Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Unveil Casino Plans Between Boise and Mountain Home

Mia Maldonado

Idaho Capitol Sun

The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes are establishing their inaugural resort and casino facility along Interstate 84, situated equidistantly between Boise and Mountain Home.

For many years, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes remained the sole tribe in Idaho lacking gaming income. However, the suggested resort and casino could potentially bring in hundreds of millions of dollars each year for Idaho’s economy and lead to the creation of numerous regional job opportunities. Additionally, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes intend to distribute 5% of their net gambling earnings to fund local educational institutions and initiatives.

Shoshone-Paiute Chairman Brian Mason stated in a press release that his vision encompasses a future wherein tribal members possess the necessary resources, education, healthcare, and job prospects to support their families and maintain their cultural heritage.

Currently, we lack significant economic opportunities, and this has led to substantial challenges within our community," Mason stated. "Our aim is to address our issues and support our people. Tribal gambling could help turn these aspirations into actuality.

The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes have joined forces with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

The tribes are joining forces with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, which has effectively managed gambling enterprises in North Idaho for over three decades.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is offering significant initial funding to facilitate the permitting and development stages. After construction concludes, they will sign a management agreement with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes to ensure the ongoing success of the casino.

Coeur d'Alene Chairman Chief Allan stated that the tribe feels privileged to assist their "brothers and sisters" in obtaining the advantages they themselves have gained through gaming.

When I was young, numerous members of our tribe were living in impoverished conditions and struggled to secure jobs," Allan stated in the press release. "Nowadays, we boast a cutting-edge healthcare facility, plentiful job opportunities for community members, and financial backing for anyone within the tribe seeking to obtain a college education. All these advancements wouldn’t have been achievable without tribal gambling revenues.

According to a statement released by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, tribal gambling currently generates over $1.4 billion annually for Idaho’s economy, provides more than $47 million in yearly taxes, and supports approximately 12,500 local jobs.

The tribal chairperson states that the casino will offer resources to bolster the community.

Spanning approximately 450 square miles, the Duck Valley Indian Reservation encompasses part of southwestern Idaho and extends into sections of neighboring Nevada, effectively dividing the area into two halves.

According to the press release, the tribes experience elevated levels of suicide and unemployment. Due to its remote position in the high desert, the Shoshone-Paiute community finds it challenging to offer emergency services to their members.

Medical emergencies necessitate critical air transport to Boise, a journey that requires a minimum of 45 minutes. Often, a standard 911 call may not receive a response for up to two hours due to the absence of specific tribal law enforcement personnel assigned solely to serve Duck Valley. Additionally, education funding faces significant challenges, making it difficult for the school to recruit sufficient certified instructors as a result of inadequate housing and resource constraints in the region, as stated in the press statement.

The obstacles we encounter every day can be overcome. What we require is investment in sustainable solutions for our population," Mason stated. "Through gaming, we will acquire the necessary means to bolster our community, expand our infrastructure, and offer greater prospects to our young people for future generations.

The intended site was once home to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, who lived, hunted, and preserved the area’s natural resources. The proposed casino facility will feature gambling machines, upscale hotel accommodations, a spa, an entertainment complex, and gourmet dining choices.

To develop this initiative on tribal land beyond the reservation boundaries, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes will adhere to the procedure outlined by the U.S. Department of the Interior and intend to file their preliminary application before the end of this year.