Moratorium Placed on Idaho Instant Horse Racing

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Racing Commission has suspended all future approval of lucrative slot-like machines known as instant horse racing terminals. The commission unanimously issued its moratorium Wednesday.

Their decision comes after Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter vetoed legislation that would have banned all instant horse racing machines in Idaho and instructed the commission to enforce the suspension. Known as instant horse racing, the machines allow bettors to place wages on prior horse races with no identifiable information. Idaho lawmakers approved legalizing the machines in 2013.

However, some lawmakers and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe have since argued that that the machines are cleverly-disguised slot machines. Roughly 250 machines are currently installed at three race tracks in Idaho. Otter has also requested an investigation of the legality of the machines.