CASPER, Wyo. — City officials are considering a 180-day pause on the establishment of new gambling operations and the expansion of existing ones. On Tuesday, Casper City Council members expressed support for the measure as a way of giving time to conduct a review of land-use regulations and zoning frameworks to address a recent increase in gambling establishments throughout the city.
According to City Manager Janine Jordan, city staff plan to use the hiatus to evaluate spacing standards, potential district restrictions and buffering requirements to ensure future developments align with long-term land-use plans and the character of local communities.
“Gaming and gambling establishments can have a lot of land-use considerations that include parking demand in the areas where they’re located, hours of operation [and] concentration of other gambling establishments,” Jordan said. “Other gambling establishments in the area can exacerbate those issues.”
Jordan added that the clustering of such businesses in certain commercial districts may also limit opportunities for more diverse development.
At Tuesday’s council work session, several councilors expressed support for the idea.
“I do find it appealing, this concept of a 180-day moratorium,” Gamroth said. “I imagine I’m not the only councilor who’s heard from constituents about perceived oversaturation of that industry in our community and frustration when places are converted into gaming-specific operations.”
Gamroth suggested creating gaming districts in Casper to which gambling would be restricted. He argued that by keeping gambling establishments in proximity to one another, it makes law enforcement easier and helps manage the growth of gambling and gaming in the community.
He referenced a recent development in Riverton that saw gaming stations installed at a Smith’s store.
“I wouldn’t want it in the family areas,” Gamroth said. “I would also have issue if they started popping up in our grocery stores.”
The ordinance, which requires three readings for final adoption, applies to all activities defined as gaming or gambling under the municipal code. Currently, gambling is allowed as a permitted or conditional use in several zoning districts, including general business, highway business and industrial zones, as well as the Old Yellowstone District.
“I’m in support of a moratorium,” Mayor Ray Pacheco said. “I think it’s smart. I think it’s a pragmatic approach to do a study, because it has expanded very fast.”
