MOUNTAIN HOME, ID – The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes have announced plans to develop their first resort and casino, to be located along I-84 between Boise and Mountain Home. This marks a significant economic step for the tribes, who are currently the only federally recognized tribe in Idaho without revenue from tribal gaming.
According to tribal leadership, the project aims to support self-reliance, sovereignty, and improved infrastructure on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, where members face limited access to healthcare, education, and emergency services.
Shoshone-Paiute Chairman Brian Mason stated that tribal gaming is viewed as a path toward providing essential resources, educational support, employment, and community growth. “We want to solve our own problems and provide for our people,” Mason said in the announcement.
The proposed project is expected to include gaming machines, a hotel, spa, entertainment center, and dining options. Survey data included with the announcement indicates that over 70% of Idaho residents support the plan, with nearly 80% approval from those living near the proposed location.
The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes are partnering with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, who will provide initial funding and enter into a management agreement to help develop and operate the facility. Coeur d’Alene Chairman Chief Allan said the success of tribal gaming in their community has led to job creation, healthcare facilities, and educational funding.
The location near the Ada-Elmore county line is ancestral Shoshone-Paiute land and holds cultural significance. The tribes plan to follow the federal process to build on off-reservation land, submitting their application to the U.S. Department of the Interior later this year.
In addition to creating thousands of jobs and generating tens of millions of dollars annually for Idaho’s economy, the project includes a commitment to dedicate five percent of net gaming revenues to support local schools and educational programs.
More information about the project is available at ShoPaiResort.com.
