Wyoming Downs breaks ground on $80M gaming venue near Colorado border

Wyoming Downs and 307 Horse Racing have begun construction on an $80 million gaming and entertainment facility in southern Laramie County, a project designed to attract visitors from neighboring states and expand the company's historic horse racing operations in Wyoming.

The 58,000-square-foot venue, located east of Interstate 25 at Exit 2 near the Colorado border, is scheduled to open in spring 2027. The development is part of a $180 million investment program that includes a second new gaming facility, renovations to existing properties and additional gaming locations across the state.

The Laramie County property will feature approximately 600 historic horse racing (HHR) machines, simulcast horse wagering, multiple dining options and a sports-viewing area anchored by what the company says will be Wyoming's largest TV wall. Additional acreage has been acquired for future hotel and entertainment development.

Company President Kyle Ridgeway said the project is intended to attract customers from Colorado's Front Range and other nearby markets. He noted that approximately 600,000 people live within a 30-minute drive of the site, providing a customer base that can support the investment while generating tax revenue from out-of-state visitors.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Ridgeway said the project is intended to bring visitors and spending into Wyoming from neighboring states.

“This project is designed to bring new dollars into Wyoming, drawing visitors from neighboring states, especially Colorado, strengthening our economy and diversifying our tax base,” Ridgeway said, as reported by the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

The event was attended by local elected officials, business leaders and representatives from the offices of US Sen. Cynthia Lummis and US Rep. Harriet Hageman.

Wyoming Downs estimates the facility will create more than 150 permanent jobs once operational, in addition to construction-related employment generated during development.

The venue is being built by Wyoming-based Groathouse Construction with support from local subcontractors. The broader investment plan is also expected to generate additional employment opportunities in construction, hospitality and information technology.

According to Ridgeway, the Laramie County property is expected to generate approximately $3 million in annual local tax revenue after several years of operation.

Statewide, Wyoming Downs employs more than 400 people and generates more than $25 million annually in state and local taxes.

The project comes as Wyoming's historic horse racing sector continues to grow. According to the Wyoming Gaming Commission's 2025 report, bettors wagered $2.49 billion on HHR machines in 2024, compared with $2.11 billion in 2023.

The Laramie County development will become Cheyenne's second large-scale horse racing gaming venue following the opening of Horse Palace at Swan Ranch in 2024. Wyoming Downs says the property will offer amenities not currently available at that venue, including Wyoming's largest TV wall, a sports-viewing area and expanded dining options.

The project is one component of a larger expansion strategy. Construction on a similar facility in Evanston, Uinta County, is expected to begin in early 2027 and will target visitors from Utah and western Colorado.

Wyoming Downs also plans renovations at existing properties in Cheyenne, Casper and Rock Springs, while additional projects are planned in Gillette and Green River.