Idaho Gambling Laws
Online Gambling in Idaho: Laws, Tribal Gaming, and Offshore Options
Idaho upholds strict gambling prohibitions under its constitution and statutes, classifying most unauthorized wagering as a misdemeanor or felony. No regulated online casinos, poker, or sports betting operate within the state. Offshore platforms accept Idaho players in a legal gray area, with no documented prosecutions of individual residents for participation as of 2026. Enforcement targets operators and promotion rather than casual players, though risks include lack of consumer protections and potential application of state laws to online activities.
Legal Framework and Gambling Restrictions
The Idaho Constitution (Article III, Section 20) declares gambling contrary to public policy, permitting exceptions only for the state lottery, pari-mutuel betting, and charitable games. Casino-style gambling, including slots and table games, remains banned except in limited tribal Class II operations. No specific statutes address online gambling directly, creating ambiguity. While real-money online play technically violates broad gambling definitions, authorities have not pursued charges against individual offshore users historically. Players should note the absence of safeguards on unregulated sites.
Tribal Casinos in Idaho
Seven tribal casinos operate under federal compacts, offering Class II gaming such as electronic pull-tabs, bingo-style machines, video poker equivalents, and other video lottery terminals. Key venues include:
- Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel (Worley)
- Clearwater River Casino & Hotel (Lewiston, Nez Perce Tribe)
- It’se-Ye-Ye Casino (Kamiah, Nez Perce Tribe)
- Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa (Bonners Ferry)
- Fort Hall Casino (Fort Hall, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes)
- Other facilities like Sage Hill and additional tribal spots
These casinos provide slots-like games but no live table games or traditional poker rooms. No state-sanctioned online casino access exists for residents.
Poker in Idaho
Poker lacks legal status, with no licensed rooms or online platforms. Social home games occur privately without rake, but organized play risks enforcement. Offshore poker sites accept Idaho players, though such activity falls outside regulated channels and carries legal uncertainty. No recent changes have altered this prohibition.
Sports Betting Status
Sports betting remains illegal statewide, including traditional and online forms. Pari-mutuel horse and dog racing persists through simulcast and off-track options, but no sportsbooks or mobile apps operate legally. No legislation advanced in recent sessions, and constitutional barriers make near-term legalization unlikely. Offshore sportsbooks serve Idaho residents without state-level player prosecutions reported.
Daily Fantasy Sports Availability
DFS contests stay prohibited following a 2016 agreement where DraftKings and FanDuel exited the market after the Attorney General deemed them gambling violations. No major operators accept Idaho players for real-money play. Free contests may remain available on some platforms, but paid entry lacks authorization.
Idaho Lottery and Other Games
The Idaho Lottery, established in 1989, offers draw games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and state-specific options, plus scratchers. Purchases occur exclusively through licensed retailers—no online ticket sales exist. Charitable bingo and raffles operate under nonprofit licenses with strict rules, but no state-regulated online bingo is permitted. Offshore bingo sites accept players unregulated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gambling options are available in Idaho?
Idaho features tribal casinos with Class II video gaming, the state lottery, pari-mutuel horse/dog betting, and charitable bingo/raffles. No commercial casinos, online gaming, or sports betting operate legally.
What laws regulate online gambling in Idaho?
The Idaho Constitution and Title 20 statutes broadly prohibit gambling beyond specified exceptions. Online activities fall under these restrictions without explicit mention, though enforcement remains limited to operators.
Is real-money online gambling legal for players in Idaho?
Real-money online gambling violates state law technically, but no prosecutions of individual offshore players have occurred. The gray area persists without clear court resolution.
Which offshore sites accept Idaho residents?
Many offshore casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks welcome Idaho players, though participation involves no state protections or guarantees of fairness/security.