Local authority shifts over gambling matters: New restrictions proposed on additional gambling establishments in Wyoming
In the ongoing discussions about granting more local authority for new gambling locations, a new development has emerged. Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Cheyenne, proposed an amendment to the bill draft, aiming to shift some authority from the Wyoming Gaming Commission to local zoning rules.
The amendment does not alter the Wyoming Legislature's involvement in the discussions. The Wyoming Legislature's Select Committee on Gaming discussed this potential change in approach on Friday.
Under the proposed change, local governments would control where commercial casinos can be placed through traditional zoning and land use processes. This represents a shift from prior proposals that might have involved more direct local regulatory control or restrictions on new gambling locations.
Johnson suggested that local authorities could potentially deter businesses through zoning or land-use regulation changes. However, the amendment does not directly impact the responsibility of the Wyoming Gaming Commission for issuing gambling permits.
The change in approach was discussed in the context of granting more local authority for new gambling locations. The discussions are ongoing, with no immediate resolution reached. The amendment does not affect the proposed shift of authority from the Wyoming Gaming Commission to local zoning rules.
The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported on this discussion, with Noah Zahn as the author. The amendment proposed by Johnson aims to cut the section granting local authority for issuing simulcasting permits, but it does not alter the Wyoming Legislature's involvement in the discussions.
This new approach would allow for local control through zoning rules, rather than counties or municipalities having clearer or more direct say in permitting or approving gambling locations. This makes local influence more about land use decisions than gambling regulation itself.
In summary, Wyoming is shifting from direct local control over commercial casino approval toward using existing zoning rules as the mechanism for local authority. The discussions are ongoing, with no immediate resolution reached. The amendment by Johnson is a new development in the ongoing discussions, not leading to an immediate decision.
Casino-and-gambling regulations have ventured into the realm of politics, as Rep. Steve Johnson proposed an amendment to alter the Wyoming Gaming Commission's authority. General news outlets have reported on this development, with the Wyoming Tribune Eagle documenting the shift towards using existing zoning rules as the mechanism for local authority over commercial casinos.
