BOISE, Idaho (AP) – Legislation that would ban Idaho’s lucrative slot-like betting machines, known as instant horse racing terminals, has only one more hurdle to clear before heading to the governor’s desk.
The House State Affairs Committee voted 15-2 Thursday to advance the proposal to the House floor after lawmakers deliberated at length over if and how the state should remove roughly 200 machines currently installed in three locations.
Immediately preceding the repeal vote, the same committee had killed a proposal to create a new gaming commission that would regulate all three types of legalized gambling in Idaho: the lottery, tribal casino gambling and horse betting. The alternative proposal was submitted late in the session, but had the support of the horse racing machines who objected to the Idaho Legislature removing machines not deemed illegal in court.
“If I had the power I would make this go away, I would make that decision right now, today,” said Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, who voted in favor of repeal. “This subject is contentious that has personally and morally challenged me.”
In 2013, the Idaho Legislature approved instant racing, where bettors place wages on horse races with no identifiable information.
Horse racing representatives argue the machines are needed to save their failing industry because a portion of the profits help fund breeder groups, race tracks and attract better jockeys.
However, two years later, many state lawmakers and Idaho’s tribal members counter that they were duped into signing off on cleverly disguised slot machines. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe-backed legislation would require removal of the machines July 1 if the bill receives Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s signature.
Idaho law permits the tribes to operate gaming machines -not that dissimilar to instant racing terminals- under a voter initiative passed in 2002. State and federal courts have affirmed their legality and the Idaho Lottery Commission, which has limited power to regulate the tribes’ machines, also maintains the machines do not violate the state’s strict anti-slot machine laws.
“The Legislature did not intend for slot machines to go in and I am really quite troubled by the blaming of the tribes on this,” said Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise. “The focus keeps coming back to the tribes, however they have done everything in compliance with the law. It’s been underlined and underscored numerous times.”
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
