In 2025, a legislative task force was established to tackle the explosive growth of the multi-billion-dollar gambling industry in the state.

This year, lawmakers recognized that further discussions were necessary and renewed the task force for an additional year.

On Thursday, the Wyoming Legislature’s Select Committee on Gaming convened to delve into a variety of topics, from the allocation of wagering revenues to the debated “Queen of Hearts” charitable games. The meeting commenced with an in-depth examination of Wyoming’s gambling revenue and its distribution.

Nick Larramendy, the executive director of the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC), highlighted that the industry’s remarkable expansion has primarily been driven by historic horse racing (HHR), which recorded a staggering $2.49 billion in total wagers in 2025.

Larramendy clarified the distinction between “handle” and actual revenue, explaining that if a player bets $1 and wins $5, then bets all of it again, the handle would be $6, despite only $1 being initially deposited.

The state collects a 1.9% tax from this handle, which is allocated to different funds: the Breeders Award Fund (0.40%), the Wyoming Gaming Commission (0.25%), the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account (0.25%), and local municipalities (1%).

For 2025, HHR contributed $24.9 million to municipalities across Wyoming. However, the public payout remains the most substantial portion, amounting to $2.2 billion last year. Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Cheyenne, raised concerns regarding the “gross profit” left for operators, which Larramendy estimated to be around $180 million after payouts and taxes.

The most intense discussion during the meeting centered on the business strategies of Wyoming Downs and 307 Horse Racing. Kyle Ridgeway, president of the organizations, defended the choice to shift several race days from the Cam-Plex in Gillette to Evanston.

Ridgeway contended that Evanston draws significant out-of-state bettors from Utah, while attendance in Gillette has been lacking. “Concentrating our efforts in Evanston was a strategic business and economic decision for the long run,”

Ridgeway stated. He emphasized that consolidating horsemen in one location for the summer reduces transportation costs and fosters a more vibrant racing environment.

Johnson, however, voiced his disapproval, suggesting that the relocation was an attempt to “game the system” to retain HHR machine licenses while neglecting the commitment to local horse racing in northern Wyoming.