Idaho

Gaming Laws in Idaho

Idaho State Statute 18-3801 defines illegal 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, bacarrat or keno.” In Idaho State Statute 18-3802, illegal gambling is punishable as a misdemeanor for any person found guilty of “participating or knowingly permitting it to be played, conducted or dealt upon or in any real or personal property owned, rented, or under the control of the actor, whether in whole or in part.”

Tribal Casinos

There are seven tribal casinos in the state of Idaho, including Coeur D’Alene Casino, Bannock Peak Casino, Clearwater River Casino & Hotel, Fort Hall Casino, Itse-Ye-Ye Casino, Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa and Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino. They offer patrons the opportunity to play various gaming machines, including slots, video poker and blackjack with some also hosting bingo games on certain days and times.

Sports Betting in Idaho

Sports betting is not allowed in the state of Idaho.

Online Sportsbooks

Even though there are no sportsbooks available at physical locations or online in the state of Idaho, bettors still have the opportunity to choose from many offshore options. Online sports betting sites are widely considered to be a much safer option than local bookmakers. In addition to having the convenience of placing bets right from a personal computer or mobile device and a variety of options, online bettors can trust reputable and well-reviewed offshore books to always offer lines and pay out, which may not always be the case for local bookies.

Poker and Casino in Idaho

Poker and other casino games of any kind are not allowed in the state of Idaho outside of tribal casinos.

Online Poker

Because poker rooms are banned in the state of Idaho outside of tribal casinos, online games may appeal to interested players who can pursue online poker websites in order to participate.

Other Gaming Options in Idaho

Betting on licensed horse and dog racing and parimutuel wagering is legal in Idaho.

Idaho Lottery

The Idaho Lottery set a record by implementing the system within 200 days with the first ticket sold in 1989. Since then, the lottery has sold more than $2.7 billion in products, awarding almost $1.6 billion in prizes and distributing nearly $700 million to state public schools and buildings. Lottery games range from instant-win scratchers to jackpot drawings such as Powerball and Mega Millions plus PullTabs, TouchTabs and raffles.