Idaho has legalized Indian casino gaming, pari-mutuel betting, and lottery gaming, but has done nothing to pass an online gambling bill. The state, therefore, cannot be called the best US state for seasoned gamblers, but there is still plenty of legal online gambling sites that accept Idaho players.
This page discusses legal online gambling in Idaho and talks about the laws regarding the legalities of playing real money games at offshore gambling sites. We have shown Idaho players exactly how they can play legally and safely at online poker rooms, online casino sites, and online sports betting sites licensed in remote jurisdictions.
Learn More About Contest & Sweepstakes Laws In The U.S. Idaho Contest & Sweepstakes Laws. Contests and sweepstakes in Idaho must follow the same laws that are found across the U.S. There are no major differences between contest and sweepstakes laws in Idaho, and the U.S. Contest and sweepstakes laws we outlined above.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Idaho?
- Current Idaho law states prohibits gambling entities “to employ any electronic or electromechanical imitation or simulation of any form of casino gambling” (Section 20). This may seem to point in the direction of a sanction against online gambling but it is nonetheless too ambiguous to argue, for example, in a court of law.
- Constitution of Idaho SECTION 20. GAMBLING PROHIBITED. (1) Gambling is contrary to public policy and is strictly prohibited except for the following: a.
Idaho does not have any laws that specifically address the issue of Internet gambling. Since the state does not have any law to enforce, it is unable to charge any online gambler with illegal gambling. Idaho players need not worry about the law while signing up for real money play at offshore online gambling sites, but they must remember that the state’s existing laws can likely apply to online gambling too although it has never happened so far.
Other Interesting Articles: Is online gambling legal in the USA?
Idaho Gambling Laws And Statutes
Idaho has regulated several forms of gambling and adopts a policy of zero tolerance for unregulated and unlicensed gambling activities in its jurisdiction. The state’s definition of gambling is so broad that it can be interpreted in dozens of ways. However, the state’s penalties for gambling-related offenses are hardly adequate. Illegal gambling for both operators as well as players is just a misdemeanor, and so far, the state has not penalized anybody for illegal gambling.
Players in Idaho can take part in lottery games and pari-mutuel betting. Idaho offers a few licensed Indian casinos, which offer a few slots and video pokers, but not poker. While the state has not legalized social gambling, it allows licensed organizations to run raffles and bingo events to raise funds for charity.
Other Related Articles: Online Gambling Laws In The U.S.
Legal Online Gambling Sites for Idaho Residents
Idaho does not offer any legal gambling sites as it has not legalized online gambling. However, a number of offshore online gambling sites, licensed in remote gambling jurisdictions, are willing to accept Idaho players. Residents can rest assured that it is perfectly legal to sign up at these online poker rooms, online casinos, and online sportsbooks.
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Idaho is known as the Gem State, producing 72 different types of precious and semi-precious stones. The crown jewel of gambling sites is Bovada. Bovada is the best legal gambling site for Idaho residents. Why is Bovada the best? The site offers an expansive and comprehensive sportsbook, interactive 3D casino slots, and all the tables for poker cardsharps. Bovada is legal for Idaho residents to play because it is an out of country gambling site and therefore not subject to state or federal regulations. It is lawful for Idaho residents to place bets on out of country sites. Bovada is a fully licensed and accredited gambling site operating out of Quebec, Canada for over two decades.
Signing up at Bovada is free and only takes a few minutes. Bovada offers a wide variety of deposit options that include credit/debit cards, prepaid cards, money orders, etc. For a full list of deposit options and their terms and conditions click on the make a deposit button on the dashboard page. Once you make your first deposit, you qualify for Bovada’s $250 welcome bonus, which is free money! Another great bonus is the refer-a-friend bonus that can add 200% cash bonus to your account for every friend you get to join. Join Bovada today and start experiencing the diamond standard in legal gambling. Signup Now!
Are Online Casinos Legal in Idaho?
Owing to the lack of online casino laws in Idaho, the state does not have any online casinos. But several offshore online casinos accept Idaho residents, and there is nothing in Idaho’s gambling laws to stop residents from signing up. The online casinos we have listed on this page are perfectly legal for Idaho residents as they do not operate from Idaho and are licensed in remote jurisdictions.
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Is Sports Betting Legal in Idaho?
Federal laws do not permit any US state to legalize sports betting, but four states are exempted from these laws by the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. Since Idaho does not happen to be one of these four exempted states, there are no legal sports betting options in Idaho. There is also no law preventing residents from signing up at licensed offshore online sportsbooks.
Legal Sports Betting Sites And Online Sportsbooks that Accept Idaho Residents/Players
The offshore online sportsbooks we have listed here are the best for Idaho residents in terms of software, betting markets, betting options, bonuses, and promotions. These online sportsbooks not only accept Idaho punters, but also welcome them with free bets and match bonuses and treat them to cash backs and rebates and reduced juice options throughout their stay.
