Shoshone-Paiute and Coeur d’Alene Partner to Expand Tribal Gaming Through Major New Casino Development in Idaho

The Shoshone-Paiute Tribe is moving closer to transforming the regional economy through the strategic expansion of tribal gaming in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. Recognized as the state’s only federally acknowledged non-gaming tribe, the community is taking a monumental step toward realizing its long-desired goal of establishing a casino near Boise as part of its broader development initiatives. To facilitate this entry into the tribal gaming sector, the tribe recently acquired a substantial 557 acres of land straddling Elmore and Ada counties, positioned conveniently between Mountain Home and Boise to serve as the foundation for future gaming and hospitality ventures.

This ambitious project has led to a strategic partnership with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, known for operating the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. This collaboration not only involves an essential investment from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe but also ensures their management expertise in handling the operations of the prospective casino.

The Need for Development

The reservation of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes is situated in a remote part of Idaho, bordering Nevada, where both unemployment and suicide rates are alarmingly high. The tribe is optimistic that establishing a casino will generate vital revenue and bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to the community. As stated by Brian Mason, the Chairman of the Sho-Pai, “I dream of a future where our members have the resources, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities they need to care for their families and preserve our way of life.”

Approval Requirements

Since the proposed casino will be established off the reservation, it requires federal approval, as well as clearance from local county officials and Idaho’s Governor, Brad Little (R). Successfully navigating this regulatory environment is crucial for the project to move forward.

The Positive Impact on Community

• Poverty Alleviation: The casino is anticipated to create jobs that can significantly reduce the high poverty rates affecting tribal members.
• Emergency Response Funding: The generated revenue will enable improved funding for emergency services on their reservation, vital in a region where, due to its remoteness, 911 response times can stretch up to two hours.

“Today, we have no meaningful economic opportunities, and our community is facing some heavy challenges because of it,” Mason continued. “Tribal gaming will allow us to make these dreams into a reality.”

Competition for Casino Development in the Area

The Sho-Pai Tribe is not alone in its aspirations for economic development through gaming in the Treasure Valley. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (Sho-Ban) have also expressed intentions to build a competitive $311 million casino in Mountain Home, approximately 45 minutes from Boise. They have already acquired land and are in the process of applying for federal trust status for their casino project.

Brian Mason has previously articulated his opposition to the Sho-Ban project, emphasizing the challenges faced by the Sho-Pai Tribe without any existing casinos, whereas the Sho-Ban already has three operational facilities.

Conclusion

The partnership between the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe marks an important milestone in the attempt to enhance economic stability and infrastructure in the tribal community. This project aims not only to provide entertainment but also to foster significant improvements in overall living conditions for the Shoshone-Paiute members. As both tribes continue to navigate the legal requirements for casino development, their commitment to creating a flourishing future for their members remains a top priority.