Judge rules against machines used to gamble on horses

Monday, June 20, 2005 | 9:28 a.m.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- A Laramie County judge ruled that machines used to bet remotely on horse racing are illegal, shutting down the machines at one local business. But similar machines may remain in operation elsewhere in the state.

District Judge Edward Grant's ruling last week classified the machines -- known as "instant-race machines" -- as gambling devices, agreeing with an opinion issued by Wyoming Attorney General Pat Crank.

"Wyoming law generally prohibits the use of gambling devices as defined in state statute and in any form of gambling," Crank said. "To control gambling, you must control the devices."

Eric Nelson, a Las Vegas businessman who manages the machines and the Wyoming Downs racetrack in Evanston, said he would appeal the ruling.

Instant-race machines allow players to bet on horse races, but not on the horses themselves. Players are not given the names or standings of the horses they are betting on. Races often are simulcast at playing locations, and players find out after the race whether they've won.

The state Pari-Mutuel Commission ruled in 2002 that the machines were legal, but Crank issued an opinion a year later challenging the machines.