HB0085

Requires local approval from cities, towns, or counties for simulcasting permits and specifies conditions, enforcement, and appeal procedures for permit issuance and renewal.

• Simulcasting permits must be issued by the Gaming Commission and approved by the appropriate local approving authority (city/town governing body and/or county board of commissioners depending on location). (W.S. 11-25-210(a), W.S. 11-25-210(d))
• Simulcasting permits issued for a term not to exceed three years, and applicants must file approval applications with the local authority and pay publishing costs for notice. (W.S. 11-25-210(d)(iii), W.S. 11-25-210(e))
• Local approving authorities must publish notice of simulcasting applications in local newspapers for two consecutive weeks and on their official website, and hold a hearing before approving or denying applications. (W.S. 11-25-210(f))
• Local approving authorities may impose reasonable conditions on simulcasting approval, including operating hours (not more restrictive than retail liquor sales hours) and designations for historic horse racing machine locations. (W.S. 11-25-210(g)(iii))
• Local approving authorities may revoke approval or deny renewal only for good cause, including breach of conditions, gaming law violations, serious adverse effects on community welfare, or failure to commence operations within two years. (W.S. 11-25-210(g)(viii))
• When simulcasting is within one-half mile of a city's corporate limits and the city has exercised certain authority, that city must provide written consent; if consent is withheld, objections must be considered and settled before approval. (W.S. 11-25-210(d)(ii), W.S. 11-25-210(h))
• Permit holders may appeal adverse decisions or revocation to district court; renewal applicants and existing permit holders have appeal rights, but new applicants do not. (W.S. 11-25-210(j), W.S. 11-25-210(k))
• Defines new terms including 'historic horse racing machine' (pari-mutuel wagering device on previously-occurred horse races), 'local approving authority', and 'local authority', and expands the definition of 'pari-mutuel event' to include historic horse racing machines.