Gambling in Idaho
There is a handful of tribal Idaho casino establishments; however, there are no commercial casinos and online gambling has yet to be regulated. Tribal casinos offer Class 2 gaming and you can bet on pari-mutuel dog and horse races.
Lottery games are hugely popular in the state and bingo is allowed, both in tribal casinos and as charity games. Slots are not allowed, but video lottery games are. While online and land-based poker is illegal, there are video poker games available in the tribal gaming venues.
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Casinos in Idaho
Idaho Casinos Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the American Northwest, Idaho, a state known for its rugged wilderness and natural beauty, also boasts a discreet but intriguing casino scene. While Idaho may not be the first destination that comes to mind for those seeking the glittering lights and grandeur of Las Vegas or Atlantic City, it offers a unique casino experience rooted in Native American culture. In the Gem State, casinos are predominantly operated by Native American tribes, offering a distinct blend of electronic gaming machines and video games that cater to both locals and visitors seeking their luck.
The Best Idaho Casinos
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the American Northwest, Idaho, a state known for its rugged wilderness and natural beauty, also boasts a discreet but intriguing casino scene. While Idaho may not be the first destination that comes to mind for those seeking the glittering lights and grandeur of Las Vegas or Atlantic City, it offers a unique casino experience rooted in Native American culture. In the Gem State, casinos are predominantly operated by Native American tribes, offering a distinct blend of electronic gaming machines and video games that cater to both locals and visitors seeking their luck.
Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort
Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel is located in Worley, Idaho. It is the biggest of the casinos in Idaho and is situated in the Inland Northwest region, approximately 25 miles south of Coeur d'Alene and about 28 miles from Spokane Valley, Washington. The resort is nestled in a picturesque and tranquil area, making it a convenient destination for visitors looking to enjoy gaming, entertainment, cultural activities and the natural beauty of the surrounding region. Its central location in the Inland Northwest makes it accessible to guests from both Idaho and Washington.
Highlights
- Large bingo center
- Dining variety
- Cultural tourism program
Ownership
This example of Idaho casinos is owned and operated by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, a Native American tribe based in the northern Idaho area. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe has a rich history that spans centuries in the Pacific Northwest. They are one of several tribes that make up the larger Salish-speaking people. Traditionally, the tribe inhabited a vast territory that included parts of modern-day Idaho, Montana and Washington.
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe has a distinct culture and language. Their traditional way of life revolved around fishing, hunting and gathering in the region's abundant natural resources. Efforts to preserve and revitalize the Coeur d'Alene language are ongoing.
Slots
Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel has 1,200 electronic gaming machines, including slot machines. If you would like to try out some free slots, such as Temple Of Fire, you can try them out here at Slots Temple.
Electronic Table Games
While the casino does not offer live table games, it provides electronic versions of popular casino games like blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat. These electronic table games allow players to enjoy a digital representation of the classic table game experience.
Bingo
Among Idaho casinos this one is home to the largest bingo center in the Inland Northwest. Bingo enthusiasts can enjoy both paper and electronic bingo games. The casino frequently hosts bingo events and tournaments.
Poker
This is one of just a few casinos in Idaho to feature a dedicated poker room where players can enjoy various poker variations, including Texas Hold'em and Omaha. Poker tournaments and cash games are regularly scheduled.
Keno
Keno is a popular lottery-style game available at the casino. Players select numbers and wait for the draw to see if they've matched the winning numbers for cash prizes.
Off-Track Betting
The casino offers off-track betting for horse racing enthusiasts. Guests can place bets on live horse races and watch the action on large screens.
High Limit Gaming
Coeur d'Alene Casino's Hn Lamqe' (Bear) High Limit Gaming area caters for Coeur Rewards members at the Executive and Ultimate tiers. It offers higher betting limits and a more intimate gaming environment.
Coeur Rewards Program
The casino's loyalty program, Coeur Rewards, allows players to earn points for their gaming activity. These points can be redeemed for various rewards, including free play, hotel stays, spa services and dining discounts.
Discovery Den
Coeur d'Alene Casino is proud to have a video gaming testing room called the Discovery Den, where guests can try out the latest and most innovative video gaming machines from leading manufacturers. This room helps determine which machines will be featured on the casino floor.
Entertainment
In addition to gaming, the casino hosts the Coeur Stars entertainment series, featuring live performances by big-name music artists, comedians, and other entertainers throughout the year.
Spa and Wellness
Guests can relax and rejuvenate at Spa Ssakwa'q'n, the resort's spa facility. It offers a range of spa services, including massages, facials and body treatments, as well as a hot tub and pool area.
Golf
Coeur d'Alene Casino is home to the award-winning Circling Raven Golf Club, which features a championship golf course set against the backdrop of the scenic Idaho landscape. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf on this challenging and picturesque course.
