Repeal of instant horse racing in Idaho heads to governor

The bill to ban instant horse racing in the Gem State is on its way to Gov. Butch Otter’s desk after House members voted 49-21 to repeal the law passed in 2013.

Lawmakers argued on both sides. Those in favor of Senate Bill 1011, argued that the original bill that allowed instant horse racing was unconstitutional and the devices it’s played on were too similar to casino-like slot machines.

“I realize that we are not breaking the law, but what we are doing is allowing a law to operate contrary to the constitution,” said Rep. Ken Andrus, R-District 28

Some representatives were on the fence when it came to the repeal. Rep. Vito Barbien said he understood the need for action, but said the repeal would be a drastic approach.

“We have an opportunity to fix this without (using) a nuclear option,” he said.

Others also questioned whether due process was granted for historical racing and the betting bars in which they are offered.

“Why wasn’t an injunction filed in court, if the way that this was implemented was inconsistent with the constitution and legislative intent?” said Rep. Greg Chaney, R-District 10.
Many concerns throughout the session focused on the notion that lawmakers were deceived when the original bill was presented in 2013. Rep. Christy Perry, R-District 13, argued that she and those who presented the bill did not lie to lawmakers. She added that repealing the lucrative betting terminals would negatively impact to the state’s horse racing industry.

“It is the truth, there are people that are experts in this. It is what we said it was. It is well worth having here in Idaho,” said Perry.

While lawmakers discussed the uncertainty of historical horse racing within the Gem State, those who depend on the industry said one thing is certain.

“I believe there are a lot of closed minds. I think they made up their mind well before the debate ever happened,” said Intermountain Racing CEO Jim Bernard. “It’s hard to listen to that debate and not think, ‘What’s the worst thing that could happen if we do this and what’s the worst thing that could happen if we don’t?'”

Bernard runs pari-mutuel racing at the Idaho Falls Double Downs Betting, Sports Bar and Grill. He also races horses at Sandy Downs arena, but doesn’t believe horse racing will survive if Gov. Otter signs the repeal into law.

“We’re very disappointed for the whole race industry and the state of Idaho. This is a lot of jobs and a huge industry. The vote was essentially a killer to the industry. It really is,” said Bernard.

But horse handlers aren’t the only ones in the line of fire. Sandy Downs hosts the oldest rodeo in the state, the War Bonnet Rodeo, along with many other events that generate revenue. The City of Idaho Falls planned to receive donations from the Eastern Idaho Horseman’s Association and Intermountain Racing and Entertainment that would have been used toward the Sandy Downs master plan.

“We were really looking forward to renovations to this park,” said Parks and Recreation Division Director Greg A. Weitzel. “This was not just about horse racing, but for the entire community and all the special events that happened here. Now we’ll have to go back to the drawing board if the governor does sign it into law and look for other ways to raise revenue to renovate the facility.”

The repeal was backed by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. If it is signed, the repeal would affect roughly 200 machines throughout the state. The bill passed the Senate in February, 25-9.