Key Moments:
- Wyoming lawmakers backed expanded regulatory authority and new felony penalties targeting illegal gambling operations
- The Legislature rejected, by a 5–4 vote, a bill to cap Historic Horse Racing machines at 3,004 per operator per live track
- Legislators advanced measures on simulcasting facility approvals, anti-money laundering, gambling definition clarity, and location-based restrictions for skill games
Regulatory Measures Gain Approval, HHR Cap Falls Short
Wyoming’s Management Council moved forward with a package of bills designed to enhance control over the rapidly growing gambling market. These proposals included expanding state authority and instituting felony charges for money laundering. However, legislators narrowly rejected a measure intended to restrict each gambling operator to no more than 3,004 Historic Horse Racing (HHR) terminals per permitted live track.
Sen. Bo Biteman expressed skepticism about the rationale for HHR, stating the initiative primarily existed to bolster a single industry and drew significant lobbying due to large financial interests. Pete Liguori of Wyoming Horse Racing, however, defended the current system, noting increases in race purse allocations and substantial expected spending on live racing operations.
Lawmakers Debate Market Expansion and Public Perceptions
Some officials questioned whether imposing a machine limit addresses broader gaming industry trends. Rep. Jeremy Haroldson commented that Wyoming was coming to be known as “a gambling state,” while Sen. Barry Crago argued that a terminal cap failed to address real market growth issues.
Simulcasting Facility Bill Moves Forward Unanimously
The Council voted unanimously to require local government signoff before simulcasting operations may open, a priority identified by Sen. John Kolb. Municipal leaders endorsed this provision, supporting ongoing involvement in local gambling decisions. The legislation preserves the existing 100-mile rule, preventing simulcast activity near live tracks unless approved by track operators, a stipulation welcomed by Affie Ellis, counsel for Cowboy Racing.
Criminal Enforcement and Gambling Definition Enhanced
Lawmakers advanced two bills targeting illicit activity in the gambling sector. The first specifies felony penalties for money laundering and unlawful investment, passing on a 9–1 vote. Kyle Ridgeway, representing 307 Horse Racing and Wyoming Downs, indicated continued industry support for anti-money-laundering initiatives. The second bill, also approved 9–1, tightens the scope of gambling’s statutory definition by refining the bona fide social relationship exception. Rep. Jayme Lien explained the goal is to safeguard informal home-based gaming among friends, as long as those motives remain personal rather than commercial.
Skill Games Restricted to Liquor-Licensed Venues
An additional bill, which received unanimous support, places stricter location requirements on skill-based amusement games, restricting them to establishments holding liquor licenses where alcohol is permitted. This move comes after concerns emerged over gambling machines turning up in grocery stores and being accessed by minors. Sen. Kolb voiced strong opposition to these practices, noting the violation of industry trust.
Leslie George, co-owner of Wyoming Amusement Inc., revealed that skill games constitute the majority of her company’s revenues but acknowledged the need for regulatory intervention. “Absolutely, we have to clean up grocery stores,” she said.
Regulatory Adjustments on the Horizon
Nick Larramendy, director of the Wyoming Gaming Commission, stated that officials plan to amend rules so that grocery stores with liquor permits would be required to contain skill-based machines strictly within their licensed alcohol sales areas.
| Legislative Action | Status | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Expanded gambling regulation & money laundering penalties | Advanced | N/A |
| HHR machine cap (3,004 per operator per live track) | Rejected | 5–4 |
| Simulcasting facility local approval requirement | Advanced | 9–0 |
| Felony offense for money laundering/illegal investment | Advanced | 9–1 |
| Tighter gambling statutory definition | Advanced | 9–1 |
| Skill game restriction to liquor-licensed venues | Advanced | Unanimous |
- Author
Daniel Williams
