Prop. 1 on the ballot in Idaho would legalize historical horse racing machines at the state’s racetracks that offer at least eight horse racing days a year or at venues that off simulcast racing. It is being sponsored by Save Idaho Horse Racing.
Such locations would be able to deploy as many of the machines at they like. The machines offer the chance to wager on historical races where the names and dates have been removed and only the statistics are available to the better.
Gaming tribes in Idaho oppose the measure and largely fund United Against Prop 1.
In its latest ad, United Against Prop. 1 claims “Prop One is not about education, saving jobs, or saving the horse racing industry, it’s about gambling” and also that the proponents have been running deceptive ads.
The chairman of United Against Prop. 1, Ken Andrus, who also narrates their ads, served in the state legislature from 2014-2016 and was the House floor sponsor of the bill that banned HHR machines in the state after they had been legal for two years. At the end of their ad Andrus declares, “Prop One is an unlimited expansion of gambling statewide.”
Racetrack owners, such as Les Bois Park in Boise, have pledged to pour 100 percent of the net machine and racing profits into a foundation that will support the racing industry. That net is after a percentage is subtracted to be contributed to local schools.
