Idaho has added “historical” or “instant” horse racing machines to its wish list. The horse-race betting machines are ​according to Operators, Pari-mutuel​ betting terminals that allow players to place bets on replays of horse races that have already been run.

According to the latest news, a bill that would call for the legalization of horse-race betting machines has been recently introduced to the state. The Idaho Attorney General’s Office filed an opinion, arguing that the legalization of these machines ​maybe​ unconstitutional.

Idaho lawmakers are reopening a debate to legalize horse-race betting machines throughout the state. The recent move came almost 3 years after the Idaho Supreme Court repealed the authorization for the machines in 2015. The proponents of the initiative believe that the legalization of the horse-race betting machines could financially support the decades-long horse racing tradition. It is not a secret that the horse racing industry has started to wane over the past few years​ due to increased gaming competition in the state such as Tribal Gaming, and the Idaho State Sponsored Lottery.  Proponents of the initiative believe that horse racing should be allowed to exist since it was the first legal gaming in the state and has been injured by the introduction of the Lottery and Tribal Gaming.  Proponents argue that Historical Racing is legal Pari-mutuel wagering ​but is packaged in a more innovative way to attract new customers.

The industry is still on life support, desperately seeking some help ​due to other gaming venues that have been allowed to evolve and operate in the state.  Proponents want a fair and level playing field and believe there is room for all to co-exist.​