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.
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.
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.
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.
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.