Off-track betting could return to Casper

CASPER, Wyo. — Sept. 3 ,2011 - Live horse racing is back in Wyoming, and off-track betting could soon follow in three cities.

The Natrona County Commission on Tuesday will consider whether to allow simulcast racing at Sidelines Sports Bar in Casper. Similar votes are scheduled this month for off-track sites in Buffalo and Riverton.

Last month, a business group headed by the son of a former Wyoming track owner hosted the state's first live races in two years. Eugene Joyce and Wyoming Horse Racing LLC have also opened off-track betting sites in Rock Springs and Evanston.

More live races are set for this weekend at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs. And Joyce and his business partner hope to have eight simulcast sites operating in the state by next year.

Until recently, horse racing had been on the decline in the Cowboy State. Wyoming Downs in Evanston, which had been the state's only operating track, stopped hosting live races after the 2009 season. The company that operated the track has also closed its four simulcast betting sites, including one in Evansville.

Based on early response to this year's races, Joyce is optimistic about the future of Wyoming's horse racing industry.

"We are happy with everything the way it has gone so far, and we fully expect we can build on the success for something greater," he said.

The first weekend of live racing drew 1,100 people each day and attracted horsemen from four states, including Wyoming, Joyce said.

Sweetwater Downs hadn't been used for racing in 18 years. Organizers brought in 1,700 tons of sand to prepare the track.

The track will host the $20,000 Sweetwater Downs Derby today and the finals of the $50,000 Sweetwater Downs Futurity on Sunday.

Joyce's group got a late start this year and didn't receive their permits until June. The business expects to lose money this year, but the partners felt it was important to show they could run live races and an off-track betting system.

"We felt it was better to just get something going instead of waiting," Joyce said. "We feel like it is a good beginning (and) something we can build on for the future."

Live horse racing typically loses money. But Joyce expects the eight off-track sites he wants to have operating by next year will keep the overall business profitable.

Even during the recession, gamblers in Wyoming wagered between $9 million and $10 million a year on simulcast racing.

The return of live racing is good for the state's horse breeders, said Ron Cook of the Wyoming All Breeds Racing Association. Many stopped breeding when live racing ended at Wyoming Downs.

It might take a few years, but Cook expects the sport to bounce back.

"I think more people will get back in the racing industry," he said. "They will go to sales and buy some horses. Next year, we'll see a big switch."


Read more:  Billings Gazette