Some tribal members expressed concern about reduced patronage at the tribal Clearwater River Casino, but a leader warned against focusing too tightly on one economic enterprise. “At the beginning of our casino, we did require parking attendants and there was standing room only,” tribal member Gloria Green said during a general council meeting. “Now, you can just about play three machines at once if you have the money. Why are we not getting the support of the people?” She suggested stepping up marketing and promotions by giving away a recreational vehicle or car every six months or so like some other casinos. “Just like anything, when something’s new, everyone jumps on the bandwagon and wants to go,” John Matthews, chairman of the tribal enterprise board, said, adding the goal is to continue to maximize profits in all endeavors. The Nez Perce, Kootenai and Coeur d’Alene tribes are in a battle with the state over the legality of electronic gambling machines that generate the bulk of casino revenue. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in eastern Idaho agreed to submit the issue to a federal judge in return for the state compact. An adverse decision would jeopardize the other tribal casino operations, increasing value of non-gambling enterprises to reservation economies.
