Bill 1011 which seeks to terminate the operations of fixed odds instant win betting terminals in Idaho’s racing tracks has progressed through the state House of Representatives after receiving majority approval.
The bill now awaits the signature of the Idaho Governor Butch Otter to be passed into state law.
Throughout the week the Idaho House had heard the arguments against the bills progression, as Idaho racing representatives put forward that the bill would effectively kill the state racing industry as the terminals were its main source of income. Furthermore the bills detractors claimed that its progress into state law, would impact Idaho tax revenues.
This Tuesday, Treasure Valley Racing operators of Les Bois Park racing management threatened to close down its operations if the bill were to be passed.
The bill’s lawmakers have stated that the instant win machines have violated state laws since they operate as slot machines. The lawmakers stated that Idaho racing industry needed to look beyond the machines as their main source of income.
Governor Butch Otter as yet has not indicated whether he will ask for a further review of the bill before he adds his signature.