Opinion: Authorize gaming for everyone in Idaho, not just tribes

Indian casinos in Idaho have operated outside the law since they first opened and state officials have chosen to look the other way. Our prediction is they will continue to do the same when the Coeur d’Alene Tribe opens poker rooms. That is true for a couple of reasons.

First, few politicians want to take on Indian tribes because they don’t want to be labeled as racists. It doesn’t matter if the charge is ridiculous; the surefire way to win the argument is to scream racism when the other guy disagrees. This is something we know a bit about firsthand.

Second, no politician wants to be accused of killing jobs. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe employs hundreds and hundreds of people and most work at the casino. Any threat to Indian casinos would immediately become a debate about jobs. Nobody wants to run on a platform that includes killing jobs. If a candidate has to choose between upholding the constitution and winning an election, winning elections usually wins.

The good news is there is a way that politicians can run for re-election and not have to answer questions about illegal gambling.

Simply allow anyone and everyone with the finances and know-how to open a casino. Tribal casinos are viewed as critical for economic development. Given that standard, allowing more casinos would mean more jobs and more revenue for everyone.