Helpful Sports Betting Articles:
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Bovada Sportsbook Review | Full Casino - Full Poker Room | Go To Bovada |
BetOnline Sportsbook Review | Full Casino - Full Poker Room | Go To BetOnline |
Sportsbetting.ag Review | Full Casino - Full Poker Room | Go To Sportsbetting |
5Dimes Sportsbook Review | Live Dealer Casino - Poker | Go To 5Dimes |
Is Online Poker Legal in Idaho?
Since Idaho has not legalized and regulated online poker, it is illegal for operators to run online poker rooms in Idaho. But a number of Idaho players sign up at offshore online poker rooms that accept US residents. Fortunately, it isn’t against Idaho’s existing gambling laws for players to do so.
Idaho State Gambling Commission
Legal Online Poker Sites that Accept Idaho Residents/Players
The poker sites listed here not only accept Idaho players, but also treat them to a variety of online poker cash games and tournaments, free poker, and free bankrolls. These poker sites are homes to large and lively poker communities, where Idaho residents can meet and interact with poker buddies from all over the world, hone their skills, and learn new strategies. Idaho poker players can also qualify for prestigious live poker events at these online poker rooms.
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Land Based Gambling in Idaho
Idaho is home to five licensed tribe-owned casinos that offer video games and pull tabs and sometimes bingo. The state has signed a compact with the tribes, according to the terms of which the tribes do not have to share any casino revenue with the state. Players need to be at least 18 years old in order to play for real money in these casinos.
The Idaho casinos are the Coeur d’Alene Casino, the Clearwater Casino, Fort Hall Casino, the It’se Ye Ye Casino, and the Kootenai River Inn and Casino.
Closing Thoughts About Legal Online Gambling For Idaho Residents
Idaho, with its handful of regulated gambling options, may keep the recreational player occupied for a few hours, but it has nothing much of interest for seasoned gamblers. Idaho gamblers who want to enjoy the thrills of online sports betting, online slots gaming, and online poker tournaments must register at Idaho friendly online gambling sites, such as the ones we have mentioned on this page. Betfair casino login. If Idaho players are worried about legalities, they can always consult a local gambling expert before beginning to play for real money online.
Home » US Poker Laws – State by State Reviews » Idaho Gambling & Poker Laws
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April 30th, 2018 | Last updated on November 2nd, 2020
Idaho Gambling & Poker Laws
Last Updated November 2, 2020
Last Updated November 2, 2020
Online poker has swept across the United States, and Idaho – although small in population – has been no exception to the trend. Just like players in other states, poker players from Idaho want to know whether or not online poker is legal, which sites are the best for Idahoans and what the future will bring for online poker in the state. Let’s jump right into those questions in our guide to online poker and Idaho.
Playing Online Poker in Idaho
Signing up for an online poker room in Idaho takes only a few minutes and is legal. Players from Idaho have their choice of US-facing online poker sites, as all of the major brands accept sign-ups from Idaho for real money play.
Type/Code | Summary |
---|---|
State Code Section(s) | 18.3801-3810; 52.106; 54.2501-2517 |
Definition of Gambling | 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 [baccarat] or keno. |
Online Poker/Gambling | There have been no attempts to legalize online poker or casino games for residents of Idaho. |
Live Poker | There are poker rooms in the Indian-run casinos located throughout the state. The Coeur D’Alene tribe tried to offer poker tournaments in addition to its cash games, but the state took the tribe to court, at which time the judge ruled with the state that there was too much chance involved. “Idaho law does not leave room for [a chance versus skill predominance] inquiry.” |
Casinos | A handful of Native American tribes negotiated compacts with Idaho’s state government to run casinos per IGRA. |
Sports Betting | Idaho has not attempted to legalize sports betting. |
DFS | There have been no efforts for the legislature to examine daily fantasy sports opportunities. |
Other Forms of Gambling | Lottery, bingo and raffles for charitable organizations, dog and horse racing, pari-mutuel betting. |
Idaho’s Online Poker Laws
State Of Idaho Gambling Laws
Idaho has fairly clear laws on the general topic of gambling, but online poker isn’t directly handled by any particular statute. Whether playing online poker is legal or not legal in Idaho is a question that does not seem to have been tested by any arrests or trials, so the ultimate answer has yet to be written. But what about the practical answer?
Any question of legality that could impact your personal or professional life is a matter for an attorney. Here in this section, we’re only looking to provide you with an outline of the law drawn from a layperson’s reading of the Idaho statutes.
The state constitution of Idaho prohibits all gambling (Section 20), with exceptions made only for the lottery, qualified pari-mutuel betting and charitable gambling as dictated by law.
