SWEETWATER COUNTY – Sweetwater County and Rock Springs continue to benefit from the resurgence of horse racing in Wyoming.

Live horse racing left the state for a period of time but returned in 2012 thanks to many people including Sweetwater County and the Events Complex. The complex and county were the first to bring back live horse racing events to the state of Wyoming.

This along with the legislative action to allow historic horse racing gambling machines in the state has the county and the city of Rock Springs seeing financial benefits.

The first year of the program both the city and county received checks for approximately $400,000 from the machines. This money goes right back into each entities general fund. Green River does not receive money because they do not participate in the historic horse racing machine program.

At the recent Sweetwater Events Complex meeting, Director Larry Lloyd said the county and city should get back around $360,000 for last year.

Complex Market and Events Director Kandi Pendleton reminded the board it was not a full year as the machines were shut down for some time as the legislature questioned the legality of the machines. She said they are hoping for a full year this year.

Live racing returns to the complex this summer running from Aug. 19 to Sept. 4. Check the Sweetwater Events Complex website for all the details.