Ban on instant horse-racing in the homestretch

BOISE (AP) — Legislation that would ban Idaho’s lucrative slot-like instant horse-racing betting terminals, has only one more hurdle to clear before reaching the governor’s desk.

The House State Affairs Committee voted 15-2 Thursday to advance the proposal to the House floor after lawmakers deliberated at length over if and how the state should remove roughly 200 machines currently installed in three locations.

Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens; and Rep. Shannon McMillan, R-Silverton, cast the no votes, and Rep. Don Cheatham called The Press after the meeting to say he mistakenly voted yes for the repeal.

“I had a senior moment,” Cheatham said. “I was leaned back talking with another legislator when we took the vote and I said yes, when I intended to vote no.”

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