The state of Idaho has pertinent laws pertaining to all forms of wagering. Indeed, participating at online casinos in Idaho for U.S. players is presumed to be prohibited by the state due to its all-encompassing law regarding wagering on such activities.
Our Reviews of Online Casinos in Idaho
Idaho is a state in the northwestern United States that is renowned for its hot springs, potatoes, and lentils – in fact, it is commonly known as the Lentil Capital of the World. It is also famously known as the Gem State, despite the fact that the only native gem is the garnet! The state of Idaho has essentially outlawed all forms of gambling, so wagering is no longer a defining characteristic of the state. The state expresses explicitly that the majority of casino games are prohibited, a stance that can be extended to online casinos in Idaho. Even tribal-owned casinos in Idaho are prohibited from offering patrons casino activities other than video poker and slot machines. (though one has video blackjack).
Legal Status Of Land-Based And Online Casinos In Idaho
Online gambling, including online casinos, is prohibited in Idaho, and residents have limited access to other forms of wagering. Below, we examine in greater detail what is and is not permitted. In the 1800s, the northwestern state of Idaho may have enjoyed a golden period of gambling, but that all changed with the passage of a law in 1953 that banned almost all forms of gambling. Since then, a gradual transition has occurred, and Idahoans now have a few more options:
In 1963, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing was legalized.
Since its inception in 1989, the Idaho state lottery has become affiliated with many of the United States’ largest lotteries, including PowerBall and MegaMillions.
Along with duck racing, bingo and lotteries for charitable purposes were legalized in 1993.
In 2011, simulcasting was authorized for off-track pari-mutuel horse racing.
In 2013, wagering on historical horse races became lawful.
In addition, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 authorized Native American tribes to operate casinos on tribal land. Seven of these can be found in Idaho: the Coeur D’Alene Casino, Clearwater River Casino & Hotel, It’se-Ye-Ye Casino, Sage Hill Travel Center & Casino, Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa, Bannock Peak Casino, and Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel. However, these casinos are only permitted to offer slot machines and video poker; other table activities are prohibited at all Idaho Indian land-based casinos. This is a result of the State’s extremely stringent posture.
The law defines gambling as “risking any money, credit, deposit or other things of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance, the operation of a gambling device or the occurrence or outcome of an event, including a sporting event, the operation of casino gambling including, but not limited to blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, baccarat [baccarat] or keno” (Section 18-3801 of Idaho State Legislature).
As you can see, the law does not specifically mention online gambling in Idaho or online casinos. As a result, there are numerous online sources and websites that imply playing online in Idaho is not technically illegal. This is incorrect, as “gambling device” can also refer to a mobile casino, tablet, or computer, whereas the list of games that Idahoans cannot play is quite explicit. This prohibition on online gambling is not limited to games such as online slots, poker, roulette, and other table games; it also applies to sports betting and daily fantasy sports, neither of which are regulated or expressly lawful in Idaho. Therefore, we discourage you from playing online while in Idaho.
Present-day Land-Based Gambling In Idaho
Looking for an Idaho land-based casino? Below is a list of the top five land-based casinos in Idaho, all of which are owned and operated by Native American tribes on tribal property.
Casino Location Casino Information
Worley Coeur D’Alene CasinoThere are over 1,400 gaming machines, video blackjack, bingo, and off-track wagering at this 60,000-square-foot casino.
The Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa is located in Bonners Ferry.This casino features 445 gaming machines, three non-smoking casino rooms, progressive rewards, and a casino cocktail service.
Lewiston’s Clearwater River Casino and HotelThere are hundreds of available game titles, including Jaws, Diamond Factory, Mystic Temple, and Fort Knox, among others!
Bannock Peak Casino located in Arbon ValleyThis casino offers over sixty gaming instruments.
Fort Hall’s Sage Hill Travel Center and CasinoThis casino offers one hundred new slot machines, a café, a truckers’ lounge, restrooms, a convenience store, and a gas station.
Online Gambling Idaho Laws
The state of Idaho has extremely stringent wagering laws, which also apply to online gambling. Like the laws of so many other U.S. states, Idaho law does not specifically mention online wagering or laptops, mobile phones, or tablets. This leads many to believe that online wagering, particularly at offshore casinos, is legal in Idaho. The reality is that the current law, which was written decades ago, contains language that could encompass any device used for gambling and any form of gambling. In fact, the definition is so stringent that when the state sued the Coeur D’Alene tribe over poker tournaments, the judge ruled in favor of the state because the law precludes any chance vs. skill inquiry. In other words, we do not recommend playing any form of online casino game while residing in or visiting Idaho.
What do I need to know regarding Online Gambling in Idaho?
Although Idaho’s gambling law was written decades ago and does not specifically mention online gambling, it does prohibit citizens from playing the vast majority of casino games, including online.
The state also has stringent regulations for land-based casinos. Even casinos located on tribal territories are prohibited from offering table games.
Those wishing to gamble in the Gem State may do so via pari-mutuel wagering on horse races (including via simulcast), the State Lottery, charitable gambling, or playing video poker or slots (only) at one of Idaho’s seven tribal casinos.
In Idaho, sports wagering and daily fantasy sports are also illegal.
