Boise (670 KBOI) – Proposition 1, the ballot initiative to legalize instant horse race betting machines, gets some heavy-hitter support.

Governor Otter, Boise Mayor Dave Bieter, and elected officials from state and local government gathered Thursday afternoon to throw their support behind the initiative.

Otter told the crowd at the Basque Block the machines are needed to bring in the revenue needed to have a viable horse racing industry.

“But as you know, in recent years, live horse racing here in Idaho has struggled and diminished,” said Otter.  “Les Boise Park shut down in 2015.  Live horse racing at smaller, rural tracks has diminished, forcing Idaho breeders and trainers, to take their skills, talents and pocketbooks to other states.”

Bieter mentioned a Boise State study that showed when horse racing was booming at Les Bois Park, the economic impact was $50 million.

But he says mostly, it’s just fun to go to a race with his daughter.