Loertscher proposes new Gaming Commission, to replace both Lottery Commish and Racing Commission
At the urging of Rep. Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, the House State Affairs Committee has agreed this morning to introduce legislation to do away with the state Racing Commission and the state Lottery Commission, and instead create a new Gaming Commission that would oversee all gambling in Idaho, including horse racing, the state lottery, and Indian gaming on reservations. “This is something that a lot of discussion has been centering around now for the last few weeks,” Loertscher told the committee. “Recognizing that probably we need to enhance somewhat the regulation of the various forms of gambling there are in the state.”
Rep. John McCrostie, D-Boise, questioned why the bill included “historical horse race or instant racing” as something the new commission would regulate, when the committee is currently considering legislation to eliminate the slot machine-like gaming devices that have been installed under the 2013 law authorizing betting on past horse races. “Is it a little premature to insert this language, should that portion of statute ultimately get repealed?” he asked.
Loertscher responded, “What we deal with is what the law currently is. And of course if it is repealed, then there would necessarily have to be changes. That’s going to be down the road a little bit, in any event. So what we did was we included the language here just to make sure that if it were to continue, that it would still be under the gaming commission.”
Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, said, “I am willing to have a discussion … about a commission, however, I’m not real comfortable having that ‘til we make the decision about the historical horse racing piece. It feels a little uncomfortable to be looking at a bill that is so large at this point in the session, but I am open to having that discussion.” The commission bill is 34 pages long.
Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, said, “It’s been referenced here today by yourself and other members of the committee that there have been issues come up with respect to gaming in the state of Idaho. And I think more specifically, those issues have revolved around the Racing Commission. Do you feel like by establishing a gaming commission, that those issues will go away?”
Loertscher said, “I don’t suppose the problems are ever going to go away. This is a problematic planet we live on. … But what this does really is provide a regulatory framework. … It’s going to help with those problems.”
The committee then voted to introduce Loertscher’s bill, clearing the way for a hearing; Rep. Paulette Jordan, D-Plummer, voted no.