Idaho law is one of the few state laws that specifically mentions poker as a form of prohibited gambling. The statutory definition of gambling per Idaho law reads
“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 [sic] or keno” (Section 18-3801).
It is a misdemeanor to engage is such activity as a player (Section 18-3802).
Interestingly, Idaho has relatively few penalties (when compared to other states) for operating illegal gambling businesses. This may be a result of the lack of commercial casinos in the state.
While not a direct reference to the Internet, the Idaho constitution does forbid a class of game that would seem to include online casinos. Even if regulated, operators are not allowed to
“employ any electronic or electromechanical imitation or simulation of any form of casino gambling” (Section 20).
The complete Idaho gambling statutes can be accessed below. It’s always a good idea for everyone to know their state laws, especially if you’re involved in an activity the law is likely to address.
Will Idaho Legalize Online Poker Sites?
While players from Idaho would no doubt love to have a locally regulated online poker room available, it doesn’t look as if Idaho is interested is doing the legislative work that such a room might require.
There hasn’t been any real movement on the issue among Idaho lawmakers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean legal online poker in Idaho is an impossibility. For example, Idaho could easily decide to tag along with a neighboring state that regulates poker. We could also see a federal bill that offers revenue to states like Idaho – revenue that will be hard for cash-strapped Idaho to pass up. The point, however, is that Idaho doesn’t look as if they’re planning to take independent action to regulate online poker in the status quo.
Idaho & Gambling: The Basics
While it’s not really thought of as a gambling hotspot in the present, the past of Idaho tells a much different story. In the early part of the twentieth century, gambling was actually quite legal – and quite popular – in Idaho, controlled not by the state government, but by local governments. This lead to a flourishing of small casinos and clubs that provided classic gambling choices like poker, roulette and dice.
![Idaho state laws Idaho state laws](https://www.onlineunitedstatescasinos.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Connecticut-hub-icon.png)
Idaho’s days as a premier gambling destination came to a halt at the century’s center, with state lawmakers declaring all forms of gambling prohibited. That position would soften somewhat over the years, as Idaho slowly introduced several forms of regulated gambling back into the mix.
Regulated Gambling in Idaho
Today’s Idaho offers more choices than some states for regulated gambling activities, but less than others. The big game in Idaho is the state lottery; you can also play Class II devices at tribal facilities and enjoy limited pari-mutuel wagering. There are also some charitable gambling events permitted under law (primarily bingo). There are no commercial casinos in the state.
While Idaho does offer regulated land-based gambling as described above, the state has yet to venture into the world of regulating online gambling. That means gamblers from Idaho will have to be content playing at sites licensed by other states or jurisdictions, as Idaho simply does not offer residents any state-backed ways to gamble (or play poker) online.
All Poker and Gambling Laws by State
Gambling Legislation in the News
- July 5th, 2017Most states in America have yet to understand or embrace the potential of legal, regulated online poker. Some European countries have been slow to realize the possibilities, but recent developments show that they now understand. The segregated markets of France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal are prepared to come together forRead Full
- The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to hear arguments in the New Jersey sports betting case. At heart of the case is New Jersey’s challenge of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992. Arguments in the case begin in October, when the Supreme Court’s next courtRead Full
- June 27th, 2017The 2017 New York online poker bill failed to gain approval in 2017, though its sponsors in the state legislature vowed to submit the bill again in 2018. With the New York legislative schedule finished on June 21, no other opportunities exist for new proposals this year. Because it isRead Full
- A Manhattan judge recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by MGM Resorts against the State of Connecticut. The lawsuit involved the licensing of a tribal casino in the Hartford suburb of East Windsor. The Manhattan court’s ruling prompted the mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts to criticize the process which led to theRead Full
Idaho Gambling Research Resources
AntiqueGamblingChips.com . While it might not sound like a research source, this site is actually a great source of historical information about gambling. One particular article details a chip from an Idaho club that operated near the turn of the nineteenth century, and provides a wealth of context regarding how gambling operated in Idaho before the state stepped in.
Idaho Lottery Website . Hub for information about lottery offerings, but also the central resource for charitable gambling information, regulation and the like.
History of Idaho. A free ebook from Google Books that covers the very early days of Idaho – which included no small amount of gambling. Additional related books available from the same link.
Poker and Idaho
Idaho is largely absent from poker’s history books, although a number of well-known online poker players have called the state home. In fact, most of the state’s connection to poker has more to do with what players from Idaho haven’t done. To wit: Idaho is one of only 17 states in the US that has never sent a player to the final table of the WSOP. The state also produced no champions during the 2012 WSOP.
Gambling In Idaho
One bit of neat poker history does reside in the state, however, thanks to resident Richard Jimenez. He owns what must be the largest collection of vintage poker chips from Idaho’s wilder days.