Idaho Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in the Gem State

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Idaho online casinos offer a variety of games along with promotions to level up your experience even more. The gambling industry in the state also offers tribal casinos, the state lottery, pari-mutuel betting, and charity games.

Residents rely on offshore sites to bet on sports or play real-money online casino games.

Explore Idaho’s gambling laws and available gaming options, and get insights into the state’s current and future landscape.

Summary of Idaho Gambling Laws

idaho online casino

Idaho has a conservative approach to gambling, offering limited options for in-person casino gaming. However, the availability of online casino options is significantly restricted in the state.

Gambling Idaho
Is Online Gambling Legal? Gray Area
Playing at Online Casinos Offshore Only
Legal Age Online 18
Land-Based Casinos Tribal Only
Legal Age Land-Based 21
Online Sports Betting No
Charitable Gambling Yes
State Lottery Yes
Social Gaming No

Is Gambling Legal in Idaho?

Gambling laws are notably stringent in the Gem State compared to other states in the U.S. Legal and regulated options include tribal casino gaming and pari-mutuel horse betting. Here’s the current status for each form of gambling in Idaho up to date:

Gambling Idaho Legal Status
Casino Gambling Gambling is limited to the state’s seven tribal casinos, which started offering lottery games after legalization in 1988. These tribal venues remain the state’s only option for in-person casino gambling.
Online Gambling Online gambling in Idaho lacks regulatory oversight, and tribes do not provide mobile gaming at their casino locations. However, residents can freely access out-of-state gambling sites without concern for regulatory interference from the Idaho Lottery or other governing bodies.
Poker Poker remains prohibited in Idaho, including at tribal casinos. A federal judge ruled against the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in 2014, instructing them to cease offering poker games. The tribe argued that poker should be classified as Class II under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). However, the court determined that the state constitution’s explicit ban on poker classified it as a Class III activity.
Horse Racing Betting Horse racing betting has been legal in the Gem State since the 1963 Horse Racing Act was enacted, which led to the establishment of the Racing Commission. The ID constitution allows for “pari-mutuel betting if conducted in conformity with enabling legislation.”
Dog Racing Betting Dog racing betting is illegal in Idaho under Section 54-2514A of the state legislature. Initially legalized in 1987, dog racing was banned in 1996 due to reported greyhound abuse.
Lottery In 1989, ID introduced a state lottery following voter approval. Profits from the lottery are typically divided between the School District Building Fund and the Permanent Building Fund. To date, the state has generated approximately $1 billion in revenue from the lottery.
Daily Fantasy Sports In 2016, Idaho’s attorney general declared Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) illegal because it goes against the state’s constitution, which bans sports betting. As a result, major DFS operators stopped operating in the State, making it one of just seven states to ban fantasy games.
Sports Betting Sports betting is illegal in the Gem State. While there’s no direct law prohibiting it, the state constitution doesn’t allow for exceptions, making it strictly prohibited by default.
Charitable Gaming ID permits charitable gambling, overseen by the Idaho Lottery. The state constitution allows qualified charitable organizations to conduct bingo and raffle games for charitable purposes, following enabling legislation.
Social Gaming Social gambling, like poker and blackjack at home, is not exempt from state laws, making it technically prohibited. However, enforcement against residents for small-scale home games is rare.

The Best Idaho Online Casinos in 2024

Idaho residents are limited to playing at online casinos located outside the state. These casinos operate under regulations and licenses from international jurisdictions like Europe, Curaçao, and Panama.

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Where to Gamble in Idaho

id online casinos

Idaho takes a cautious approach to gambling, but there are still options available for players in both the northern and southern parts of the state. However, those living between Boise and Salmon might find it more challenging to locate nearby gambling venues.

Land-Based Casinos in Idaho

There are seven tribal venues in Idaho that are located mainly in the north and the south of the state.

The Coeur d’Alene Casino is perhaps the most famous in the state and is located on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation near Spokane, WA.

Three casinos sit in the Fort Hall Reservation. Players can also cross the border and gamble at the Cactus Petes Resort Casino on US 93. There are no commercial casinos in the Gem State.

Here’s the full list of land-based casinos you can visit in Idaho:

Casinos Address Region
Bannock Peak Casino 1103 E County Rd Pocatello
Clearwater River Casino and Hotel 17500 Nez Perce Rd Lewiston
Coeur D’Alene Casino 37914 S Nukwalqw St Worley
Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa 7169 Plaza St Bonners Ferry
It’se-Ye-Ye Casino 419 3rd St Kamiah
Sage Hill Travel Center Casino 843 North, US-91 Blackfoot
Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel 777 Bannock Ave Building B Fort Hall

Horse & Dog Tracks

Les Bois Park was the only horse racetrack in the state to host quarter-horse and thoroughbred horse races until it shuttered in 2019. Greyhound Park in Post Falls is the only simulcast facility in the state, while there are six advanced deposit wagering platforms available to residents, including Churchill Downs and TVG/ODS.

