Games people play

COEUR d'ALENE - Four North Idaho legislators are questioning the legality of a large number of gaming machines in tribal casinos in Idaho.

The letter, sent Monday to Idaho State Lottery Director Jeff Anderson, is signed by Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens; Rep. Ron Mendive, R-Coeur d'Alene; Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay; and Sen. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d'Alene.

The legislators use the Coeur d'Alene Casino as an example in the letter. They state that all of the electronic games at the Worley establishment appear to be in conflict with the Tribe's gaming compact with the state. They claim, based on information the legislators received, the gambling machines are actual slot machines rather than "stylized electronic bingo or electronic pull-tab games with spinning reels as were once used in the past by the tribes."

"Since slot machines are clearly not allowed in Idaho, we respectfully request that you review for compliance the electronic games in use at all Idaho tribal casinos," the letter states. "The manufacturers that have devices in the Coeur d'Alene Casino include IGT, Bally, WMS and Aristocrat, well-known manufacturers of slot machines widely used in Las Vegas."

David Workman, public information specialist for the Idaho State Lottery, told The Press Wednesday that Anderson received the letter and was in the process of preparing a response.

The group of legislators sent the letter to the lottery commission just as a bill is being considered that would repeal 2013 legislation that authorized pari-mutuel wagering on previously run horse races. The games, also known as instant racing, are offered on slot-like machines that can be installed, under the law, at locations authorized to offer simulcast betting.

Three locations in Idaho have installed the machines, including the Greyhound Park and Event Center in Post Falls - a business listed as a "supporter" on Nonini's website.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe has publicly opposed the use of instant racing machines in Idaho and at the Greyhound Park.

Doug Okuniewicz, manager of the park, said he agrees with Nonini's letter. He said he has been pointing out what he considers to be a double standard in the state.

Okuniewicz added that he believes some of the video slot-machine type games in tribal casinos are also prohibited by state law and an investigation would likely prove that.

Barbieri and Mendive each received a campaign contribution from the Idaho Horse Racing PAC in 2014, according to campaign finance information from the Idaho Secretary of State. The political action committee is funded by Treasure Valley Racing, an organization that operates Les Bois Park in Boise that has also installed the instant horse racing machines.

In an email to The Press, Helo Hancock, legislative director for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, called the move by the North Idaho legislators "a clear attempt out of retaliation to try to divert attention from the real issue at hand and protect the out-of-state investors at the dog track."

Hancock cited the Tribe's 23-year track record of "fulfilling promises and living up to our commitments," as well as public approval of highly regulated tribal gaming. He added that the letter ignores state and federal law, the provisions of the tribal gaming compact, and years of court precedent.

"It's clear from the letter that the authors are in serious need of doing their homework before firing off baseless accusations," Hancock wrote. "The letter is nothing more than a thinly-veiled act of desperation and malice."

Staff writer Jeff Selle contributed to this report.