Idaho Sho-Pai Tribes Secure Land for Casino Project

The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation have secured land in Idaho’s Treasure Valley for their first-ever casino, setting the stage for long-term community investment. The 557-acre site, spread across Ada and Elmore counties, will host a tribally owned gaming facility aimed at supporting jobs, healthcare, and education for tribal members.

Good to know

• The Sho-Pai are the only federally recognized Idaho tribe without a casino.
• The new casino will only use 40 of the 557 acres acquired near Boise.
• Five percent of net gaming revenue will go to local education programs.

Only 40 acres will be developed for the casino itself, with future plans expected to include a hotel, dining, a spa, entertainment space, and gaming machines. The remaining land may be used for expansion or additional community-driven projects.

Chairman Brian Mason described the initiative as a much-needed step forward. “We want to solve our own problems and provide for our people. Tribal gaming will allow us to make these dreams a reality,” he said. Mason pointed to high unemployment, lack of emergency services, and limited access to healthcare as key issues the tribe hopes to address through revenue from the project.

The Sho-Pai tribe is teaming up with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to develop and manage the casino. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe will provide the startup investment and oversee operations, subject to approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission. Previously, the Sho-Pai had been exploring a partnership with JTC Gaming LLC but have now fully committed to the Coeur d’Alene agreement.

The project website outlines that five percent of the casino’s net revenue will go toward local school funding, reinforcing the tribe’s goal of broader community impact.

The development enters a landscape that already includes a competing proposal. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Eastern Idaho are pursuing a $300 million resort-style casino project near the same stretch of I-84. Their plan, which would be their fourth casino, remains under federal review.

Because both proposals involve off-reservation sites near Mountain Home, final approval will require a green light from the U.S. Department of the Interior, input from local authorities, and a decision from Governor Brad Little. Approval could depend on the specific location of the property in relation to county lines, as Ada and Elmore counties each have their own review procedures.

Chief Allan, Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, expressed strong support for the Sho-Pai project. “When I was growing up, many tribal members lived in poverty and could not find jobs,” he said. “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.”

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