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A series of bills in the Wyoming legislature is moving through committees and, if passed, would allow cities and towns to decide whether to permit historic horse racing terminals (HHR) in their communities.
Current state law gives counties, not cities, the power to determine whether they want HHR machines.
Local control could reshape Wyoming’s historic horse racing
Two bills currently before the Wyoming legislature address simulcasting and HHR terminals.
Simulcasting permits could shift to local governments
One bill would give cities and towns authority over the permitting process for pari-mutuel wagering, including simulcasting and HHRs. If enacted, the measure would grant municipalities and counties the power to:
- Authorize conditions and revoke permit approvals
- Authorize appeals in the permitting process
- Amend enforcement requirements
- Confirm procedural provisions
- Specify how requirements apply
- Set permitting dates
Specifically, the bill states that permitting power would rest with cities and towns when a proposed gaming facility is located within their limits:
“If the simulcasting will be conducted within the corporate limits of any city or town the permit or renewal shall be subject to approval by the governing body of that city or town.”
The Select Committee on Gaming approved the bill earlier this month by a 5-1 vote.
Wyoming considers pause on new historic horse racing permits
The second bill would place a temporary moratorium on new parimutuel permits for simulcasting and on permits for new properties seeking to install HHR terminals. If passed in its current form, the moratorium would begin April 1, 2026, and end March 31, 2029. It would also prevent existing permit holders from increasing the number of HHRs they operate, though permit renewals would still be allowed.
During a recent Select Committee on Gaming hearing, a committee member asked whether the bill would affect existing facilities that currently lack HHRs or simulcasting but plan to add them.
Tamara Rivale, legislative counsel at the Wyoming Legislative Service Office, said those facilities would only be affected if they do not have a permit by April 1, 2026. Rivale also suggested lawmakers could amend the bill to allow extra time for businesses that apply before the deadline but are not approved by that date.
The typical permitting process takes about 60 to 90 days, meaning any facilities seeking to offer HHRs or simulcasting would need to apply at least three months before April 1.
Wyoming online casinos and the state’s gaming future
Wyoming has been actively considering ways to expand and regulate gambling beyond HHR and parimutuel wagering. While online casino‑style games remain illegal, the state has explored the potential of Wyoming online casinos.
In 2024, Wyoming contracted Spectrum Gaming Group to study the feasibility of legalizing real-money online casino gaming, including slots, poker, and blackjack, and bills were introduced in 2025 to authorize internet gaming. However, these bills did not advance due to regulatory, tribal, and consumer‑protection concerns.
The state has also created a select committee to focus specifically on gaming expansion, underscoring that HHR and simulcasting legislation are part of a broader discussion on how Wyoming manages and potentially grows its gaming industry. Additionally, lawmakers have considered tax increases on online sports betting, reflecting the fiscal interest in expanding regulated gambling.
This evolving landscape shows that while cities and towns may soon gain control over HHR terminals, Wyoming is simultaneously examining the future of online gambling and the possible legalization of Wyoming online casinos.