Online Sports Betting

Idaho does not regulate online sports betting, which means players who want to wager on NFL, NBA, and other sports have to seek out-of-state options.

Tribal casinos are also prohibited from hosting sports betting facilities, like in-person sportsbooks or mobile betting apps.

Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling

Idaho hosts bingo halls throughout the state, spanning from Payette to Alameda. These venues organize charitable bingo games, open to players aged 18 and above.

Licensed vendors also offer raffle games, and the Idaho Lottery sells tickets for the annual $1,000,000 Raffle.

If you’re looking for somewhere to play, the Department of Administration has a complete searchable list of bingo locations.

Social Gaming at Home

Home and social gaming, including social gaming at home, is prohibited in Idaho under state law. However, state authorities are unlikely to intervene in small-scale, amateur social gambling gatherings where no one acts as the house.

State police are primarily concerned with shutting down illegal gambling operations where the house takes a cut. Low-stakes games among friends, where no one profits from the action, are generally accepted.

Poker Rooms and Clubs

There are no poker rooms due to state laws prohibiting poker. Despite efforts by tribes, legislators have not classified card games as Category III gaming.

Additionally, the ban on social gaming means there are no private poker clubs in the state. Unlike in other states, private poker rooms are not allowed in ID.

Slot Machines

In 1953, the Idaho Supreme Court deemed slot machines unconstitutional and illegal. However, tribal casinos are allowed to have video gaming machines.

Casino Cruises

Idaho does not have any casino cruises, but there are a number of tribal casinos located on riverbanks, including the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa in Bonners Ferry.

Real Money Online Casino Idaho – Games You Can Play

real money online casino idaho

Idaho’s decision to prohibit commercial casinos doesn’t limit residents’ access to casino games. With the increasing number of offshore sites, residents can enjoy online gaming anywhere in the state, whether in downtown Boise or exploring Craters of the Moon.

Online Slots

Online slots in ID are only available at out-of-state sites. You can play thousands of games from reputable software providers on your phone or laptop. Enjoy bonus features like free spins, high-paying wilds, and mega jackpots.

While it’s possible to play slot-like machines at Idaho’s tribal casinos, you can’t win money. If you want to chase life-changing jackpots then offshore sites are your best option.

Online Poker

The Gem State hasn’t legalized or regulated poker like many other states. As a result, players often turn to online poker rooms operating under international licenses.

These platforms offer access to global tournaments with substantial prize pools, where players can compete against both professionals and newcomers.

Since Idaho’s tribal casinos don’t offer in-person poker, offshore sites remain the only and best option for poker fans in the state.

Blackjack

Like poker, blackjack is prohibited in Idaho, preventing tribal casinos from offering the popular card game. Therefore, residents cannot establish card rooms in the state.

However, online blackjack is widely available on offshore casino sites, offering players easy access to the game and all its extensive variants, such as Multihand, Perfect Pairs, Single Deck, and Double Deck Blackjack.

Live Dealer Games

Local gambling websites don’t exist, and tribal casinos are restricted from offering games like roulette or baccarat. Therefore, residents turn to offshore sites for live dealer games, where they can enjoy options such as blackjack, roulette, keno, super 6, and baccarat.

These platforms allow players to interact with dealers through live camera feeds and chat features, providing an immersive gaming experience.

Other Available Games at Idaho Online Casinos

Idaho is hostile to casino gambling, which means other games like baccarat and Sic bo are not available at its tribal casinos. Offshore sites remain the only option for now. Here’s more info about each game type:

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Online gambling in Idaho is only possible via offshore sites. These sites provide big welcome bonuses and lucrative in-game perks to all their customers. Moreover, you can pay with crypto and other banking methods and enjoy various live casino games otherwise unavailable in ID. Here are two recommended options for new players:

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Idaho Online Gambling Laws

Idaho doesn’t have any specific laws pertaining to online gambling. The practice falls under the state’s existing laws, detailed in the Constitution of the State.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Idaho?

The online gambling industry in Idaho operates without state law regulating it. Therefore, platforms cannot be based or operate within the state, leading players to join out-of-state platforms to access online casino games.

In Idaho, Legal Gambling Is Very Restricted

Idaho takes a conservative approach to gambling and assumes all forms are illegal unless otherwise stated. Article 3, Section 20 of the state constitution states, “Gambling is contrary to public policy and is strictly prohibited except for the following”.

The exceptions include:

  • State lottery
  • Pari-mutuel betting
  • Bingo and raffle games

Tribal Casinos Operate In Idaho

There are seven tribal casinos in the Gem State, but they do not offer players the full range of games one might expect. In fact, according to Idaho Secretary Of State, you can only play Class II games at tribal venues, meaning bingo and video gaming machines are all available.

These machines simulate games of craps, blackjack, roulette, etc., but the casinos cannot provide live dealer games.

Gambling Is Illegal In Idaho

Section 18-3801 of the Idaho State Legislature defines gambling as: “risking any money, credit, deposit or other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, the operation of a gambling device or the happening or outcome of an event, including a sporting event, the operation of casino gambling including, but not limited to, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, baccarat or keno”.

