasting industries. Currently, the authority to approve these permits rests almost exclusively with the Wyoming Gaming Commission and local county commissioners, often leaving municipal leaders — where 42 of the state’s 43 active locations are situated — with no formal say.

The bill creates a process similar to state liquor licenses, requiring a simulcasting permit to be approved by the “local approving authority,” such as the city or town council if the facility is within incorporated limits, or the board of county commissioners if it is outside.

It allows local governments to impose “reasonable conditions” on permits, such as hours of operation that align with local liquor laws.

The JCC discussed a House amendment that would have allowed local authorities to deny new permits based on broad criteria, including the “desires of the residents” or a determination that existing facilities already “meet the needs of the vicinity.”

The committee expressed concern that these broad standards could lead to legal challenges. Ultimately, Rep. Joel Guggenmos, R-Riverton, moved to delete the amendment in its entirety, a motion that passed the committee unanimously.

This story was published on March 5, 2026.