Idaho Falls instant racing parlor closes, lays off 70 workers

An off-track instant racing parlor in eastern Idaho says it has been forced to close and lay off 70 employees. The Post Register reports that the Double Down Betting Bar & Grill announced its closing on Wednesday, saying it was a result of the Idaho Supreme Court decision invalidating a belated veto from Gov. Butch Otter of legislation to ban the 80 instant racing machines the parlor operated. However, Double Down also was embroiled in a fight over its license with the Idaho State Racing Commission, which contended it failed to secure county permission to operate off-track betting.

Double Down co-owner Melissa Bernard told the Post Register it was a “sad day,” saying, “There were a lot of tears and a lot of grief. We had a flourishing business and it makes no sense, this whole process makes no sense.” You can read a full report here from the AP and the Post Register.