CHEYENNE, Wyo. — On Tuesday, Laramie County commissioners unanimously approved three resolutions allowing Cowboy Racing LLC to conduct pari-mutuel wagering at three potential off-track betting locations in Wyoming’s capital city. Residents expressed concern about one of these locations turning into an off-track betting facility.
The Board of Commissioners approved Cowboy Racing’s plans to open OTB businesses at the following locations:
- Fire Station, 1720 Cleveland Ave.
- Westby Edge Brewing, 714 W. 20th St.
- Old Chicago, 1734 Meadowland Drive
Although commissioners granted Cowboy Racing’s request for the three OTB locations, the company must still seek final approval from the Wyoming Gaming Commission, County Attorney Mark Voss said at Tuesday’s meeting.
Cap City News reached out to the Wyoming Gaming Commission for more details on the application process. The commission did not immediately respond.
Plans for live horse racing
In November, the Wyoming Gaming Commission approved Cowboy Racing’s plans to facilitate live horse racing in Laramie County. The company has partnered with racing and pari-mutuel wagering company 1/ST to bring live racing to the mile-long track 10 miles east of Cheyenne, which they are calling Thunder Plains Park.
Cowboy Racing co-founder Ryan Clement said on Tuesday that construction of Thunder Plains has been completed. He and his team are planning to kick off live events sometime in the summer.
“It was a monumental effort, and we got it done,” Clement said. “This is the asset that we’re going to bring to Laramie County. … We will become the epicenter of horse racing in the mountain west. And that’s what this is all about.”
The state’s gaming commission also approved Cowboy Racing’s application to conduct business at off-track betting facilities at the same November meeting. However, the company still had to seek approval on specific business locations from Laramie County commissioners.
Cowboy Racing is aiming to transform its three planned OTB facilities not just into gambling facilities but also entertainment centers. For instance, the location at the former Old Chicago will retain its restaurant layout for patrons, Clement said.
Community feedback
Commissioner Gunnar Malm said many residents have emailed the county expressing opposition toward the OTBs. However, others, particularly horse breeders and other members of the equine community, have told commissioners they welcome the Cowboy Racing’s race track and OTB proposals, Commissioner Ty Zwonitzer said.
Cheyenne Ward III Councilmember Mark Moody said his constituents have similarly approached him, stating they’re concerned about the OTBs’ proximity to residential areas. Several residents at the meeting echoed these thoughts, stating they didn’t want a betting facility near their schools and that it would adversely affect traffic for a residential region.
Clement said he has met with local residents, including freshman Wyoming House Representative Ann Lucas, to address concerns about the OTB locations. Scott Homar, an attorney with Cowboy Racing, told commissioners that the company has spoken with Cheyenne Police Chief Mark Francisco to discuss public safety concerns.
“[Francisco] indicated to us that the law enforcement effect is negligible,” Homar said. “They don’t see any additional needs that they would have based on the OTBs in Laramie County — and, in fact, find that they have more issues with just local taverns and bars than they do with the OTBs.”
Other people said they approved of Cowboy Racing’s proposals. Darin Westby, owner of Westby’s Edge Brewery, said the OTB machines at his brewery align with his vision for downtown Cheyenne’s West Edge District. Dave DeLancey of DeLancey Enterprises LLC said Cowboy Racing’s plans for live horse racing will benefit the equine community and bolster tourism.
“I can see that it’s going to be good for the feed stores, the vets, the other equine facilities in Cheyenne,” DeLancey said.
Horse breeder John Hess said, “The opportunity that [Cowboy Racing is] bringing in for the equestrian part of this is amazing on what it’s going to do for all the residents around here.”
The resolutions can be viewed below.
