Sen. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, along with three other North Idaho lawmakers, has sent a letter to the director of the Idaho State Lottery charging that the gambling machines at the Coeur d’Alene Casino on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation may be illegal. “Since slot machines are clearly not allowed in Idaho, we respectfully request that you review for compliance the electronic games in use at all Idaho tribal casinos including the Coeur d’Alene Casino,” Nonini said in the letter, which also was signed by Reps. Ron Mendive, R-Coeur d’Alene; Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens; and Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay.

Anderson couldn’t immediately be reached about the letter, which was dated Monday. Helo Hancock, legislative liaison for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, said, “I would say Sen. Nonini apparently hasn’t taken a look at federal laws, hasn’t taken a look at the gaming compacts, hasn’t taken a look at Proposition 1 or years of court history if he’s making accusations like that.”

Hancock said, “It’s sad to see a state senator attacking the largest employer in his district because he’s on the other side of an issue. It seems pretty reckless, but not surprising.”

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