Feb. 11, 2011 - The Wyoming Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would allow the state to license and collect fees from companies that offer electronic wagering on horse races.
The legislation, which cleared the state House last month, would give the Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission the ability to charge a fee to out-of-state businesses that provide electronic and phone wagering to customers in Wyoming. Track operators, simulcast businesses, horse breeders and the commission would split the proceeds.
The Pari-Mutuel Commission is the state body that oversees horse racing.
The state's lone track operator opposed the bill on the grounds it would take customers away from his off-track betting business. Wyoming Downs race track in Evanston is not planning any live races this year and allowed its simulcast racing permit to lapse.