Downtown gaming zoning restrictions
Summary
Caspar is weighing a six-month pause on new historic horse racing parlors while the city updates zoning after Senate File 45 expanded local authority. Business owners and Bally's attorney argued it blocks fair market entry; several council members cited public health and neighborhood impacts.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct cost to the city, but gaming tax revenue could be affected depending on where the final policy lands.
Residents concerned about gambling density and downtown character, plus council members gaining time to write zoning rules.
New market entrants like Bally's, which has not yet opened any machines in Natrona County, and property owners wanting to host them.
Mentions & discussions (7)
City of Casper | Council Session | — October 20, 2026
Council is deciding whether to zone gambling establishments out of downtown and the Old Yellowstone District. Downtown business owners are split: the DDA supports the ban, while a major downtown investor argues it will push traffic to the outskirts.
City of Casper | | City Council — September 1, 2026
A council work group is drafting a survey on a possible moratorium on gaming establishments in parts of town; council members will weigh in by end of week.
City of Casper | | City Council — July 7, 2026
Council finalized a moratorium on new simulcasting/gaming establishments while it builds a permit and zoning framework under new state law (Senate File 45). A working group recommends updated zoning codes, a local permit requirement, and neighborhood-requested restrictions. Critics say the citywide scope is too blunt and protectionist.
City of Casper | | City Council — June 16, 2026
Council is pausing new gaming and simulcasting establishments while a working group figures out how to regulate where they go — zoning, licensing, or liquor license standards. Bally's, a would-be new entrant, argues growth has plateaued and a moratorium fences out competition; downtown stakeholders back it to protect years of investment.
City of Casper | | City Council — June 2, 2026
Caspar is weighing a six-month pause on new historic horse racing parlors while the city updates zoning after Senate File 45 expanded local authority. Business owners and Bally's attorney argued it blocks fair market entry; several council members cited public health and neighborhood impacts.
City of Casper | | City Council — May 19, 2026
Casper is moving toward a temporary moratorium on new gaming and gambling businesses, with a public hearing set for June 2. A resident tied the issue to gambling addiction concerns and questioned using vice-related tax revenue to fund city services.
Casper City Council moves toward gaming moratorium after Wyoming Gaming Commission update
Casper City Council moves toward gaming moratorium after Wyoming Gaming Commission update Oil City News
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