Idaho’s authorized gambling age is 18 years old.
What It Means For Idaho Players Under Offshore Casino Gambling Laws
Due to Idaho’s uncompromising stance on gambling, some players may opt to participate at offshore online casinos. Indeed, there are websites that advocate this as a method to circumvent the law and play your favorite casino games without getting in trouble. Nonetheless, this is strongly discouraged. The definitions of gambling and gambling devices under Idaho law are crystal plain. It also prohibits all citizens and guests from participating in the majority of casino games, including roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, even at the majority of brick-and-mortar casinos located on indigenous lands. Second, as the name implies, these offshore casinos are registered in offshore jurisdictions, meaning that they are not required to comply with the laws of your state or country of domicile. The state would not be able to secure you, your rights, your money, or your data in the event of a problem, which could result in numerous complications. Therefore, residents and visitors of Idaho have no business gambling at offshore-registered casinos.
Online Gambling for Idaho
In Idaho, only a few forms of gambling are permitted, including pari-mutuel wagering on horse races (including simulcasting), charitable gambling, and the state lottery. Even though the state has seven brick-and-mortar casinos on tribal lands, they are not permitted to offer the overwhelming majority of table games; only slots and video poker are permitted. The complete prohibition of online wagering in the state means that residents of the Gem State will not be able to play casino games online. This includes daily fantasy sports and sports wagering, which were unregulated by the state of Idaho at the time of writing. However, free casino activities are still available at social casinos.
Options For Depositing At Idaho Online Casinos
The Idaho State Legislature defines wagering as described above in Section 18-3801. As stated in the law’s first section, Idahoans are prohibited from playing casino games for real money, which means there are no payment options available. However, if you are located outside the state of Idaho and in a jurisdiction that allows online casinos to operate legally, we recommend that you review the Terms and Conditions of your preferred online casino’s website to determine which payment methods are available and which currencies are accepted.
Online Gambling Idaho FAQs
Are online casinos permitted in Idaho?
No, online wagering is prohibited in Idaho. This, however, does not prevent some websites from claiming that since the law does not expressly mention online gambling, Idahoans can play at online casinos licensed in other states. This is not recommended because, in addition to being illegal, it means you will lack the necessary protection should things not go as planned. If you live in Idaho and wish to gamble, the state has legalized several forms of wagering. This includes pari-mutuel wagering on horse races (including simulcast wagering), the State Lottery, and bingo and lotteries for charitable gambling. There are also seven casinos operated by Native American tribes that offer video poker and slot machines but no table games.
Can I participate at an online casino from my smartphone or tablet in Idaho?
Idaho law prohibits online gambling at online casinos, so Idaho residents will not find any legal online casinos where they can play their beloved casino games. In addition, the law can be expanded to include mobile phones and tablets as “gambling devices,” meaning that playing at offshore casinos could be deemed unlawful.
What casino activities are available at online casinos in Idaho?
There are no casino activities offered by online casinos in Idaho. Indeed, only video poker and slot machines are offered at the seven brick-and-mortar casinos located on tribal property.
Can dollars be used to play online casino games?
Since Idaho does not regulate online casinos within its borders, it is unlawful to gamble at online casinos in Idaho. Due to this, players are not permitted to wager any money in any currency at online casinos in Idaho. If, however, you are located outside of Idaho and in a jurisdiction where it is legal to play at online casinos, we recommend that you check the Terms and Conditions of the online casino website of your choice to determine which currencies and payment methods are accepted prior to signing up and making your initial deposit.
Are the online casinos in Idaho listed on this site regulated?
All of the online casinos listed on this website are legal, regulated, and take every precaution to safeguard your money, personal information, and personal information. In addition, they have taken every precaution to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Since it is illegal to gamble at online casinos in Idaho, we do not list any on this page.
Am I eligible for a casino incentive at an Idaho online casino?
The state of Idaho prohibits its citizens and visitors from gambling at online casinos licensed in Idaho or in offshore jurisdictions. Obviously, if you are not in a state that allows online casinos to operate legally, you should review the website’s Terms and Conditions to determine how bonuses can be received and redeemed.
How do I begin gambling for real money in an online casino in Idaho?
It is illegal to play the preponderance of casino games in Idaho, including at brick-and-mortar casinos located on tribal lands, and online casinos are unregulated. This prohibition includes, among others, poker, baccarat, blackjack, keno, craps, and roulette. Obviously, this implies that Idaho residents cannot play for real money at online casinos.
What are the most prevalent online casino payment methods in Idaho?
At the time of writing, playing at online casinos in Idaho or even online casinos registered in offshore jurisdictions is not permitted in the Gem State.
In Idaho, am I required to pay taxes on my wagering winnings?
The state of Idaho considers wagering winnings to be taxable income, so you must report any winnings to the state. This also applies to non-residents, who must file the nonresident state return form (Form W-2G) if they win any money while wagering in Idaho.
Online casino real money gambling is not permitted in Idaho.
We trust this has clarified any questions you may have had about Idaho’s gambling laws and what this means for players who wish to gamble at both land-based and online casinos in the Gem State. Always observe the laws of the jurisdiction in which you reside or find yourself, and never wager more than you can afford to lose when participating.