Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Planning New Casino Resort for Idaho
The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes have announced plans to open their first casino and resort, which will be located along Interstate 84 between Boise and Mountain Home in Idaho.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Historically, the Shoshone-Paiute were the only Idaho tribe without gaming revenue. Now, the proposed resort is projected to generate tens of millions of dollars annually for the state’s economy and create thousands of jobs across the region. Furthermore, the tribes intend to allocate 5% of their net gaming profits to help local schools and educational initiatives.
In a press release, Shoshone-Paiute Chairman Brian Mason expressed hope for a brighter future where tribal members can access essential resources, education, health care, and job opportunities to sustain their families and uphold their heritage.
Partnership with Coeur d’Alene Tribe
To help the project, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes are partnering with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, a group that has operated successful tribal casinos in North Idaho for over three decades.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is contributing upfront funding to assist with the permitting and development stages. After construction is complete, they will enter into a management agreement to support the casino’s long-term success.
Coeur d’Alene Chairman Chief Allan said the partnership honors the connection between the two tribes and spoke of the transformative impact gaming has had on his own community.
When I was growing up, many tribal members lived in poverty and could not find jobs. Today, we have a state-of-the-art medical center, ample employment for tribal members and can financially support every tribal member who wants to earn a college degree. None of this would be possible without tribal gaming.
According to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes’ press release, tribal gaming already generates over $1.4 billion annually for Idaho’s economy, brings in more than $47 million in taxes, and supports approximately 12,500 jobs statewide.
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Casino to Bring Services and Opportunities
The Duck Valley Indian Reservation, which spans around 450 square miles across southwestern Idaho and northern Nevada, is dealing with a number of challenges. The Shoshone-Paiute community is suffering from high suicide and unemployment rates, as well as limited access to emergency services.
Currently, medical emergencies often require an airlift to Boise, a trip that takes at least 45 minutes. In some cases, a 911 call response can take up to two hours due to a shortage of dedicated tribal law enforcement officers. Education is another area of concern, as the local school struggles to attract and retain qualified teachers, which is made harder by a lack of housing and other essential infrastructure.
Mason believes that, with the right investment, the community could overcome these difficulties. He explained that the casino resort will provide the “tools” they need to “strengthen our community, grow our infrastructure and provide more opportunities to our youth for generations to come.”
The new casino and resort will include gaming machines, luxury hotel accommodations, a spa, an entertainment center, and fine dining experiences.
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