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.
The Best Online Gambling Sites Idaho
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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.
The Best Idaho Casino Sites
Idaho, United States
- 1Best CasinoBonus1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
- Number of games:1200+
- Min. deposit:$9.99
Benefits- Over 1200+ slots games
- Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
- Bingo and Live Casino
- Daily login bonuses
- Redemption available
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $0.49
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 2Highly RecommendedBonus1 Million GC + 2.5 FREE SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Number of games:650+
Benefits- Impressive sign up bonus
- Regular hourly tournaments with SC prizes
- Games updated monthly with new drops
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit no
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 3RecommendedBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 Coins & 1000 Entries
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$4.99
- Number of games:150+
Benefits- High-quality games by top developers
- Mobile app available
- Excellent bonuses and promotions
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
Overview- Website
- Established 2022
- Min deposit $4.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 4RecommendedBonusNo deposit 100 000 Coins +400 000 GC & free 1000 SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$1.99
- Number of games:140+
Benefits- High-quality selection of games
- Daily bonuses and tournaments available
- User-friendly website design
- 24/7 live chat feature and a friendly customer support team
- Amazing 10-tier VIP club, with benefits like 20% of your played coins return
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $1.99
- No Deposit Bonus No deposit 100 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 5Top BonusesBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 FC & 1000 CC for deposit over $19.99
- Payout speed:1-3 days
- Number of games:100+
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit $6.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 6Best Games ChoiceBonusUp to 1,000 Gems and Get 50% Extra Gems
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Number of games:700+
Benefits- Massive selection of slots from top providers
- Unique currency system with Gems and Shards
- Good customer support options, including live chat
- Simple and easy-to-navigate interface
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
- Min deposit $4.99
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
Idaho Online Casinos and Gambling Laws
There are various Idaho online gambling laws you need to follow in order to stay out of trouble. First, gambling both online and in-person is currently illegal in the state. This means that you cannot legally access any online casinos or Fantasy betting sites from within Idaho. The only exception to this is casinos on Tribal Lands, which offer in-person betting options, horse racing betting through pari-mutuel bets, and the Idaho lottery.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.
Online Poker
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.
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.
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.
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.
States with legal online gambling
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.
Jeremy Olson runs team of writers and creates the overall content strategy. With years of experience in the gambling industry, Jeremy has honed his skills not only as a writer but also as a strategic thinker, making long-term content plans that align with the website’s goals.