Slot Machines Are Outlawed In Idaho

The state legislature specifically outlaws the use and possession of slot machines, with antique slot machines the only exception. “It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to use, possess, operate, keep, sell, or maintain for use or operation or otherwise, anywhere within the state of Idaho, any slot machine of any sort or kind whatsoever.”

*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.

Idaho Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States

Idaho laws may seem restrictive, but they align closely with neighboring states’ laws. Let’s compare them to the laws of neighboring states to see how they measure up.

US State Playing at Online Casinos State Regulated Casinos Social Casinos Online Sports Betting Lottery Fantasy Sports Charitable Gaming
Idaho Gray Area Not Legal Not Legal Not Legal Legal Not Legal Legal
Montana Gray Area Not Legal Legal Legal Legal Not Legal Legal
Wyoming Gray Area Not Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal
Utah Gray Area Not Legal Not Legal Not Legal Not Legal Legal Not Legal
Nevada Gray Area Not Legal Legal Not Legal Not Legal Legal Legal
Oregon Gray Area Not Legal Not Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal
Washington Gray Area Not Legal Not Legal Legal Legal Not Legal Legal

Idaho is positioned at the apex of the Intermountain West region, bordered by six states and the Canadian province of British Columbia. These neighboring states exhibit diverse attitudes towards gambling. While none regulate online gambling, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, and Washington further prohibit social casinos altogether.

Oregon, Wyoming, and Montana have legalized online sports betting, but Montana doesn’t allow fantasy sports. Utah is staunchly anti-gambling, going as far as disallowing residents from hosting charitable gaming events.

Idaho Online Casino – Tips to Play Safely

We review each site we recommend for safety and security, so you know you get the best service when you join a casino. Of course, players also need to use their best judgment when signing up to any site and gamble responsively. Here are some tips from us to get you started:

Join a Reputable Site

Reputable sites rank highly among independent reviewers and the casino-playing community. All our recommended online casinos have passed an extensive safety test and built reliable reputations over the years.

Read Reviews

Browse reviews by Idaho residents who found their ideal casino site. Consider the pros and cons mentioned by existing players to tailor your casino experience.

Get Security Guarantees

Choose a site with 256-bit secure socket layering (SSL) encryption or Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption as standard. This ensures that all transactions and personal data remain safeguarded from your computer or phone while you play.

Check The License

Since Idaho lacks regulated gambling options, we recommend offshore sites. Ensure that the license and regulatory compliance of your chosen casino are verified. These platforms often operate under licenses from Europe, Curaçao, or Panama.

Get Responsible Gambling Tips

All our recommended casinos offer responsible gambling advice through blogs, live chat operators, and links to charitable organizations. Make sure you read the advice before you join your chosen site.

Champion Transparency

Find a site that is open and honest about what you get for joining. Casino sites should have understandable T&Cs, and give thorough details on exerting from payout tables and RTPs to bonus requirements, withdrawal methods, and loyalty schemes.

Check Payment Options

Make sure your preferred payment option is available at your chosen casino site. Options range from card payments and wire transfers to checks, crypto, and e-wallet deposits.

Pros & Cons of Gambling in Idaho

Idaho is not the easiest state to gamble due to the state legislature’s refusal to address online gambling. However, there are certainly some benefits to playing casino games, as well as drawbacks:

Pros

  • Seven tribal casinos available in the north and south of the state
  • Bingo and charity games raise millions for good causes
  • Extensive Idaho problem gambling resources
  • Access to offshore casino sites while living in ID

Cons

  • ID legislature has a hostile approach to online casino gaming
  • State is losing millions of dollars in taxes by not regulating online casinos
  • Lottery winners pay federal and state tax on $5,000+ winnings

Future of Online Gambling in Idaho: Our Prediction

Idaho is one of the most anti-gambling states in the US, but there is little hope of this changing any time soon. That’s why offshore sites look like the only option for years to come.

Currently, tribal casinos offer limited Class II gaming options, primarily focused on bingo. State legislators show no interest in broadening gambling opportunities, including online casinos or sports betting.

Despite the national trend toward the legalization of sports betting, Idaho has not pursued any related legislation since 2018, indicating a lack of interest in casino expansion.

In summary, Idaho’s stance on gambling remains steadfast, with little momentum for change evident in legislative efforts.

Despite the growing popularity of online gambling across the nation and neighboring states embracing various forms of gambling, Idaho continues to uphold its conservative approach, signaling a reluctance to expand its gambling industry beyond the current tribal gaming establishments.

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Idaho Online Gambling FAQ

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James Guill

James Guill is a former professional poker player who writes fro GambleOnlineUSA.com about poker, sports, casinos, gaming legislation and the online gambling industry in general. His past experience includes working with IveyPoker, PokerNews, PokerJunkie, Bwin, and the Ongame Network. From 2006-2009 he participated in multiple tournaments including the 37th and 38th World Series of Poker (WSOP). James lives in Virginia and he has a side business where he picks and sells vintage and antique items.

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