The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Idaho have decided to cut ties with their lobbying firm, Strategies 360, after learning that it had filed a ballot measure to legalize betting machines for racing tracks—something that the tribes have long opposed.
The tribes’ contract with Strategies 360 expires at the end of February.
The tribes oppose so called “historical racing” machines that look like slot machines and allow wagering on races that have happened in the past, but which have had all of their identifying information removed.
The machines are not legal in Idaho since 2015, but racetrack interests would like to give the voters a chance to change that. The initiative is being pursued by Treasure Valley Racing, which operates the Les Bois racetrack near Boise.
A spokesman for Strategies 360 said the company had been open with the tribe about its action for the racetrack. Todd Dvorak said, “Ultimately, with our year-long contract expiring in February, tribal leadership has elected to put their government affairs work out to bid, and we fully understand that decision,” He added, “It’s been a privilege to work on behalf of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes over the last year, helping tribal leadership and members achieve important goals.”
