Idaho Lottery asks vendors about Keno, other illegal games

Idaho State Lottery officials are asking potential vendors to provide information on how they would offer Keno, simulated racing, fantasy sports and other illegal gambling games when they bid on a lucrative decade-long contract.

Gambling companies hoping to be the next Idaho State Lottery provider have until the end of Friday to turn in their bids, and the State Lottery Commission could select the winner and enter a contract as early as November.

But some lawmakers are upset about the lottery’s request for information on games like Keno, which is specifically banned by the Idaho Constitution. Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill says the request for information is inappropriate and feels like an attempt to make an end-run around the Legislature.

Idaho State Lottery Director Jeff Anderson says they just want to get an idea of what vendors are providing in other jurisdictions. He says information about the illegal games won’t be used in the scoring process for bidders.