CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Construction has commenced on a new $80 million horse betting and gaming facility in Laramie County, Wyoming. The Wyoming Downs facility is set to become one of the largest of its kind in the state, with a planned opening in spring 2027.
Local Economic Impact
The facility will feature over 600 historic horse racing machines, Wyoming’s largest TV wall, and multiple dining options across 58,000 square feet. It is strategically located along Interstate 25 to attract visitors from Colorado, particularly from the Front Range area, according to Kyle Ridgeway, President of Wyoming Downs and 307 Horse Racing.
Ridgeway highlighted the economic benefits, noting that the facility will create over 150 permanent jobs and generate an estimated $3 million in additional tax revenue for Laramie County once operational. The project is being managed by Groathouse Construction, a Wyoming-based company, ensuring that the development remains locally focused.
Tourism and Community Support
The new facility is part of a broader expansion plan by Wyoming Downs, which includes another similar development in Evanston and renovations to existing facilities in Casper, Cheyenne, and Rock Springs. Ridgeway emphasized the importance of tourism to Wyoming’s economy, stating that the new facility will offer unique amenities not available at other locations, such as the Horse Palace at Swan Ranch.
Despite some social media comments expressing fatigue over new gambling facilities, Ridgeway believes the community in Cheyenne is generally supportive, recognizing the tourism and economic benefits. The facility is expected to draw significant interest from out-of-state visitors, contributing to Wyoming’s tourism industry, which has traditionally been a key economic driver alongside mineral extraction.
As construction progresses, more details about the facility’s amenities, including dining options, will be released. Ridgeway assured that the offerings will be of high quality to attract visitors willing to travel to the location.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
