Instant Racing Under Scrutiny in Idaho

Instant Racing, a pari-mutuel form of electronic gaming in which the outcome is determined by previously run horse races, is under scrutiny in northern Idaho.



Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug says detectives are responding to a complaint claiming that the roughly 10 terminals installed at Greyhound Park and Event Center are illegal slot machines and not state-approved pari-mutuel betting terminals, in which gamblers bet against each other.



"It is our job to look at if these machines are legal," Haug said. "If they are, then that's what our report will say."



Instant Racing was legalized in Idaho in 2013 after horse industry representatives argued they needed them to save their dying trade.



However, the legality of the machines has been questioned in several states and some disputes are still awaiting a final decision in court. Most recently, four Idaho tribes demanded state officials cease all use of the machines, coming just short of threatening a lawsuit.



Three out of nine racetracks in Idaho have Instant Racing. Les Bois Park, just outside of Boise, has the most machines after spending $2 million to install 200 terminals last year. A handful of racing terminals opened in downtown Idaho Falls, not directly on-site of the racetrack thanks to Idaho law that allows off-site pari-mutuel betting to attract more customers.



Instant Racing machines resemble slot machines, with animations and music. Bettors are wagering on past races, but the horse names are unknown before they place their bets. The machines only show the last few seconds of the race, and payouts are instant. Racing officials say gamblers aren't betting against the house, but a pool of other gamblers.



Haug said he expects to complete the investigation in about a month. Once finished, Haug added that he wants to submit the findings to the Idaho Attorney's General office for an opinion.



"I think this has a statewide impact," he said. "They are already in Ada County and in Idaho Falls."



Besides Idaho, Instant Racing is being conducted in Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Oregon, and Wyoming.



The Wyoming Supreme Court in 2003 ruled that Instant Racing was illegal, saying "we are dealing with a slot machine that attempts to mimic traditional pari-mutuel wagering. Although it may be a good try, we are not so easily beguiled."



In the same year, Oregon also outlawed Instant Racing. By 2013, both state legislatures had approved reinstating the machines.



Haug said that detectives are working with Frank Lamb, executive director of the Idaho Horse Racing Commission. Lamb was with the the former Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission in 2003 when the state's high court struck down Instant Racing.



Lamb did not respond to phone calls from The Associated Press.