Group forms to oppose historic horse racing initiative

A national group called the “Stop Predatory Gambling Foundation” has created an Idaho organization to challenge “historical horse racing” in the state.

Supporters of the devices handed in petitions this month to put an initiative on the November general election ballot that would allow the machines to operate in Idaho.

Foundation executive director Les Bernal believes the petition is really aimed at allowing imitation slot machines at Idaho horse racing tracks. The national foundation is sponsoring an Idaho group called “Stop Predatory Gambling Idaho” (SPGI), led by Jonathan Krutz of Boise.

The groups plan an information session in Boise Friday.

SPGI believes the petition language is unconstitutional and deceptive. It is also encouraging anyone who signed it to consider removing their name from it. A registered voter can do that by contacting the voter’s county clerk and making the request in writing.

In an editorial this week, Krutz said, “The proposal is being pushed to “save” horse racing. But horse racing is not illegal in Idaho. It’s just not popular, so it’s no longer a viable business. While that’s the sad story of many businesses, the solution is not to approve a government-enshrined monopoly to subsidize the business (horse racing) with an unconstitutional activity (slot machines).”

You can learn more about the opposition group here.

Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden reviewed the initiative petition earlier this year. This is his opinion.