An off-track betting bill has passed the Senate on a 26-9 vote; HB 191 would let racetracks at county fairgrounds that already have licenses for betting on simulcasts of races elsewhere transfer their licenses to a more suitable location, rather than the track itself. "This will not expand gaming, nor the number of locations," said Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, R-Huston, the Senate sponsor of the bill. Instead, she said, it will allow the small tracks to make more money to upgrade their live racing facilities. Sen. Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton, spoke in favor of the bill. "It does create jobs," he said. "It really does have an effect on rural Idaho, and I will urge your aye vote." There was no debate against the bill, despite the number of "no" votes; a number of lawmakers routinely vote against any legislation regarding gambling on moral grounds. The bill, which earlier passed the House, now heads to the governor.