Here’s an area where Idaho apparently is on the cutting edge: The Kootenai River Inn & Casino in Bonners Ferry has installed 50 slot machines that accept and pay out in Canadian currency, which it says makes it the first dual-currency casino in the nation. Tom Turpin, general manager, told KREM-2 News in Spokane that the Canadian-currency machines, installed in late June, have been a big hit, and they’re considering adding more. He said he’s had calls from other tribal casinos in northern border areas, including one in upstate New York, interested in trying the move.

The Kootenai River Inn & Casino is owned by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and managed by Hagadone Hospitality Co., which also owns the Coeur d’Alene Press, the Coeur d’Alene Resort, the Bonner County Daily Bee and other North Idaho holdings. It’s 26 miles from the Canadian border, which means it’s long relied on Canadians to form a part of its customer base.

But an unfavorable exchange rate put a crimp on Canadians traveling south this year, so the Kootenais decided to try the new machines. In a news release, the Inn & Casino said, “Guests can play and win in Canadian money without the worry of the exchange rate.”

According to the Bank of Canada, a Canadian dollar today is worth about 77 cents in U.S. currency. You can see KREM-TV’s full report here.