Hotel Accommodations
The resort boasts a hotel with over 300 suites and rooms, providing guests with comfortable and convenient lodging options. The accommodations offer picturesque views of the surrounding hillside and are equipped with modern amenities.
Dining
Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel offers a diverse array of dining options to satisfy various culinary preferences. The Chinook Restaurant specializes in Northwest and local cuisine, featuring dishes like wild sockeye salmon and prime beef. Red Tail Bar & Grill provides a laid-back atmosphere with a Southwest/Pub/American menu, while the Huckleberry Deli offers quick and casual breakfast foods, sandwiches and snacks.
For Asian-inspired cuisine, guests can dine at the Little Dragon Eatery, known for dishes like cashew pork and orange chicken. The resort also houses Twisted Earth for casual dining with beautiful golf course views. Whether seeking gourmet meals or on-the-go bites, there are options to cater to all palates and dining preferences.
Bars and Lounges
Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel offers a diverse array of bars and lounges to cater to various preferences and moods. The Nighthawk Lounge, known for its extensive selection of wine, beer and cocktails, boasts a chic and modern ambiance and hosts live entertainment acts. On the gaming floor, The Wolf Den Bar is a hotspot for creatively crafted cocktails and provides easy access to gaming and casino entertainment.
For those seeking a fun and refreshing experience, the Coeur Chill Bar specializes in frozen alcoholic slushy drinks, along with beer, wine and grab-and-go food items. Whether you're looking for a stylish setting for a night out or a relaxed spot to unwind, Coeur d'Alene Casino has a bar to suit your needs, making it the perfect place to enjoy a drink and entertainment.
Cultural Tourism Program
The resort offers various cultural activities and experiences that provide insights into Native American culture and the natural beauty of the region. These activities may include guided hikes, art workshops and cultural presentations.
Outdoor Activities
This example of Idaho casinos has surrounding areas that offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing. Guests can explore the natural beauty of northern Idaho.
Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel (Fort Hall Casino)
Idaho casinos don't come better than this one, nestled in the picturesque town of Fort Hall, within Bannock County, southeastern Idaho. Located just approximately 17 miles north of the bustling city of Pocatello, this tribal-owned casino is operated by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, offering visitors a unique blend of gaming and cultural experiences.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, the casino is accessible via Interstate 15, making it a convenient destination for those traveling by car. Beyond gaming, the area showcases the rich heritage of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and visitors can explore both cultural and recreational attractions while enjoying the scenic landscapes of southeastern Idaho.
Highlights
- High limit area
- Cedar Spa
- Pool and hot tub
Ownership
The Fort Hall Idaho Casino is one of the Idaho casinos owned and operated by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, a Native American tribal group native to the Fort Hall area in southeastern Idaho.
Slots
The Fort Hall Casino is one of many Idaho casinos with a diverse selection of slot machines cater to various gaming preferences. These slots feature a wide range of themes and gameplay styles, including popular titles like Lightning Link, Buffalo, Dragon Link and Quick Hit. Players can find classic slot machines alongside newer, more innovative options. With over a hundred different titles, there's something for everyone, from traditional slot enthusiasts to those seeking the latest and most exciting gaming experiences.
Virtual Blackjack, Virtual Poker and Video Craps
In addition to traditional slot machines, the casino also offers virtual table games, including Virtual Blackjack, Virtual Poker and an eight-station Video Craps Table. These provide a different gaming experience for those who enjoy table games.
High Limit Area (Yaha Room)
For those visiting Idaho casinos who want higher stakes, the Yaha Room features 44 gaming machines. These machines include titles such as Warrior of Light, Rawhide, Triple Red Hot 7, Rapa Nui Riches, Rising Fortunes and Premiere Diamonds.
Dining
The dining options at the Fort Hall Casino offer a diverse and satisfying culinary experience for guests. With a variety of stations and cuisines, visitors can savor both classic favorites and exciting new dishes. From the Asian Station, where chefs prepare meals in traditional woks with specialty features each week, to the Carving Station featuring tender, slow-cooked specialties, there's something for every palate.
Guests can also enjoy grilled items and steaks cooked to perfection at the Homestyle Station, brick-oven pizzas and scratch-made pasta at the Pizza and Pasta Station and indulge in hand-crafted Gelato at the salad and dessert station. For those seeking a cosy gathering spot, the Stampede Lounge offers cocktails, cold beer, premium bar top gaming machines and a comfortable ambiance, making it the perfect place to unwind with friends or catch up on the latest game of the week.
