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Idaho Indian Casinos & Gambling
Idaho is not just a land of cattle, beets and potatoes; it is also the land of horse racing and Indian casinos. Although gambling is relatively recent to the state (horse racing just celebrated its 40th anniversary), it is a vigorous industry that is helping to pay for public education and the advancement of native tribes.
Idaho has two major types of gambling:Indian casinos and animal racing (mostly horses, but some greyhound racing). Powerball is available and is starting to take hold, especially with the current jackpot, but all other types of gambling are generally illegal in the state.
Horse racing is serious business in Idaho. The Idaho State Horse Racing Commission was originally set up in order to ensure that horse racing and pari-mutuel betting on the races would be regulated. When Idaho re-organized its various departments in 1974, it was placed under the Department of Law Enforcement. The Commission is funded by fines, occupational license fees, and a 1.25% tax on pari-mutuel handling. It encourages racing by supporting various horse-related educational programs, as well as giving purse enhancements and money to Idaho Horse Owner/Breeder program.
Safeguards are in place in order to ensure that every race is run fairly and cleanly. Veterinarians ensure that the horses are drug-free. For each race, there are two sets of reports generated, and the numbers are checked each day. Any changes are reported to the appropriate area, and the betting public is notified of any changes. Photos of the finish are available upon request. If any rules are broken, all parties involved are notified of the hearing date, and fines are levied as appropriate. In 2004, just 19 fines were levied.
The majority of races are simulcast, so that the bettors can watch the races from almost any bar in Idaho, and patrons can also bet online (the betting is also open to those not in-state). The horse racing is broken up into two circuits: The Les Bois Park and the Fair Circuit (which consists of Emmett, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Rupert, Jerome, Burley, Malad, and Blackfoot). Between them, the pari-mutuel handle in 2004 was $1,726,462, with $1,309,688 won by patrons.
Greyhound racing is also available. Although the track at Couer d’Alene was closed down due to loss of revenue and converted to a simulcast station, greyhound racing is starting to bounce back, and enhances the income from horse racing. It is just as regulated as the horse racing, and simulcasts and online betting are just as available.
Idaho Indian casinos are also available. Indian casinos were initially set up in order to help tribes find a way to become self-sufficient. This self-sufficiency was a challenge, as Indian tribes had traditionally been placed in areas with limited resources. Also, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has had its powers cut, so that Native American tribes were no longer able to count on federal aid as much as they had in the past. Although some tribes were able to cash in on the tourist value of their lands, and others offered inexpensive land rentals and incentives to Hollywood studios, tribes still needed to find a way to increase revenue so as to not only be able to sustain their lifestyles, but possibly advance themselves as well.
A number of tribes noted the decreasing amount of gambling in the states due to the crackdowns on organized crime, and that they were, to some extent, sovereign countries. Thus, in 1985, the National Indian Gaming Association (168 representatives of various tribes, organizations, and other signatories) began engaging in gaming enterprises around the country. By working with federal government agencies and Congress, NIGA sought to develop sound gaming practices and provide technological assistance to members in order to advance the Native American tribes and affiliates, as well as to protect sovereign governmental authority in tribal lands.
Passed in 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act contained a specific provision in which lands added afterwards needed to clear some forms of gambling with the state, so as to provide NIGA with the ability to become and continue to be self-sufficient, while at the same time providing some regulation to avoid organized crime from getting a hold in Indian gaming. Thus any tribe can provide traditional Indian games and bingo, but all other games must be cleared by the state in question. As the casinos bring in additional tourists, who are travel to the state to gamble but stay to enjoy other sights, causing the local tourism business to experience a boom followed by increased traffic, most states have been willing to compromise with the tribes. In Idaho, the Indian casinos have combined with local horse and greyhound racing to supplement those industries.
There are six casinos spread throughout the state of Idaho, each providing slots and video poker. Although Idaho is not known for its poker tournaments, it does provide access to off-track betting. Most of the casinos provide lodging (usually through an RV park), and a few have actual hotels. Also. Each provides some sort of transportation service, either between the casino and the local town, or between the casino and the local airport.
Between the six casinos, there are approximately 4400 slot machines and video terminals, seven restaurants, two RV parks, and two hotels. In addition to the slots, they offer bingo and off-track betting. Businesses hold conventions here to take advantage of the tourist sites, gambling, and the ease of setting up a convention in the Midwest (and one of the casinos has convention space able to cater to any business’ needs).
All told, Idaho provides a rich diversity of gambling experiences, ranging from the slots and bingo in air-conditioned casinos, to horse racing at the track and bars, giving everyone a chance to enjoy themselves. Combine with the tourist sights and factory tours, and Idaho is a great place to visit!
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