125 years ago, when it came to the topic of gambling, Idaho’s constitution read that there would be no “lottery or gift enterprise.” These days, residents in the state can stop by their local grocery store, racetrack, or Indian casino to partake in an array of gambling activities which suit their fancy. However, the state currently finds itself entangled in whether or not instant horse racing terminals should in fact be legal.
For a brief period between 1947 to 1953, slot machines could be found on the outskirts of Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Garden City. However, the Idaho legislature quickly deemed them unconstitutional and gave the machines’ owners the option of “destroying them or shipping them to Nevada,” according to an Associated Press report dating back to 1984. Many of the machines were stolen and subsequently thrown into rivers.
In 1988, the state legalized its first lottery, with much opposition. With the state lottery being legal, tribal casino gaming wasn’t far behind. At first, tribes in the state could only operate bingo and lottery operations. 2002 saw a $3 million campaign led by the Nez Perce and Coeur d’Alene to allow video gaming machines.
Since 1963, betting on horse racing has been legal, but with the rise of casinos, the lottery, and online gambling, horse racing across the nation has suffered dramatically. However, 2013 saw the passing by the Idaho legislature, which passed instant horse racing. The horse racing industry feels these machines can restore a dying industry, while lawmakers claim they were tricked into falling for these cleverly disguised slot machines.
Between 2011 and 2014, sales have jumped from $2.9 million to $21.2 million annually from touch screen machines rolled out by the state. The machines have fallen under the radar with all attention focused on the tribes and horse racing industry. In 2006, similar machines were considered illegal by the state, even though they were overseen by the state lottery.
Recently, Rep. Tom Loertscher has introduced legislation which would create a new Gaming Commission to oversee all gambling in the state, including horse racing, lottery, and Indian gaming. If approved, this would eliminate the state Racing Commission and Lottery Commission.
Rep. John McCrostie questioned why this particular bill includes historical horse race or instant racing, which would be regulated by the new commission, when those are currently sought to be eliminated. “Is it a little premature to insert this language, should that portion of statute ultimately get repealed?” he asked.
Loertscher responded that they have to currently deal with the law as it currently is. He also said that if the machines get repealed, there would be changes.