Accommodations
The accommodations at the Fort Hall Casino Hotel offer a comfortable and inviting stay for guests. With a total of 156 well-appointed hotel guest rooms, including 11 luxurious suites featuring oversized bathrooms and spacious walk-in showers, visitors can enjoy a relaxing retreat. Each guest room is equipped with modern amenities, such as a choice of a deluxe King Bed or two Queen Beds, 42” flat-screen high-definition televisions, clock radios, a spacious work desk, personal coded safe, coffee maker, complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea.
Moreover, guests have access to complimentary wireless internet, a fitness center and a heated indoor pool and hot tub. The accommodations not only provide a peaceful respite but also reflect the beautiful landscape and culture of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes through tribal artwork and decor, ensuring a memorable stay for all.
Where to Find the Best Idaho Casinos
Worley is home to the largest casino in Idaho, which is the Coeur d’Alene. The casino city in Idaho is located in the southwest of Kootenai County and forms part of the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation.
Pocatello is home to another of Idaho’s largest casinos, the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, which offers around 900 gaming machines. Pocatello is the biggest city in - and the county seat of - Bannock County. Part of this gambling city in Idaho is in the Fort Hall Indian Reservation of Power County, which is the principal city of the metropolitan area of Pocatello.
Idaho Online Gambling
There are currently no laws that specifically forbid residents of Idaho from playing at online casinos outside the state, but there are general gambling restrictions that may be taken to apply. Lottery games are the most popular type of gambling in Idaho, otherwise known as the Gem State.
The Idaho Lottery was established in 1989 and became the first lottery in North America to offer VIP club promotions, enabling clients to gain points in reward for purchases. These points could then be spent on lottery merchandise, such as watches, bicycles and iPods.
Lottery products in the state include everything from pull-tabs, instant win games and scratchers to multi-state and local draws. There is a lottery website that is mobile-friendly. All cards and tickets have to be bought in land-based shops.
Idaho Online Poker
Playing physical poker is illegal in Idaho and there are no land-based offerings. Both social games and competitive poker at casinos are illegal.
Idaho does not have any licensed online poker sites, with playing on platforms originating from outside the area illegal.
Online Betting
You cannot operate a sportsbook, an online casino Idaho establishment or take part in traditional forms of sports betting in Idaho. When it comes to sports betting Idaho exceptions, you can take part in pari-mutuel betting on dog and horse racing, including simulcast betting.
Online sports betting is illegal and is considered a misdemeanour in Idaho.
Tribal Gaming in Idaho
Tribes including Nez Perce, Kootenai and Coeur d’Alene started negotiating with the Idaho state government in 1992, as they wanted to construct gaming establishments in which Class 3 gaming was allowed.
This move was blocked; however, in 2002, the state law was changed to allow the operating of video lottery machines. There are still no casinos in Idaho with slot machines.
Idaho’s minimum age for gambling is 18, although this can vary. The Clearwater Casino, for example, only allows customers who are 21 years old or above.
Casino Games in Idaho
State law bans traditional table games in Idaho. This includes the likes of craps, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. Poker is expressly prohibited.
Antique slots can be put on display but cannot be operated, and the possession of modern slots is illegal. Video lottery games, which are similar in function to slots, can be operated in the tribal gaming casinos.
The tribal Idaho gambling establishments can offer Class 2 games. This includes bingo, which is also allowed in Idaho as a charity game. Betting on bingo online is not allowed, as no bingo sites have currently been sanctioned by the state.
Casino Winnings Taxation in Idaho casinos
Idaho imposes a state income tax on gambling winnings. These winnings are generally considered taxable income and must be reported when filing state income tax returns. The specific tax rates and regulations may vary based on the amount of winnings and individual circumstances.
Idaho Casinos and Gambling FAQs
What is the Idaho Lottery?
The Idaho Lottery provides a range of nationwide games, including Lucky for Life, Mega Millions, and Powerball. It also offers regional variants, such as Weekly Grand and Bingo. Half the net ticket take from the lottery is given to the public school system in the state.
What is the most popular form of gambling in Idaho?
State lottery games are the most popular form of gambling in Idaho. There is an online offering but all cards and tickets have to be bought in land-based retail stores.
Is Daily Fantasy Sports betting allowed in Idaho?
Unlike in most areas, this is not allowed.
Is sports betting legal in Idaho?
Online sports betting is illegal; however, there are some legal sports betting Idaho options. You can take part in pari-mutuel betting on dog and horse racing, including simulcast betting.
What is the legal gambling age in Idaho?
Idaho's minimum age for gambling is 18, although this can vary. The Clearwater Casino, for example, only allows customers who are 21 years old or above.
Is online gambling legal in Idaho?
No, online gambling is illegal and there are no real money online casino Idaho choices. There are no online gambling Idaho options for players in the state, other than through unregulated channels.