Shoshone-Paiute Plan First Idaho Casino with Aid

Key Takeaways
The Shoshone-Paiute (Sho-Pai) Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation have acquired a 557-hectare property in Idaho to establish their first casino. Only 40 hectares of the land near Boise will be used for the casino. The goal is to use the revenue to make long-term investments in education, healthcare, and employment for tribal members. The Sho-Pai are currently the only federally recognized tribe in Idaho without a casino.
New Casino as an Economic Milestone
With this new project, the Sho-Pai Tribe aims to achieve greater economic independence. Chairman Brian Mason emphasizes that the casino is intended to address key issues such as unemployment, inadequate emergency services, and limited access to medical care. The revenue will be directly reinvested into the community’s infrastructure and social programs.
Collaboration with an Experienced Partner
For the planning and operation of the casino, the Sho-Pai Tribe is partnering with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is providing not only capital but also operational leadership. This partnership replaces a previously planned collaboration with JTC Gaming LLC. Final approval of the project lies with the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).
Planned Use of the Land
Although the property spans 557 hectares, only a small portion—40 hectares—will initially be used for the casino project. In addition to gaming areas, plans include a hotel, restaurants, a spa, and event spaces. The remaining land could be used for future expansions or community-focused projects.
Support for Education
Five percent of net gaming revenue is earmarked for local education programs. The tribe’s aim is not only to support its own members but also to benefit surrounding communities.
Competing Project Nearby
At the same time, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe is planning another casino project in the same region. This project is expected to cost around $300 million and would be the tribe’s fourth casino. Both initiatives are located on so-called “off-reservation” land, meaning they are outside the tribe’s traditional territory. As a result, approval is required from the U.S. Department of the Interior, as well as from local authorities and the Governor of Idaho.
You should read that too:
-
Asian Slots – The Best Asia-Themed Online Slot Games
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Fruit Slots: The Best Fruit-Themed Slot Machines at a Glance
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Danneskjold Ventures B.V. Casinos
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Easter Slots – Best Easter-Themed Slot Games
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
-
Monster Slots: Best Monster-Themed Slot Games
Reading time: ~ 3 minutes
Approval Process and Challenges
Whether the project can move forward depends on several factors. The land is located in Ada and Elmore counties, each of which has its own review process. The exact location in relation to existing infrastructure and environmental regulations also plays a role. Approval from Governor Brad Little is critical for the project’s progress.
Voices from Tribal Leadership
Chief Allan of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe strongly supports the project. He points to the positive experiences his own tribe has had with casino revenue: improved medical care, more jobs, and financial support for education. This model is now intended to benefit the Sho-Pai as well.
Our Assessment
The Sho-Pai Tribes’ initiative is a significant step toward economic self-determination. The partnership with the experienced Coeur d’Alene Tribe increases the chances of success. The planned support for education and social programs also shows that the casino is intended not just as a source of income, but as a tool to improve quality of life. The biggest challenge remains securing approval from federal and state authorities. If granted, the project could become a sustainable boost for the region. We will continue to monitor developments.
Sources
– US Casino News
– Idaho Statesman
– Tribal Gaming Network