County Tables Decision on Wyoming Downs Racing

Johnson County’s Commissioners have tabled a decision on allowing a site in Buffalo for Wyoming Downs to operate a facility to bet on paramutual horse races.

Jill Jarrard and Alison Vanderhoef, representing Wyoming Downs, brough the request before the commission for approval, saying they were looking to put 30 machines in a site in the Quality Inn, formerly the Crossroads Inn in Buffalo.

According to discussions, there would be no alcohol served on site, and there are no plans to add alcohol in the futre. It would operate similar to the current Sheridan site with snacks, coffee and soft drinks available.

Jarrard said they were pursuing the Buffalo site because according to the company’s tracking of users in Sheridan, quite a number of people from Buffalo drive to Sheridan to use the facility there.

Jarrard said the city and county would both benefit from the business, creating roughly 10 jobs locally, and contribute tax revenues estimated at $15,000 per month, split between the local governments, as well as $90,000 paid in taxes to the state.

County Attorney Tucker Ruby said there were no legal issues with adding the business, but suggested local law enforcement might be interested in being added to the conversation.

The commission voted to table their decision until the upcoming meeting on Tuesday to look into some of the possible concerns.