Wyoming requires local approval before simulcasting locations can operate

A city, town, or county must approve a specific location before simulcasting can take place there. The application covers a specific Wyoming location where simulcasting and any historic horse racing terminals would operate. The governing body of a city or town approves a location within its limits; the county board approves a location outside city and town limits. The county may object to a proposed location inside a city or town. A city or town that has exercised the authority named in the law may also object if the location is within one-half mile of its limits. An objecting local government must give written reasons, such as effects on land use, safety, or taxes, within 30 days after receiving the application. The approving authority must address timely objections before approving the permit. The applicant must identify the location and the number of historic horse racing terminals there. The applicant must also pay the actual cost of publishing notice; other local permit fees cannot exceed the actual cost of issuing the permit. This law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Local authorities may set reasonable operating conditions and may revoke approval or deny renewal only for listed good causes. These rules apply when a local authority considers approving, renewing, or revoking approval for a simulcasting permit. Conditions must be negotiated in good faith with the applicant. They may set operating hours within the stated limit or designate areas for terminals consistent with commission rules. Good causes include an uncured breach of a reasonable condition, certain gaming law violations, failure to start within two years without an extension, or serious harm to nearby residents' welfare. A permit holder may appeal a denied renewal or revoked approval. An applicant may appeal a new permit decision only if the local authority has previously approved a simulcasting permit in its area. After written notice of a breach, the permit holder generally has ten business days to take reasonable steps to fix it, unless the parties agree to another date. Simulcasting must begin within two years after the permit is issued, with a possible one-year extension for good cause.

People who held a simulcasting permit when the law took effect may keep operating through December 31, 2027, under their existing permit conditions and approval. This transition applies to people holding a simulcasting permit on July 1, 2026, the law's effective date. Beginning July 1, 2027, these permit holders are subject to the new section's requirements. A city, town, or county may deny or withhold approval for their existing facility only for good cause listed in that section. The law takes effect July 1, 2026. The continued operation period ends December 31, 2027; the new requirements apply to existing permit holders on and after July 1, 2027.