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Idaho's 2013 Legislature convened in Boise on January 7. We've put together a guide to the session, including ways to contact your lawmaker, how to get involved, and comprehensive information about the people elected to office.

Plan To Ban Instant Horse Racing In Idaho Heads To Governor

Steve Sawyer
/
Flickr
Supporters of instant horse racing say without it, live horse racing will suffer.

A bill that would ban Idaho's slot-like instant horse racing machines has passed the House and is on its way to the governor's desk.

After two hours of discussion in the chamber, the House voted 49-21 Thursday to repeal a law the Legislature passed in 2013 allowing the lucrative betting terminals, which closely resemble slot machines.

Some lawmakers say that they were tricked into approving instant horse racing — that is, betting on an earlier horse race but with no identifiable information.

But Republican Rep. Christy Perry argues that repealing the law could be a fatal blow to the state's horse racing industry.

The plan, backed by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, would affect roughly 200 machines throughout the state. The bill already passed the Senate in February 25-9.

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