October 5, 2023 |
Photo – Wyoming Downs Logo – Courtesy wydowns.com
A new gambling and off-track betting facility will open in Rawlins soon.
During the September 19th Rawlins city council meeting, Councilman Chris Weisenburg said a horse racing betting company, Wyoming Downs LLC, requested a permit to open a location in Rawlins. Councilman Weisenburg is the city council liaison for the planning and zoning commission. The councilman said the planning commission recommended that the city approve the horse betting operation’s permit request.
Councilman Weisenburg said the off-track horse race betting facility will provide both the county and the city with an economic boon. The councilman said Wyoming Downs also promised to hire nearly a dozen local employees. Councilman Weisenburg reiterated that the planning and zoning commission backs the betting parlor’s permit application.
Councilwoman Tonya Lewman asked where the gambling hall will be located. Councilman Weisenburg said Wyoming Downs intends to operate out of the same building as the Peppermill Bar and Grill, at 1602 Inverness Boulevard. The councilman said the deal is far from complete, but he supports the proposed influx of money into the city.
Since Rawlins does not have a dedicated zone for gambling operations, Wyoming Downs is required to have a special use permit to operate within city limits. Applicants for a special use permit must first approach the city’s planning and zoning commission for approval. The permit is then reviewed by the city council. The council can choose to take the planning commission’s recommendation or not, but final approval rests in the hands of the council members.
During Tuesday’s Rawlins city council meeting, Mayor Terry Weickum asked the public for input about the proposed gambling hall.
No member of the public spoke for or against the betting parlor’s special use permit application.
Later in Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Councilman Weisenburg motioned to approve the Wyoming Downs LLC special use permit. The motion was passed unanimously. Mayor Weickum thanked the Wyoming Downs representative, Keith Little, for choosing to open a business in Rawlins.
