Tribal leaders unsure of Idaho governor’s stance on gaming

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000 | 9:16 a.m.

"On one hand, we are looking at gaming negotiations," said Jaime Pinkham, treasurer of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee. "On the other hand, here's the same threat as last year," he said, referring to the state's proposed compact with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe.

Uncertainty about the future of gaming operations weighs heavily on the minds of tribal leaders because they have plans for the future, he said.

The compact would allow a federal judge to rule on the legality of disputed tribal video pull-tab and video lottery machines. Pinkham said the Nez Perce Tribe supports a compact for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe.

"But the concern is how it will jeopardize our operations," he said Wednesday. Kempthorne would likely negotiate for no expansion of the tribes' existing gaming operations, Pinkham said.

"Does it mean geographic expansion or limiting the machines or type of games?" he asked. "We don't want new compacts. We would like to amend the compacts we have."

Ernie Stensgar, chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, suggested Kempthorne is under intense pressure by special interests who do not want any gaming. But, he said, "We have walked our talk and utilized millions for education. Gaming is good for Idaho and good for Idaho tribes."

Kempthorne recently told legislators he intends the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe to have a gaming compact this year. He also said he is working on an approach to the gaming issue that benefit the state and all the tribes.