The gambling activities you do find are limited to several tribal casinos in the state and horse racing betting. The state lottery is also a good option for players who want to win big. That’s about it for Idaho online gambling. Broad definitions, refusal to accept new legislature, and staunch resistance from anti-gambling groups have all led to the current state of online gambling in Idaho. Nevertheless, while Idaho online casinos are illegal in the state, sweepstakes gambling sites still offer players a chance to win big.
Best Online Gambling Sites Idaho
The Best Idaho Casino Sites
Idaho, United States
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Idaho Online Casinos and Gambling Laws
Online poker games are also prohibited, including leisurely and amateur poker games. There have been reports of law enforcement targeting even poker games inside Idaho residents’ homes! However, as mentioned before, sweepstakes gambling sites are still an option for players looking to indulge in some online casino action.
These sites operate under a loophole in the law, as they don’t technically offer traditional gambling but instead allow you to use gold coins and sweepstakes coins that can be redeemed for prizes. Social casinos are an excellent online gambling legal option. If you’re found to be illegally partaking in gambling, you could face a fine of up to $1,000 or jail time since it’s a misdemeanor offense according to Chapter 38, 18-3801.
How Does Idaho Regulate Gambling?
There are several bodies that regulate Idaho gambling. These bodies regulate specific types of gambling that are legal in the state, including horse racing and the state lottery. The Idaho Lottery board currently has members who are responsible for overseeing and regulating the state’s lottery. They also issue licensing and regulations for certain charitable games, like bingo and raffles, which are legal as long as they are hosted by a non-profit organization.
The Idaho Horse Racing Commission also plays a role in regulating gambling within the state. This body oversees all aspects of horse racing, including licensing and regulations for tracks and jockeys, as well as approving betting options for races held within the state. In addition, they help regulate the six horse tracks in the state along with online horse betting through advanced deposit wagering. These are the limited forms of gambling that are currently allowed within Idaho. Any other forms of gambling outside of these regulated areas are illegal.
If you’re interested in playing at some of the various Tribal casinos within Idaho, keep in mind that these are not regulated by the state. Indian casinos fall under tribal jurisdiction and operate under their own set of rules and regulations. In Idaho, the National Indian Gambling Commission of the US Interior Department regulates these tribal casinos. Lastly, the National Council on Problem Gambling can help provide resources for responsible gambling.
Online Casino Gambling in Idaho
The only form of legal Idaho gambling you can partake in online is through social or sweepstakes casinos. Such websites are available to Idaho residents and offer a variety of casino games that you can play from your computer to get the live experience from the comfort of your home! What makes these sites legal is that they offer virtual currency as prizes instead of cash.
For instance, you can sign up for a welcome bonus and get gold coins for free, which you can then use to play tons of online casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. If you win with the gold coins, you can then transfer them to sweepstakes casinos’ virtual coins, which can be redeemed for real prizes or cashed out.
Online casino gambling in Idaho is still limited, but these social casinos are a great option for those looking to satisfy their gaming desires while staying within the boundaries of the law! They’re also a good option if you’re a new player and want to try your luck at online gambling.
Idaho Online Poker
Poker sometimes falls into a grey area when it comes to gambling laws since it’s a game based on both skill and chance. However, in Idaho, online poker is considered illegal under the state’s strict gambling laws. Players looking to gamble online and take their seat at a virtual poker table will have to stick to social casinos for now. In-person poker rooms are not allowed in the state either, making it challenging for poker enthusiasts to find legal options.
Idaho Daily Fantasy Sports
While many states might allow you to get away with playing Daily Fantasy sports, Idaho is not one of them. The state considers DFS as a form of gambling and thus has prohibited all online platforms from offering their services to residents. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in DFS while living in Idaho. Some operators have found ways to get around the law by providing free contests with no prizes at stake.
Idaho Sports Betting
Sports betting is currently not allowed in Idaho, both online and in-person. The state’s strict stance on gambling prohibits any form of sports wagering, including online platforms. While there have been efforts to legalize sports betting in Idaho, it has yet to be successful. For now, residents can enjoy horse betting through pari-mutuel betting instead.
Idaho Online Horse Betting
Idaho also allows advanced deposit wagering for horse racing betting. This is where you can place bets on horse races online through licensed platforms. Of these options, TVG seems to be the most popular and widely used among Idaho residents. This allows you to place bets on horse races from around the country without having to physically go to a racetrack or off-track betting location.
Idaho Lottery
Last but not least, Idaho residents can try their luck with the state lottery. The Idaho Lottery was launched in 1989 and offers a variety of popular games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and Scratch Games. Unlike other states, you can also play online through the Idaho Lottery app and buy scratch-off tickets for your chance to win cash prizes!
Idaho Land Based Tribal Casinos
Idaho only has a handful of tribal casinos, which are located on Native American reservations. These casinos offer casino games like slots, blackjack, and poker. Coeur d’Alene Casino is the largest and most popular casino in the state, boasting over 1,200 video gaming machines, a high-limit VIP gaming room, video blackjack, craps, roulette, and more.
History of Gambling Legislation in Idaho
Gamgling legislation has, unfortunately, been met with resistance in Idaho. In the past, various attempts have been made to legalize different forms of gambling in the state, but they have all ultimately failed. Here’s a quick rundown of some key moments in the gambling history of Idaho.
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FAQ
What is the Gambling Age in Idaho?
The legal gambling age varies depending on the type of games played. In Idaho, you must be 18 years old to bet in pari-mutuel betting, bingo, and lotteries, and 21 years old for land-based casinos.
Who Regulates Gambling in Idaho?
Land-based casinos are regulated by the Tribal Gaming Commission. The Idaho Lottery oversees all lottery games, and the Idaho Racing Commission oversees all pari-mutuel betting.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Idaho?
Currently, there are no laws in place that explicitly allow or prohibit Idaho gambling sites online. However, the state has strict anti-online gambling laws and, due to its broad definition of gambling, most forms of online gambling are considered illegal.
Can I Win Real Money at Online Casinos in Idaho?
Unfortunately, unless you’re using offshore, unregulated casinos, it is illegal to gamble for real money in Idaho. These offshore sites pose many risks and are not protected by state laws, leaving players vulnerable. However, using social or sweepstakes model casinos, players can still win cash prizes through virtual currency. These types of online casinos are legal in Idaho as they do not require real money deposits to be made.
Are Gambling Winnings Taxable in Idaho?
Any winnings from the state lottery or pari-mutuel betting are subject to taxes in Idaho. Taxes are based on your income tax bracket. Fortunately, losses are also deductible, so if you’re a big spender, consider keeping track of all your gambling activities throughout the year.
When Will Online Casinos Be Legal in Idaho?
There are currently no legal online casinos, and Idaho is strictly against other forms of online betting like poker, sportsbooks, and Fantasy Sports. That being said, the state may consider legalizing online casinos in the future as a potential source of revenue. However, until then, it’s best to stick with land-based or social casinos for entertainment, to play casino table games, and to win some prizes.
Serhii is an Data Scientist and SEO expert with over 11 years of experience. Since 2018, he has been the SEO Team Lead at an international marketing agency. He is also a professional poker player, specifically Texas No-Limit Hold’em, since 2019.