Legislation | Litigation

Coeur d'Alene Tribe presents case in gaming machine dispute

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

A row of historical horse racing machines at Les Bois Park, a non-Indian racetrack, in Idaho. Photo from Facebook

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe asked the Idaho Supreme Court to enforce a ban on gaming machines that have been installed at non-Indian racetracks.

Lawmakers passed a bill to outlaw the so-called instant racing machines after believing they were duped by the racetracks. They said the devices that were installed more closely resemble slot machines rather than ones that allow bets on historical races.

But Gov. Butch Otter (R) waited until the very last minute to veto Senate Bill 1011. The tribe contends he waited too long and argues that the measure must be enforced.

"Nothing is more fundamental to the rule of law than to know with certainty what the law is and how the law is made," Deborah Ferguson, an attorney for the tribe, told The Spokesman Review after oral arguments today. "This powerful process essential to our democracy is prescribed by the Idaho Constitution. It can’t be altered with a wink and a nod between branches of government, and it’s not subject to a flexible interpretation by those who hold the reins.”

About 250 machines have been installed at two tracks. Senate Bill 1011 required them to be removed by July 1.

Get the Story:
Drama in the courtroom at instant racing arguments (The Spokesman Review 8/11)
Idaho Supreme Court to hear arguments today in instant racing case (The Spokesman Review 8/11)
Idaho Supreme Court listens to betting machine arguments (AP 8/11)