BOISE, Idaho (AP) – Legislation legalizing machines for betting on previously run horse races is heading into the final turn in the Idaho Capitol.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted Wednesday to approve a bill allowing wagering on past races using video terminals that store clips of tens of thousands of historical races. Idaho race tracks already use live and broadcast betting.
Executive Director of the Idaho State Racing Commission Frank Lamb said the measure will help horse racing groups boost revenue they say will help save their industry, which has suffered as other entertainment options have gained popularity.
But Jonathan Krutz, a member of the Stop Predatory Gambling Foundation, said the terminals mimic slot machines, which are illegal in Idaho except on reservations.
The machines would be allowed at three Idaho racing tracks.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
