Shoshone-Paiute tribes announce first casino and resort in Idaho
The Shoshone-Paiute tribes, also known as the Sho-Pai, are gearing up for a transformative leap into tribal gaming by building their first-ever resort and casino in Idaho. Nestled along I-84, between Boise and Mountain Home, this bold move aims to reverse generations of economic hardship and provide a sustainable future for their people.
A casino for the Sho-Pai tribes
The inhabit the Duck Valley Indian Reservation on the Idaho-Nevada border. They are proud, resilient, and steeped in tradition but economically isolated. Currently, they are the only Idaho tribe without a casino, which limits their ability to fund essential services, education, and healthcare for their community. With limited employment opportunities and few economic engines, tribal members face a bleak landscape filled with high unemployment, suicide rates, and slow emergency response times.
Sho-Pai Chairman Brian Mason put it best. He said, “I dream of a future where our members have the resources, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities they need to care for their families and preserve our way of life.”
This project is about self-determination—taking control of their economic future. A casino can be the spark that sets off a chain reaction of growth, hope, and healing across the reservation.
Mason further stated, “A future where our children have hope and believe the best days are still ahead of them. Today, we have no meaningful economic opportunities, and our community is facing some heavy challenges because of it. We want to solve our problems and provide for our people. Tribal gaming will allow us to make these dreams into a reality.”
Strategic location along I-84
The proposed site is a 557-acre parcel just off I-84, strategically placed between Boise and Mountain Home. Only 40 acres will be used for the casino itself, giving the tribe room for future expansion. It is about two miles south of the Boise Stage Stop truck stop, accessible via Orchard Access Road. Though the parcel spans both Elmore and Ada counties, the tribe hasn’t chosen which county will officially host the project.
A recent survey revealed that over 70 percent of Idahoans support the project, and that number jumps to nearly 80 percent among residents near the proposed site. This rare bipartisan approval reflects a public eager for new economic development.
Casino features and long-term vision
Although still in its early stages, the Sho-Pai’s vision is both ambitious and expansive. Their plans encompass the latest tribal gaming machines, a luxury hotel, fine dining options, a spa and fitness centre, and a modern entertainment venue. This development aims to be much more than just a gambling hub—it will be a premier destination.
The resort is projected to contribute over $10 million annually to Idaho’s economy. Thousands of jobs in both construction and permanent positions will be created, fuelling growth in Southern Idaho and providing income for tribal members and locals alike.
Partnering with the Coeur d’Alene tribe
The Sho-Pai are partnering with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, leveraging their extensive 30-year experience in gaming management. This collaboration lends immediate credibility, with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe overseeing upfront investments, casino operations and management, and providing strategic development advice. Although the Coeur d’Alene Tribe will manage the casino for a fee, the Sho-Pai will maintain full ownership of the project.
This isn’t the only casino being considered in the region. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (Sho-Ban) have also proposed a massive $300 million resort in Mountain Home. Both projects are under review, but only one may receive final approval. The governor could be forced to choose between them or find a way for both to proceed.
Five percent of the net gaming revenue will go towards local schools and education programmes. It’s a win-win for both tribal members and Southern Idaho residents.
