Idaho: Sho-Pai tribe announce plans for first casino near Treasure Valley with backing from Coeur d’Alene tribe

The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation have become the latest Indigenous nation to pursue a casino development in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, announcing the purchase of a 557-acre site straddling Ada and Elmore counties as the proposed location for their first gaming facility. 

The announcement marks a key development for the Sho-Pai, currently the only federally recognized Idaho tribe without a casino, to support essential services and economic development for its members.

In a press release, the Sho-Pai confirmed that the project will be developed in partnership with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, which is providing a major initial investment and will manage the facility for a fee. The casino will be tribally owned, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s role is subject to approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission. 

The Sho-Pai tribe had previously explored a partnership with Oreana-based developer JTC Gaming LLC, but has now confirmed the Coeur d’Alene Tribe as its sole development and management partner.

Sho-Pai Chairman Brian Mason said the casino project is central to the tribe’s efforts to address deep-rooted challenges facing its community, including high unemployment, suicide rates, and the absence of dedicated emergency services on the remote Idaho-Nevada border. 

“We want to solve our own problems and provide for our people. Tribal gaming will allow us to make these dreams a reality,” Mason said. He emphasized that the tribe envisions the project as a catalyst for sustainable development and expanded access to healthcare, education, and employment.

Located roughly two miles south of the Boise Stage Stop truck stop off Orchard Access Road, only 40 acres of the 557-acre property will be used for the casino itself. Details on amenities remain in early stages, but Mason noted plans for gaming machines, a luxury hotel, fine dining, a spa, a fitness center, and an entertainment venue. 

The project website indicates that five percent of net gaming revenue will be directed to support local schools and education programs. This initiative comes as a competing proposal from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Eastern Idaho, first reported in 2023, remains under review by the U.S. Department of the Interior. 

That $300 million plan, located near the same Mountain Home exit on I-84, envisions a large-scale destination casino and resort. The Sho-Ban project would be the fourth casino for that tribe, while the Sho-Pai proposal would represent their first foray into gaming.

Given that both tribes are pursuing off-reservation gaming projects near the same location, Idaho Governor Brad Little will be placed in a position to approve one, both, or neither, following reviews by the Department of the Interior and local authorities. A final decision will also depend on whether the project falls within Elmore or Ada counties, each of which will have its own approval process.

Coeur d’Alene Chairman Chief Allan said his tribe is proud to support the Sho-Pai in building a similar foundation of economic opportunity. “When I was growing up, many tribal members lived in poverty and could not find jobs,” he stated.

“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,” Allan added.